Ellen Smeltzer

2022 "Pass the Torch" Scholarship Finalist

“If you’re going to share your passion with someone, let their passion teach you in return.”

When she met Mrs. Boone at a Christmas party, Ellen Smeltzer was filling time working as a substitute teacher. With a background in exercise physiology, a field she loved, she had no interest at all in a career in education - until Mrs. Boone gave her a whole new perspective on what teaching might be. Now pursuing her Masters of Teaching, Ellen aims to create classrooms where her passion for science inspires students to discover their own passions.

Here is Ellen's story about Mrs. Boone, the teacher who inspired her.

Want to hear the stories of the other nine finalists? Visit our 2022 Scholarship Finalists page.

Thinking of applying to this year's program? Learn more on our Teachers Test Prep "Pass the Torch" Teacher Scholarships page.