BIO
Dr. Marini Hamilton Smith has been an educator for the past 24 years, serving in various capacities. She has focused her services working with students of color in under-served communities in the Los Angeles area. Dr. Smith began her career in education as a TA for a pre-college enrichment program at Foshay Learning Center, then went on to teach elementary school in Inglewood Unified, work as a middle school literacy coach for LAUSD schools in South Los Angeles, and work for Compton Unified supporting AVID and AP programs throughout the district. In addition, Dr. Smith has been a high school English teacher, assistant principal, and EL Specialist.
Currently, Dr. Smith is a full time Child Development instructor at West Los Angeles College. Dr. Smith obtained her BA degree in Child Development from Cal State LA, her Masters in Education, with an emphasis in Psychology, from Pepperdine, and her doctorate degree from USC, focusing on Educational Psychology. Dr. Smith's main area of research focuses on student's perceptions of their intelligence and it's impact on motivation. Through presentations, workshops, and lessons, she has shared this vital information to hundreds of educators and students, with the goal of teaching them about malleable intelligence and empowering them to improve their teaching and learning.
Dr. Smith, a Los Angeles native, resides with her husband (also a teacher) her two young sons, and she also has two stepchildren. She loves traveling, photography, party planning, and admits that reality shows are one of her guilty pleasures.
Currently, Dr. Smith is a full time Child Development instructor at West Los Angeles College. Dr. Smith obtained her BA degree in Child Development from Cal State LA, her Masters in Education, with an emphasis in Psychology, from Pepperdine, and her doctorate degree from USC, focusing on Educational Psychology. Dr. Smith's main area of research focuses on student's perceptions of their intelligence and it's impact on motivation. Through presentations, workshops, and lessons, she has shared this vital information to hundreds of educators and students, with the goal of teaching them about malleable intelligence and empowering them to improve their teaching and learning.
Dr. Smith, a Los Angeles native, resides with her husband (also a teacher) her two young sons, and she also has two stepchildren. She loves traveling, photography, party planning, and admits that reality shows are one of her guilty pleasures.