Bio: 

I was born in Arlington, VA. I lived 5 years in Beirut, Lebanon, and 5 years in Sydney, Australia growing up. After completing University, I returned to Australia to teach and was heavily involved in every aspect of the very beginnings of the implementation of preschool education.

Professional Experience:

• Teacher
• Curriculum Developer
• Elementary School Administrator
• Director of Professional Develop and Research
• Adjunct Professor
• State Systems Coach

Partnership Projects:

Expertise Areas:

• Early Childhood/Elementary Education and Administration

Education:

• BS-Elementary Education
  Averett University
• MA -Human Development
  Pacific Oaks College
• EdD-Educational Policy, Planning, and Leadership
  The College of William and Mary

Research Interests:

The impact of 'systems' coaching on school division outcomes.

Accomplishments:

Establishment of Preschool Systems and Practices in Queensland, Australia; creating safe schools where learning can occur through Positive Behavior Support Systems.

Publications:

Journal of Disability Policy Studies Vol. 12/No.1/2001 Raising the Academic Standards Bar-What States are doing to measure the Performance of Students with Disabilities. Co-authors Giacobbe, Livers, Thayer-Smith, Walther-Thomas.

Virginia Reading Association. Thayer-Smith, R.A. & Bailey, J., Building Capital Knowledge Through Literacy. Thayer-Smith, R.A., “Partners in Charge, Unit 1,” Teacher Aides and Supporters Project, Queensland Department of Education, Australia.

Thayer-Smith, R.A., “Cubby House Play,” Early Childhood Teachers Association Newsletter, Queensland, Australia.

Thayer-Smith, R.A., et al., “Language and Literacy Kit,” A Preschool Curriculum Project, Brisbane South Regional Office, Department of Education, Queensland, Australia.

Thayer-Smith, R.A., “Preschool Teachers Interaction with Boys and Girls,” Early Childhood Teacher’s Association Newsletter, Queensland, Australia.

Thayer-Smith, R.A., et al., “Animals Need Care Too,” A Preschool Curriculum Project, Brisbane South Regional Office, Department of Education, Queensland, Australia.

Thayer-Smith, R.A., “Where Theorists Agree,” Journal of Queensland Council of Parents and Citizens Association, Queensland, Australia.