BIOGRAPHY
A Life Steeped in Sound Education for All
Monica Smiley, teacher and cellist, has over 12 years of experience teaching K-12 school children in the classroom and after-school programs. In 2020, Ms. Smiley was named as a Finalist for Teacher of the Year in the St. Vrain Valley School District and was selected as Teacher of the Year at her school, Coal Ridge Middle School.
Ms. Smiley earned a Bachelor of Music Education, K-12 Instrumental Music with an emphasis in secondary string education, from the University of Colorado at Boulder. During her time at CU, Monica was involved with many music education initiatives. In the fall of 2010, she reestablished CU’s American String Teachers Association collegiate chapter. In the spring of 2011, she launched and developed the string component of CU’s Middle School Wind and String Ensemble.
Monica is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Learning Design and Technology through the University of Colorado at Denver.
Monica performed with the CU Symphony Orchestra from Fall 2009-Spring 2012 under the direction of Maestro Gary Lewis. She currently performs with the Longmont Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Elliot Moore. Every May, Monica is invited to perform with the world-renowned "Mahlerfest" Orchestra.
Ms. Smiley completed her ninth year as Orchestra Director at Coal Ridge Middle School and will begin a new adventure as Orchestra Director at Erie High School starting Fall 2021. Ms. Smiley is dedicated to combining all of her unique musical and educational experiences to create a model music education program designed to bring out the best in every student.
CERTIFICATION
Bachelor of Music Education
Professional Teaching License, K-12: State of Colorado
Master of Arts Learning Design and Technology, Option:Â K-12
ERIE HIGH SCHOOL
August 2021-
Director of Orchestras Grades 9-12
Instructor of: AP Music Theory, History of Rock 'n' Roll, Music Technology, Film Studies, Intro to Music Theory, and Pit Orchestra.
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Responsibilities include, but not limited to: implementing rigorous and inclusive instruction to intermediate-advanced string students, and developing appreciation of the arts. EHS holds community outreach concerts and performs a minimum of four concerts per school year.
COAL RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL
August 2012 - May 2021
Director of Orchestras Grades 6-8
Responsibilities include, but not limited to: implementing rigorous and inclusive instruction to beginning-advanced string students, and developing appreciation of the arts. CRMS holds community outreach concerts and performs a minimum of four concerts per school year.
LEADERSHIP TEAMS
2018-present
Building-Level:
Responsible for facilitating important conversations between administration and staff and for communicating/advocating school-wide goals.
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District-Level:
Create meaningful PD. Serve as communication liaison between colleagues.
PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE
2008-current
LONGMONT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
(2013 – present: Section Cellist)
MAHLERFEST ORCHESTRA
(2014 – present: Section Cellist)
UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO AT BOULDER SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
(2008–2012: Section Cellist)