The Miners centre is set to step out as a graduate teacher in Ballarat Specialist School’s senior classrooms, with students returning on Wednesday. 

Since arriving at the Minerdome four years ago, Smith has worked as a casual and full-time classroom assistant. He knew straightaway that working with special needs students was his passion and the past three years worked to complete his teaching degree at Federation University between court-time, training and work at the school.

Smith’s experience builds on Basketball Ballarat elite teams’ close ties with the school.

“There’s certainly a few students coming to the games and getting my autograph but I’ve been around the school for awhile now, so I’m just someone they see all the time,” Smith said.

“I’m very excited. It has been a build-up in the holidays because I’ve been working towards this for a long time. I’m not as nervous as most graduate teachers would be because I know all my students already.”

Smith first became interested working with children who have special needs in his two years at college in Hawaii, refereeing basketball in the Special Olympics.

He has looked for any opportunity, through his basketball, to continue working in the field. This included helping find employment for people with special needs during his season with South East Australian Basketball League rival Mount Gambier.

And he has absolutely loved his time at Ballarat Specialist School.

“It’s a great school, great staff and everyone has been really supportive during my studies and training,” Smith said. “I find teaching is the best outlet for me to help work with people who have special needs.”

Smith, who hails from Brisbane, quickly became involved in the community and is now considered a local.

In a big week for Smith, the Miners start official pre-season training on Tuesday night, on the eve of his first day in class as a fully-fledged teacher.