Published May 5th, 2026
BY CLAIRE DEIPARINE
After nine years at Carmel High School and nearly three decades in education, science teacher Mishele Newkirk-Smith will leave campus next fall, heading back to Washington state to continue teaching science classes online while making more space for travel.
Throughout her time at CHS, Newkirk-Smith has remained a steady and familiar presence in the science department, teaching Biology, Biotechnology and Anatomy and Physiology to grades 9 through 12. She first came to CHS because her husband worked at the school at the time, but it didn’t take her long to build strong relationships of her own with both students and staff.
Even after 29 years in the classroom, Newkirk-Smith has continued to take on new challenges. When she first arrived, she stepped into teaching anatomy and physiology–subjects she hadn’t taught before–and later developed a Biotechnology course, another challenging subject.
CHS science teacher Mishele Newkirk-Smith leaves Carmel after nine years of teaching to move to Washington state to teach remotely next fall. photo by CLAIRE DEIPARINE
“I enjoyed the challenge of teaching a new class, especially a topic that changes so rapidly,” says Newkirk-Smith.
Her openness to new experiences reflects a lifelong passion for travel. Born in New Jersey, the science lover grew up in a military family and had the opportunity to live in both Spain and Cuba. Later in life, she taught internationally in Costa Rica, Germany and England–experiences that shaped both her teaching style and appreciation for different cultures.
“Living in a different country and learning more about the people that live there is such a great experience,” the Jersey native says. “I love traveling and meeting new people.”
Looking ahead, she hopes to teach in Ireland and Scotland as they share a similar school system to England.
Not only has the travel enthusiast had a strong impact on the science department, but she has also developed valuable connections with her colleagues through her years at CHS.
“Mrs. Newkirk-Smith is kind, caring and supportive,” says physical education teacher Debbie French. “She is passionate about science and cares about the people she works with and she will be missed.”
Math teacher Jody Roberts emphasizes the departing teacher’s character as a colleague and friend.
“She is the kind of friend who consistently shows up, always asking how my day is going and how my family is,” Roberts affirms. “That kindness and genuine care is part of what makes her so special.”
As Mishele Newkirk-Smith moves on, the beloved science teacher leaves a lasting mark on Carmel High, remembered not only for her dedication in the classroom, but also for the connections she built with her peers. She will continue shaping young minds through her online teaching and future endeavors abroad.
