Candler County Schools
Program for Exceptional Children

I’m Carol Smith and I am the Parent Mentor for the Program for Exceptional Children. It’s my privilege to work with the parents of our special needs children to ensure that these parents are fully aware of all programs and educational opportunities available to their children. Being a veteran classroom teacher with 27 years experience and having taught special needs children for the majority of that time plus being the mother of a child with special needs provided the background for this most important position.

I graduated from Mercer University with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I began my teaching career in Macon, Georgia before moving to Metter in 1983. My Masters Degree and Special Education additional certification came from Georgia Southern University. I taught regular education for many years but fell in love with Special Needs Children and feel that working with these students is truly a “calling”.

My philosophy is that all children can learn when instruction is geared to their unique needs. I believe in celebrating progress not just perfection. The highlight of my professional career was when I was named WTOC TOP Teacher in 2006. I love this award because the parents of the students I taught nominated me and made the award possible. Most recently in my current position, I received the nomination of the prestigious Phil Pickens Award for Parent Mentors in Georgia.

I am married to Butch Smith. He is a local attorney here in Metter. We have two children, Brooke and Bradley, who are both Metter High School and Georgia Southern University Alumni. Brooke is married to David Slappey and they live in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Bradley lives in Pooler, Ga. We are members of Metter United Methodist Church.

My favorite thing to do is spend time with my family, hang out with my labs (Annie and Oakley), and make flowers grow. I love to read, watch little children laugh and enjoy a sunset on Canoe Pond.