Meet Megan Smones | Founder and Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Megan Smones and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Megan, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
In Arizona, everywhere you look, you see information about our failing education system. We are stuck in tradition. There is a lack of qualified individuals within the system and we are failing our children. I have designed the perfect education program for Arizona kids. Instead of staying in a traditional mold, I thought outside the box and dove into the world of custom, private education. My private school offers an innovative, student centered approach to help children reach their full potential during their foundational years. I offer families a luxury, custom experience, molding my practices to their child and family needs instead of expecting children to mold to the outdated system. All direct teaching is one-on-one with highly trained educators. Schedules are set based on each family’s unique circumstances. Best of all, there is no homework! We pace learning and instruction for the child, instead of their peers, in every subject. Curriculum is designed specifically for the student, taking into consideration their interests, strengths and weaknesses. By removing traditional constraints, I can guarantee success for my Elite Students.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I attended Northern Arizona University where I received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Master of Educational Leadership degree. During this time, I studied educational theory, pedagogy, and laws within today’s overall educational system. Through college, I worked as a personal nanny for three different families. These families had children ranging from six months old to thirteen years old. This experience gave me a different view of how families function and how to be an active partner alongside the parents in developing their children. I quickly realized the high demands on families today and their schedules. As a nanny, I was responsible for planning educational outings and providing authentic experiences for their development. ​
After graduating, I worked within the public education system for nine years, teaching both upper and lower-level elementary students. I knew things needed to change as programs are outdated and often harmful for children. Many classrooms had inexperienced, unmotivated or unqualified teachers. This became the catalyst for my pursuit of an administrative certification, hoping to improve conditions for children in my care. After spending two years in administration, it became apparent that the malfunctioning systems are beyond repair at the school level. I decided to branch out and offer a better option for families by creating Elite Private Teachers.
I have worked as a trainer of teachers in many different capacities, tutored children after school, and fostered a 15-year-old child. I believe the future lies in our children and education is the best gift that a child can receive, second only to a loving family.
Education has taught me to lead a life of constant learning, growing and developing. In the words of Maya Angelou, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” I consistently develop my craft and what I offer as an educator. It is not always easy, but I would not change my life for anything.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I adore Phoenix and love showing friends around! With these suggestions, there would be a full week of exploring Phoenix’s best! These are all of my favorite spots:

Daytime Activities:
-Children’s Museum of Phoenix
-Renaissance Festival
-Desert Botanical Gardens, particularly the Day of the Dead Celebration
-Picnic at Encanto Park
-Shopping at Frances Boutique
-Shopping at Bunky’s
-Check out the art scene on Roosevelt Row
-Changing Hands Bookstore
-Any pool!

Eats:
-The Gladly
-The Pemberton
-Presidio Cocina
-Oven + Vine
-Fuego at The Clarendon
-Ocotillo
-Ta’ Carbon
-Rough Rider
-Cornish Pasty
-The Rokerij
-PHX Burrito House
-Little Miss BBQ

Drinks:
-Swizzle Inn
-Lylo Swim Club
-LOVECRAFT
-Don Woods’ Say When
-Khla
-Platform 18 at Century Grand
-Arizona Wilderness DTPHX
-Thunderbird Lounge
-Greenwood Brewing

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to my dad, Blake Smith. He taught me the importance of a good education and has been my mentor through this process. He is my #1 cheerleader! I would also like to shoutout to all of the amazing educators I learned from throughout my professional experience. From my professors, to my principals, to my teammates, they all helped me become the educator I am today.

Website: https://www.eliteprivateteachers.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elite_private_teachers/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElitePrivateTeachers

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/elite-private-teachers-scottsdale?osq=elite+private+teachers

Image Credits
Lauren Peachie (Yellow Hat Photo)