Ms. Smothers transitioned to the Jefferson City School District, where she taught art and health from 1994 to 2015. During her tenure, she was a finalist for Teacher of the Year in 2003 and 2004.
ROCKY MOUNT, MO, October 18, 2024 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Holley Powell Smothers has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Ms. Smothers is an esteemed educational consultant with over three decades of experience in art education. Since 2015, she has dedicated her career to fostering the growth and development of students and educators alike. As a contractor with Pearson Vue, a global educational testing company, she assesses portfolios and entries for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards in Art. Ms. Smothers provides support to art teachers, guiding them through the certification process both in person and online. Additionally, she is an independent health and wellness business owner with ARIEYL, a direct sales company.
Her professional journey began at Liberty High School, where she taught art, sponsored the cheerleading squad, and coached women's volleyball for three years. Following that, she served as the head women's swimming and volleyball coach at William Jewell College from 1985 to 1987. Subsequently, Ms. Smothers transitioned to the Jefferson City School District, where she taught art and health from 1994 to 2015. During her tenure, she was a finalist for Teacher of the Year in 2003 and 2004.
Ms. Smothers laid the foundation for her career by earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Education with a major in Art and Physical Education, from William Jewell College in 1981, where she was honored with the Senior Art Student Award. In 1994, she obtained her master's degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis on curriculum and instruction from Lincoln University. Additionally, she holds certifications in K-12 Art and Physical Education from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, as well as National Board Certification in Art – Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.
Throughout her career, Ms. Smothers has been actively involved in numerous industry-related organizations. She has held leadership positions in the Missouri Art Education Association and has presented at both state conferences and the National Art Education Association conventions. Additionally, she has participated in the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's STARR (Select Teachers as Regional Resources) Program, trained as a National Board Facilitator, and contributed to the development of the Visual Arts Grade Level Expectations for Middle School. As a charter member of Jefferson City Art Inside the Park Committee, she wrote teacher's guides and organized participation from teachers and students.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Ms. Smothers has made significant contributions to her community. She has served as Regent, Vice Regent, Corresponding Secretary, Director, and Board of Trustees member in the Jane Randolph Jefferson Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Additionally, she was the Chapter Chair for the DAR Scholarship and Insignia Committees. In 2022, at the state level, Ms. Smothers was appointed Chair to the DAR Room in the Missouri Governor's Mansion and to serve on the Committee to Commemorate 100 Years of Missouri State Society Daughters of the American Revolution Involvement with the Old Tavern in Arrow Rock, MO. In 2024, she was recognized MSSDAR Volunteer Information Specialist of the Year. In addition she received two certificates from the National Society for her outstanding use of technology and use of technology in promoting the Old Arrow Rock Tavern by creating an online teacher resource and student art show. She has also held leadership positions in the PEO Sisterhood and Alpha Delta Pi Sorority.
An accomplished author, Ms. Smothers published "Elevating Art Education: Strategies and Tips for National Board Certification" and continues to contribute to educational literature by developing resources that guide art teachers through the certification process. Additionally, she has created a faith-based line of books and resources, which she self-publishes.
In recognition of her achievements, Ms. Smothers has received several prestigious awards, including the Albert Shanker Elementary and Secondary Teacher of the Year by the American Federation of Teachers in 2003, the Central Region Teacher of the Year by the Missouri Middle School Association in 2004, the Missouri Middle Level Art Educator of the Year (2005), and the Missouri Art Educator of the Year (2006) by the Missouri Art Education Association. In 2007, she was honored as the Western Region Middle Level Art Educator of the Year by the National Art Education Association. In 2023, she was proudly inducted into the Hall of Fame at her alma mater, Rock Bridge High School.
Ms. Smothers credits her success to fostering strong relationships with her students and identifying their individual needs, as well as the professional development she gained through her work with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Her passion for education is deeply rooted in her family's legacy of educators. Her grandfather served as Dean of Agriculture at the University of Missouri – Columbia, her mother was Department Head of Art and Fashion at Stephens College, and her father was a principal at Hickman High School for many years.
Looking ahead, Ms. Smothers awaits new opportunities. She continues to write books on art education, guides for navigation the National Board process for art educators, and faith-based resources. Additionally, she provides the public with high-quality supplements featuring powerful ingredients such as nootropics, hemp, fulvic minerals, and functional mushrooms through her business, Arieyl. Ms. Smothers remains dedicated to lifelong learning, personal growth and helping others live a healthy lifestyle.
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Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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