THE BELL rings, and suddenly, the classroom is filled with youthful, excited voices as students shuffle into their desks, backpacks thumping against the floor, and pencil cases opening as the school day is about to begin. Pens and pencils rattle as they roll across the desks. The morning light filters through the windows of Ms. Smith’s fifth grade classroom at Lebanon Special School District, casting a warm glow over the colorful drawings created by these fifth graders hanging on the walls. The scent of fresh paper and dry-erase markers fills the air, a familiar comfort that signals the start of another school day. As Ms. Smith smiles at her students, there’s an unmistakable sense of belonging in the air. “Good morning, class!”
For more than two decades, Katrina Smith has poured her heart into teaching. In her 25-year career — 20 of them spent in Lebanon — she has always known that shaping young minds was her purpose. But when breast cancer entered her life, it shifted her perspective on teaching, on life, and on the importance of community.
Smith was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, a reality that could have shaken her to the core. Instead, she leaned into the very principles she teaches her students: resilience, compassion, and openness. Even during these uncertain times, she did not stray away from her students and how important it is to her for them to feel a sense of belonging and understanding.
“I teach to their heart more than their brain now,” Smith said. “The scores and the grades are important, but what matters more is making sure they leave my class as better human beings.”
Her diagnosis didn’t just change her; it changed the way she teaches. Smith became even more attuned to the emotional and personal needs of her students, ensuring they knew they were safe to express their thoughts and fears. She has been open with them about her journey, allowing them to see that even difficult challenges can have positive outcomes. She also allows her students to ask questions so they better understand her diagnosis and what she is going through.
One of the most impactful aspects of her teaching is the daily “community circle,” a time when she gathers with her students to check in and connect on a deeper level.
“I ask them simple things, like what they had for dinner last night,” Smith shared with a tremble in her voice. “You’d be surprised what that tells you. Sometimes, their answers let me know who might be food insecure. If a child says they didn’t have dinner, I know I need to step in and see what I can do.”
This practice has led to real change. Through these check-ins, Smith has been able to connect students in need with the school’s backpack program, ensuring they have meals to take home. She has created a classroom culture where students know they are cared for — not just as students, but as people.
Her journey with cancer was not one she faced alone.
Nicole Brashear, a fellow teacher and friend to Smith, experienced a much similar journey, being diagnosed with breast cancer and having to explain it to her students. Assistant Director of Schools Becky Kegley shared that these two women stand out among the school district as not only survivors of breast cancer but as compassionate leaders to their students.
“Let me just say that these two women are an inspiration to me. I know their students will benefit from the relationships as well as the value of love and community that they have fostered,” she said.
Aside from her colleague, the school community also rallied around Smith, offering support in ways big and small. As she underwent treatment, she continued to show up for her students as much as possible. When she couldn’t be there, she knew they were in good hands.
“I tell my kids that life isn’t always easy, but it’s how you respond to the hard times that matters,” she said. “I want them to know that challenges don’t define them. They can take something difficult and turn it into something positive.”
Even while recuperating, Smith and Brashear stay dedicated to their students and bring positivity to the classroom. Smith hopes sharing her story will encourage others to face their own challenges with strength and grace.
“I’m excited to talk about this,” she said. “If my story can help someone else, it’s worth sharing.”
Smith’s classroom is nurtured with kindness, understanding, and resilience — concepts she will never take for granted and concepts she feels are the most important lessons of all. GN
