Janelle Marsalli Smith

Professional Biography

After graduating from UC Davis with a BS in Human Development, I earned my Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Santa Clara University. I taught for a few years before returning to SCU to complete my Master’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Education, with an emphasis in teaching reading. I also earned a Reading Specialist Credential. I spent 13 years teaching 2nd and 3rd grade in the Santa Clara Unified School District, both full-time and part-time as a co-teacher. After my youngest child was born, I left the classroom to stay home with my kids. During that time, I participated in a homeschooling partnership program for five years. God opened the doors for me to return to the classroom this fall now that my kids are in school full-time. I’m thrilled to be back in third grade as a co-teacher.

Personal Biography

I was born and raised in Santa Clara, CA and grew up with family nearby. Family has always been an important part of my life, and I’m grateful to be raising my children here as well. I grew up attending Church of the Valley in Santa Clara and now regularly attend Echo Church in Sunnyvale. My husband, Jason, and I met at UC Davis and have been married for twenty years. We have three children who attend The King’s Academy High School and San Jose Christian School. From the time I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to be a mom and a teacher. What a blessing that I get to do both! I’m very excited to be teaching at the same school my children attend for the first time in my career. 

After school, or on the weekends, you will find me cheering on my kids at the little league field, soccer field, track, theater, or dance stage. I spend hours in the car powered by Starbucks, chauffeuring them to their activities. Supporting my family brings me so much joy, especially as I realize how quickly time passes. Additionally, I enjoy going for walks, listening to podcasts, connecting with friends, participating in MomCo, and relaxing as a family with a game or movie night.

Christian Philosophy of Education 

I love kids and have a passion for connecting with them. In teaching, there are so many “aha moments” when I get to witness a student figuring something out the first time or mastering a skill through hard work. These moments empower students and teachers alike. I love being there to encourage and support kids along this journey. 

My desire as a teacher is to make sure my students feel valued, safe, seen, and cared for. Creating a safe learning environment allows academic growth to flourish. I want all students to walk into the classroom knowing how special they are and that they are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God, despite what struggles they may be dealing with. In addition to teaching the core curriculum, it is my goal to model perseverance when things get tough, to invite God into every part of our day, and to empower my students to model Christ-like behavior in their interactions with others.