Today we’d like to introduce you to Quenshauna Motley Smith.
Hi Quenshauna, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
My journey started as a Special Education Itinerant Paraprofessional, where I would support Pre-K children who were identified as having a Significant Developmental Delay in various developmental domains. The children received services at the daycare, HeadStart programs, and at their homes. I enjoyed working with the students so much that I decided to go back to school to obtain a degree. At the time, I wanted to own a business that was tailored to education. In 2003, I obtained my Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Management. I was still a Paraprofessional and inquired about teaching positions within the current school district. Needless to say, I was offered a Pre-K/Kindergarten Self-Contained position at an Elementary School. I started in November, so it was very difficult to adjust to the setting in that I never had to manage a classroom let alone people. I learned a lot my first years of teaching. It set the foundation on how to implement effective strategies and techniques with children within an educational setting. It also set the foundation on how to ensure that my paraprofessionals understood the team approach and the importance of student success. Moreover, it allowed the parents of the children to trust the process involving their child’s progress and the importance of working together.
During the process of teaching in the classroom, I move forward with obtaining my Masters of Education in Literacy. I then was given the opportunity to work as a Special Education Itinerant Teacher. Next, I wanted to move within the field of Special Education to help other educators in a specific area which I was then given the opportunity to work as an Autism Instructional Coach and then progressed as an Autism Facilitator. The position allowed me to engage educators on understanding the exceptionality as well as the characteristics that many may have difficulty within the classroom setting which was behaviors. I have worked with many General Education and Special Education Teachers regarding behavior. I continued to support Teachers in the realm of behavior. My thought process regarding education had a shift in which I wanted to assist with the transitioning process of students becoming eligible for Special Education Services, and thus, I transitioned to a Special Education Program Specialist in lieu of obtaining my Ed. S. (Educational Specialist in Administration). This position allowed me to be a part of the process and determining with the team of professionals if the child was eligible for Special Education Services as aligned to State and Federal Regulations. After the position, I left for a brief time to another department and was a Teaching and Learning Quality Facilitator in which I was would support new Educators within the district. This was very rewarding as I often times reflect on the importance of having another Educator to bounce ideas, a shoulder to lean on. I loved being “that” Educator of support. My passion for Special Education was still in my heart during this time. I obtained my Doctorate in Special Education, and so I said my goodbyes to the curriculum and instruction department. I transitioned back to Special Education as a Program Specialist and then was given the ultimate opportunity my current role as a Special Education Behavior Coordinator.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
During my career, I have had many obstacles. At the beginning, I was unable to pass the certification test six times. Not passing the test was very overwhelming for me and often times I would question if I was good enough. But my passion took over which allowed me to continue to push forward. There were professional struggles from naysayers, however with daily prayers, and the support of my family and my small circle of genuine friends, the encouraging words allowed me to stay focused.
Another struggle that I encountered was during my doctorate program. I was released from the program due to not completing the research process. I was devastated and did not return to school for two years. I would see others complete the process and would come up with every excuse on why I should not go back. Then, one day, something came over me, and I started researching for programs that I could transfer and were aligned with the previous program. The school that I attended sent a flyer to my home in which they were looking for students who were in the Doctoral Program previously but did not complete the program. I submitted my paperwork and concept paper. I received a call from an advisor on starting the program and the rest is history. In May of 2020, I completed the Doctoral Program from Nova Southeastern University with my Ed. D. in Special Education… I am now: Dr. Quenshauna Motley Smith
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Currently, I am a Special Education Behavior Coordinator. I coordinate, facilitate, and ensure student success within our district for students with various exceptionalities. I provide effective research-based professional learning opportunities to educators, building administrators, and other stakeholders. The professional learning delivered is to ensure that everyone is knowledgeable of state and federal regulations as it relates to Special Education.
KNOWN FOR:
I am known for my expertise in providing Engaging Professional Learning, Autism, Behavior Support, Classroom Management. Passion for ensuring that everyone is knowledgeable and has the resources to be successful. My love for children.
PROUD OF:
Speaking at various conferences: Emory University; Augusta University. Am the proudest of being a Keynote Speaker in our district, which addressed: Alternative Strategies to Suspension to Ensure Student Achievement. I am also proud of obtaining my Doctoral Degree in Special Education: General Education and Special Education Teachers Perceptions of Students with Autism in Inclusive Settings.
My new business: Exceptional Journey Consulting, LLC – Launched 1.2024
A consulting company ready to provide, support, and implement research-based based solutions to early childhood centers, preschools, daycares, non-profit organizations, unconventional schools, and homeschool co-ops by building collaborative partnerships. Exceptional Journey provides parent resources, early childhood resources, autism support, professional learning opportunities, and consultation that will guide
The journey of child development.
WHAT SETS ME APART?
What sets me apart from others is that I am genuine and passionate about children obtaining the necessary resources in order to be successful despite their deficits. I love being in the midst of ALL students, and I pride myself on engaging with educators, parents, stakeholders constantly. I thrive on pushing and educating EVERYONE. I am a role model within my community because I am a product of what ANY child can be, no matter where he/she came from. I stand solely on the proponent of it is NOT about “ME” but the “POSITVE EXCHANGE” that I BRING to OTHERS in knowing that ALL children can DO anything they want!
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The quality or characteristics that I feel is most important to my success is:
Treating everyone right!
Understanding the “why.”
Listen to understand
Contact Info:
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LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/
dr-quenshauna-motley-smith- 77a71484
