New special education teacher, and assistant girls flag football coach, Alex Smith is finding his new routine at a different school.
“I think there is a real family atmosphere between all of the staff that works here. I am very happy with my decision to come to this great community,” Smith said.
Other than coaching and teaching his new students, he is also getting married.
“I do have a son, Milo, who is 6 and my fiance, Jocelyn, who is also a teacher. We are looking forward to our wedding coming up in July of 2026. I also have a dog, Lola, she is a 2.5 year old pug,” Smith said.
Smith hopes to provide students with someone they can come to when they are having a bad day or need to talk to someone.
“He has different personalities for each student and makes them feel included,” Kortney Johnson, junior, said.
Smith builds connections by getting involved and immersing himself with students’ nature.
“Doing a phenomenal job. He is getting involved and doing as much as he can to help students at PHS. Background in education made him a perfect candidate,” Amber Briddick, Special Ed department chair, said.
Smith brings a welcoming atmosphere for his new classes and students to come and be themselves.
“He’s very chill, he’s funny, and easy to connect with the kids. And he’s very laid back,” Lillyann Rosillo, freshman, said.
Though being a new teacher to the building, Smith tries to build connections with his new students.
“I pointed this out in my “Meet the Teacher” activity on the first day. I told my students that I was excited and a little nervous to start at a new building with not having those previous relationships built,” Smith said.
Not only does Smith endeavor to become a great educator, but he also made it his goal to coach a victorious girls flag football team.
“Something he does really well with coaching us is giving us visuals. He explains things to us in great depth and will draw 100 pictures and layouts to make sure we understand our assignments and know what we’re doing,” Shania Davison, junior, said.
He is not only a coach outside of school but he is a coach for his 6 year old son Milo for his T-ball and basketball teams.
“I have also coached girls swimming and boys water polo in the past. I love to coach and seeing a different side of students outside of the classroom,” Smith said.
