Title: Home Economics Teacher (Retired)

Company: Hazen Public Schools

Location: Hazen, AR

Hazen, Arkansas | October 27, 2010 | Chris Smith Weems, a retired Home Economics Teacher for Hazen Public Schools, has been recognized by Elite American Educators for demonstrating dedication, leadership and excellence in education.

As an educator the highlight of her career was when a very challenging student returned to thank Ms. Weems for her help and dedication. A home economics teacher for nearly four decades, Ms. Weems attributes her success to the support she received from her parents, her hard dedicated work, and to the patience and support of her husband, who never complained when she had to put in long hours on lesson plans and grading papers. Over the years, she taught countless students about child care, foods and nutrition, clothing, housing and home furnishings, family living, and parenting as a home economics teacher for Hazen Public Schools. Ms. Weems feels the greatest reward of being an educator is the opportunity to help and teach a variety of students. She also sponsored the Future Homemakers of America and the school’s yearbook, The Hornet, for more than 20 years during her teaching career. She became involved in education after being inspired by her home economics teacher, Mrs. Katie Marie Clark. A successful teacher for 39 years, Ms. Weems always did whatever it took to educate her students, she was loyal to her school and community, and she was always tenacious. An active community organizer, she currently serves as the church clerk, a choir member, and a teacher in the Discovery Program at Calvary Baptist Church. Additionally, she is President of the Prairie County Federation of Democratic Women, and a member of GFWC Elsie McCain Club. Some of her favorites causes are the Single Parent Scholarship Fund, the Literacy Council, the Inter-Agency Council, The Hope Chest, and the Pennies for Parkinson’s project in her Eastern Star chapter.

A certified master gardener, and certified hospice visitor, Ms. Weems earned a master’s degree in home economics, plus 15 hours, from the University of Arkansas in 1962. In 1952, she completed coursework at Henderson State University. She is a 50-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star, a charter member of Hazen Lions Club, and previously served as President of the Hope Chest, the Department of Human Services’ clothing closet for needy persons. In recognition of her accomplishments in the field of education, she was selected by Cambridge’s Who Who to appear in the “Top 101 Industry Experts” book. She is also the recipient of the Teacher of the Year Award, selected by the Hazen Chamber of Commerce, and was named the 1983 Arkansas Home Economics Teacher of the Year. In 2000, she received the Woman of the Year Award from the General Federation of Women’s Clubs of Arkansas.

For more information about Chris S. Weems, visit http://www.chrissmithweems.com.

Contact Chris Weems