Teaching & Coaching

Teaching & Mentorship

Dr. Kristen Smigielski teaches and mentors educators across both higher education and K–12 contexts. Her teaching emphasizes inclusive pedagogy, reflective practice, and the integration of research-based instructional strategies. Drawing on her background as both a classroom teacher and educational researcher, she supports future educators in developing practical, equitable, and culturally responsive approaches to teaching.

She served as an Adjunct Instructor and Clinical Experience Coach for resident teachers in the University at Buffalo Graduate School of Education, where she taught graduate and undergraduate courses while mentoring teacher candidates in field placements.

Higher Education Teaching

Adjunct Instructor & Clinical Experience Coach
University at Buffalo — Graduate School of Education
Department of Learning and Instruction
Spring 2022 – Present

Courses Taught

Instructional Strategies for Special Needs and Gifted (LAI 694)
Fall 2022 · Fall 2024 · Spring 2025

This course introduces graduate students to contemporary instructional practices, emphasizing classroom management, lesson planning aligned with New York State standards, and the integration of digital technology. Special modules address teaching English language learners, culturally diverse students, and students with special needs, while also covering peer evaluation, professional collaboration, and effective parent communication.

Program Planning & Leadership in Early Childhood and Childhood (LAI 504)
Fall 2024 · Spring 2025

This course explores the foundations of early childhood and elementary education, focusing on quality curricular design, instructional practices, classroom organization, and family engagement. Emphasizing backward design and culturally responsive and sustaining practices, students develop research-based educational philosophies and practical pedagogical tools to support student success.

Introduction to Education (LAI 350)
Spring 2022 · Spring 2024

This course provides an overview of American education, including its history, learning environments, diverse learners, classroom management, and New York State Learning Standards. Students explore key educational issues and complete 15 hours of experiential learning in an educational setting.

Elementary School Curriculum Integration and Assessment (LAI 600)
Instructor: Summer 2022 · Fall 2022 · Spring 2023
Teaching Assistant: Summer 2021 · Spring 2022

This course surveys current research and literature on curriculum planning, integration, and assessment at the elementary level. Students examine curriculum integration, backward design, and standards alignment, while developing formative and performance-based assessments. The course emphasizes both formal and informal assessment practices, including standardized tests and classroom-based alternatives.

Teaching Assistant & Vocal Coach

Buffalo State University — Music Department

Freshman Vocal Seminar (MUS 171)
Teaching Assistant: Fall 2014


Teaching assistant and vocal coach for undergraduate vocal students. Responsibilities included leading coaching sessions, supporting course instruction, and providing individual vocal instruction.

Teacher Coaching & Clinical Supervision

As a Clinical Experience Coach, Kristen mentored resident teachers during their student teaching placements, providing:

  • classroom observation and instructional feedback

  • lesson design support and reflective practice coaching

  • mentorship in classroom management and inclusive pedagogy

  • guidance on professional identity development

Her coaching emphasizes equity-centered teaching practices, inclusive classroom environments, and reflective teaching methods.

K–12 Teaching Experience

Elementary Teacher (2018–2024)

Kristen taught across multiple school contexts in Western New York, including:

  • Elmwood Franklin School

  • Amherst Central School District

  • Williamsville Central School District

  • Buffalo Public Schools

  • Nichols School

Curriculum Development & Instructional Design

Implemented and adapted major literacy and mathematics curricula including:

Fundations · Heggerty · Eureka Math · Everyday Math · EngageNY · TCRWP · Read180 · System44

In Buffalo Public Schools, she developed standards-aligned scope and sequences, assessments, and learning goals for K–8 general music, impacting over 32,000 students across the district.

Inclusive & Data-Informed Instruction

Kristen taught diverse classrooms including English language learners and students with disabilities, integrating differentiated instruction and culturally responsive teaching practices. She used student performance data to address learning loss during the COVID-19 pandemic and support targeted academic growth.

Music Education & Extracurricular Leadership

In addition to classroom teaching, Kristen directed choirs, taught instrumental and vocal music, and led music clubs and composition workshops. She also organized virtual musical performances and cross-school events during remote and hybrid learning.