At first glance, Montrez Smith might seem like your typical middle school history teacher. But for those lucky enough to know him, it’s clear that he’s much more—a mentor, a coach, a motivator, and a man on a mission. Since joining Cairo Schools just two years ago, Montrez has made it his goal to do more than teach history; he’s here to help shape it.

Montrez’s journey to Cairo began in Hazelwood, Missouri, where he grew up. With a graduating class of 700, moving to the small, tight-knit community of Cairo was a drastic change, but it’s a change he’s embraced with open arms. “I’m still living in Missouri, just across the bridge in Charleston,” Montrez says. “I taught there for five years, but when I saw the opportunity in Cairo, I knew I had to take it.”

As the middle school history teacher and high school weightlifting instructor, Montrez brings a unique blend of academic rigor and physical discipline to his students. But what really sets him apart is his philosophy on education. “I always tell my kids, I want to be the teacher for you that I wish I had when I was growing up,” Montrez explains. “I was a troubled youth, and I had a teacher, Mr. Mitchell—he was the only African American male teacher I ever had. He inspired me to look at history differently and gave me the push I needed.”

That push changed the course of Montrez’s life. Originally, he didn’t set out to become a teacher; he wanted to be a judge. But when he asked himself what he could do to reach today’s youth before they ended up in front of a judge, the answer became clear— teaching was his calling. “I figured if I could reach kids in the classroom, maybe they wouldn’t need someone to reach them in the courtroom.”

It’s this proactive, heart-forward approach that has made Montrez a favorite among students and parents alike. His open-door policy, where students can come to him at any time to talk or seek advice, is a testament to the trust he’s built. “I tell my students, I’m not here to discipline you. I’m here to teach you. My goal is to exhaust every avenue to help them succeed before I ever send them out of my class,” he says.

Montrez’s patience isn’t just a professional trait—it’s personal. As the father of a six-yearold son, Christian, who is autistic and has ADHD, Montrez understands the importance of empathy and understanding. “Christian is my hero,” Montrez beams. “He’s non-verbal, but that doesn’t stop him. He keeps trying until he figures things out, and that motivates me. I can’t give up because he doesn’t.”

This dedication extends to everything Montrez does, from the classroom to coaching. Though Cairo doesn’t have a football team, Montrez still brings the discipline of the sport into his weightlifting classes and his work as the college and career teacher. “I love being able to make an impact on students, to teach them not just academic skills but life skills,” he says.

But perhaps the most important lesson Montrez teaches is pride—pride in themselves, in their community, and in the rich history of Cairo. As a history teacher, he’s quick to remind his students that Cairo’s story is far from over. “I tell them all the time, this town has such an important history. General Grant spent time here during the Civil War. This place was once a major hub. I want them to understand that they’re part of something bigger.”

And that’s where Montrez’s real strength lies—in helping students see the potential that others may have overlooked. “I know this town has faced struggles, but I see it as being in a rebuilding stage. There’s so much opportunity here, and I want my students to know they can be the ones to change it. Don’t just complain about what’s wrong— do something about it.”

It’s a message that resonates in a community where challenges often feel insurmountable. But with people like Montrez leading the way, the future looks bright. “I tell my students, you have the power to change things. You’re on two major rivers— one runs east to west, and the other north to south. This town was once a hub for important people, and it can be again. It’s up to you to carry that legacy forward.”

In Montrez Smith, Cairo has found not just a teacher, but a champion for its future. His passion for education, his love for his students, and his unwavering belief in the potential of Cairo make him a beacon of hope in a town on the rise. And just like those rivers that meet in Cairo, Montrez’s influence flows strong, carving new paths for the generations to come.