Mrs. Smallwood is a paraprofessional here at Dee-Mack, teaching RtI full time for four years now! Along with pushing into multiple classes during the school day, Mrs. Smallwood is on track to graduate with her master’s degree in school counseling from Bradley University in 2026, and now offers afternoon sessions with students. These sessions are very new, beginning just in September. Mrs. Smallwood balances a very busy schedule each day between pushing into classes, her Mindful Monday sessions, and now her afternoon sessions! So, to see just how she handles it all, I sat down with her and asked her some questions revolving around her packed schedule!
Mrs. Smallwood is actively pursuing her master’s degree in school counseling, receiving her degree in May 2026. This is a big step, as she has been working in RtI for the length of her time at Dee-Mack. When she was asked what motivated her to study for her master’s, she said “Watching students succeed, sometimes in the face of real challenges, has been incredibly fulfilling. It did not take long to realize that many students’ struggles extend beyond academics and often involve social-emotional needs.” Mrs. Smallwood also notes that her children are a big reason she decided to pursue this degree and educate herself further on mental health ideations. “I want them and all students to recognize that reaching out for help is not a weakness but a strength.”
As mentioned, Mrs. Smallwood spends half of her day pushing into different classes, but she notes that her favorite is geometry class with Mr. Reiman! She is quick to point out the irony of her situation, mentioning that when she was in high-school she hated this class and felt clueless most of the time. “I think that experience helps me relate to students who are struggling. I have been in their shoes and can genuinely say, “I get it, and it really does get easier.”
Mrs. Smallwood also alludes that she feels a special connection to the Dee-Mack district. She is an alumna, graduating with the class of 2000, and began her career here as a substitute teacher when her youngest daughter started kindergarten. Through her time substituting, she notes that it did not take long for her to decide that Dee-Mack High School was her favorite place to be. Mrs. Smallwood’s children now attend school in the district, and her daughter just began her freshman year here at the high school! “There is truly nowhere else I would rather send my children to school. Being part of this community as both a parent and a staff member makes my work here especially meaningful.”
Mrs. Smallwood also offers Mindful Mondays sessions each week during both lunch periods on Monday. Click here for more information about these sessions! She emphasizes that the best part of these sessions is watching the students support one another. “That sense of community is exactly what we are looking to build into the school culture.” These sessions are an amazing opportunity for students to reflect on events and support each other, so if possible ensure you attend a session!
As her newly offered afternoon intervention sessions with students begin filling up, Mrs. Smallwood is quick to point out that balancing RtI and these counseling sessions has its difficulties. She expresses eagerness to help students tackle social and emotional challenges within their everyday lives, and is especially thankful for the relationships it allows her to build throughout the building. However, one of the biggest challenges is ensuring that each and every student that comes to her feels supported and heard. She indicates, though, that this challenge motivates her to actively improve and elaborate the techniques she uses with students during their time together. Another challenge she battles is streamlining all of these different affairs she takes place in, both inside and outside the classroom. She mentions that one of the biggest reasons she is able to juggle it all is due to the support she has received from coworkers, friends, and family members throughout the pursuit of her degree. “I have missed many basketball games, cross-country meets, baseball games, and other family moments while sitting in a classroom at Bradley University, but I believe it has been worth it because this work is necessary and meaningful.”
Ultimately, Mrs. Smallwood is such a staple in our community here at Dee-Mack High School. Mrs. Smallwood is a reminder that some of the most important and meaningful moments here at school happen outside of a learning environment. Her patience, dedication, and willingness to meet students exactly where they are at makes a lasting impression not only on individual students, but our entire community. She is an inspiration to all of us and living proof that you really can do anything you put your mind to.
