{"id":2698,"date":"2025-05-05T17:42:20","date_gmt":"2025-05-05T17:42:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.americanboard.org\/blog\/?p=2698"},"modified":"2025-10-27T16:46:58","modified_gmt":"2025-10-27T16:46:58","slug":"teaching-in-missouri-kyles-experience","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.americanboard.org\/blog\/teaching-in-missouri-kyles-experience\/","title":{"rendered":"Teaching In Missouri: Kyle’s Experience"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A Non-Traditional Start with Real-World Perspective<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Kyle Smith didn\u2019t start his career in a classroom\u2014but everything he learned in business, coaching, and life brought him there. Today, he’s teaching in Missouri, leading classrooms in special education math, government, and personal finance at Bolivar High School. He\u2019s also the Head Coach for the varsity swim and varsity volleyball teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ve worked in business management, sales, entertainment, food service, and warehouses,\u201d Kyle shares. \u201cMy background helps me show students that no path is linear. My vast work experience has provided students with a variety of options that are truly achievable. Importantly, my experience provides the reminder that they can work one job bringing in an income while they continue to work towards their dreams.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Teaching in Missouri<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Kyle\u2019s teaching journey began with a 5\u201312 Mathematics certification from American Board<\/a>. He was initially assigned to Algebra I and Pre-Algebra. After two years, he earned certification in Special Education and expanded his teaching responsibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe need is great in the lives of these young people,\u201d Kyle says. \u201cWhether it\u2019s academics, general direction, or life advice, I\u2019m here to walk beside them and advocate for them along the way.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, he works with students who have IEPs, helping them gain skills, confidence, and momentum toward their goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the Classroom, and the Community<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Kyle\u2019s influence doesn\u2019t stop at the school doors. In addition to teaching, he coaches, mentors athletes, and serves on his district\u2019s professional development committee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been a privilege to point people toward affordable, efficient pathways into teaching,\u201d he says. \u201cThese teachers are making real impacts in our schools.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to his standard classes and coaching commitments, Kyle has picked up physical education courses as needed by his district. His commitment to community is woven through everything he does. A favorite movie of Kyle’s includes the quote, “see a need, fill a need”\u2014something he embodies at every opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Celebrating Student Growth and Everyday Wins<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Kyle finds his greatest success in student breakthroughs. One story that stands out is of a student who overcame major life challenges to earn a diploma and begin job training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s amazing to see them overcome their past or current situations,\u201d Kyle reflects. \u201cWatching them take steps toward their dreams\u2014that\u2019s what keeps me going.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a>
Missouri teacher Kyle Smith, American Board Graduate.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Advice for Future Educators: Your Experience Matters<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For anyone thinking about a career change into teaching, Kyle offers this advice: \u201cDon\u2019t give in to fear. Every experience adds wisdom if you\u2019re willing to be a life-long learner.\u201d Thousands of those teaching in Missouri initiated their career change using alternative certification. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He sees his non-traditional background as an asset. \u201cThere are best practices to teaching, yes\u2014but your real-world insight can make all the difference.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBeing an outsider with a different perspective can be a superpower.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Mission That Extends Beyond the Job<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

From the community to the classroom, Kyle Smith brings more than knowledge. He brings encouragement, example, and experience. Whether he\u2019s coaching on the court or teaching financial literacy, he\u2019s helping students see a future filled with possibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to make a lasting impact on education in your community, there\u2019s no better place to start than the classroom. American Board<\/a> offers an affordable, flexible path to teacher certification for adults with a bachelor\u2019s degree. You don\u2019t need to go back to school or take on student loans. Our program is entirely online and self-paced, so you can start when you\u2019re ready. Thousands have already made the switch to teaching. Apply today and start building a career that matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Teacher Appreciation Week 2025<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Kyle has been featured as one of four program graduates who truly embody the theme From the Community to the Classroom<\/a>. Meet the other featured graduates below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n