Mrs. Allison B. Smith

Distance Learning Days Teacher Contact Information

Personal Background

I was born in Charleston, SC but did not ever live there.  I was adopted when I was six months old and I grew up in Aiken, SC. I have an older brother and a younger sister (they were not adopted) and seven half siblings! After college, I settled in Columbia and started teaching.  I got married to Greg Smith in 2001 and we live in West Columbia.  We have a number of pets:  two dogs (Murphy and Mello), one  cat (Boomer), a red-eared slider turtle (Scooter), and a corn snake (Uncle Snake).  We do not have any children of our own but we have many nieces and nephews that we spend as much time with as possible.  In my spare time I love to run and read and I volunteer at Saluda Shoals Park as a Nature Interpreter. I played the flute for over 30 years, but switched to oboe about eight years ago. I play in three musical groups: the Columbia Community Concert Band, the Columbia Community Orchestra, and the Columbia Summer Band.  My husband and I love to bicycle, kayak, visit the mountains, and take our pontoon bake to Lake Murray.  I love to teach and I am very happy at Irmo High School.  I plan to stay here for many years!

Professional Background

• National Board Certification, AYA Biology
• SC certification in Biology, General Science, and Administration
• Endorsements in AP Biology and Gifted and Talented
• Trained in International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and Middle Years Programme
• Science Department Leader
• Francis Allen Excellence in Teaching Award 2015
• South Carolina Outstanding Biology Teacher Award 2009
• Irmo High School Teacher of the Year 2018-2019 and 2005-2006
• Doris P. Caskey Award 1994 (Airport High School)
• Science Team, Assistant Coach

• Irmo High School, Columbia, SC, 2002- present. AP Biology, IB Biology HL-1 and HL-2, Honors Biology, CP Biology, CP Physics, and CP Physical Science.
• Dutch Fork Middle School, Irmo, SC, 1999-2002.  Assistant Principal
• Airport High School, West Columbia, SC 1990-1999. Biology (I, II, AP), Organic/Biochemistry
• Columbia High School, Columbia, SC 1990. Student Teacher
• Midlands Technical College, 1989-1990. Adjunct Faculty

Educational Background

• University of South Carolina, 1999, Certification in Secondary Supervision and Administration
• University of South Carolina, 1990, M.A.T. Secondary Science Education
• University of South Carolina, 1988, B.S. Biology