St. Mary’s School has announced the hiring of Aimée Smelser as its new fourth- and fifth-grade English Language Arts and math teacher.

Smelser brings 24 years of classroom experience to the position, having taught in multiple school districts across Arkansas and Louisiana. School officials said her career has been marked by a commitment to academic excellence, innovative instruction and student achievement.

Among her professional accomplishments, Smelser was named Walmart Teacher of the Year in Camden, Arkansas, and served as a presenter at the Arkansas Association for Gifted and Talented Education Conference, where she shared a curriculum she developed to encourage entrepreneurial thinking among students.

While teaching second grade at Fairview Alpha, her students achieved a 100 percent improvement rate on state Student Learning Target assessments.

A native of Shreveport, Smelser earned a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education from Southern Arkansas University. She is known for her expertise in English Language Arts curriculum and student achievement.

In addition to her work in education, Smelser has been active in community service through organizations including Junior Auxiliary, Relay for Life and programs that support local students and families. She is also an active member of the Natchitoches community.

Smelser is married to Jason Smelser and is the mother of one son, Mitchell.

School officials said they look forward to the knowledge, experience and enthusiasm she will bring to students and the St. Mary’s School community.