Meet the staff
Mrs. Joelle Smith Founder & Executive Director
Joelle Smith is a Florida-certified educator, published author, and founder of The Living School: Education Outside the Box. With over 25 years of experience in education, she has dedicated her career to helping students thrive- especially those who don't fit into traditional learning environments.
Early in her career, Joelle was nominated for Teacher of the Year and went on to develop a successful middle school drama program during her 12 years in public education. After leaving the classroom, she spent over a decade homeschooling her children and teaching students across a wide range of ages and abilities, including those with autism, ADHD, and other learning differences.
Through years of hands-on teaching, tutoring and real-world learning experiences, Joelle saw firsthand that many students learn best outside of a desk- through movement, exploration, and meaningful connection to the world around them.
This realization led her to create The Living School, a program designed to meet students where they are and help them build confidence, life skills, and academic success through real-life, hands-on learning.
Joelle's passion is helping every student feel capable, understood, and inspired.
"There's onting like learning in the real world."
Mr. Joshua Rager Program Director & Enrichment Specialist
Joshua Allen Rager is an educator, artist, musician, and mentor who brings creativity, leadership, and a love for hands-on learning to The Living School. With eight years of classroom teaching experience, along with additional years spent working with children in camps, aftercare, and private lessons, he has dedicated his career to helping students grow into capable, confident, and compassionate young people.
Over the years, Joshua has taught students from VPK3 through 8th grade across a wide range of subjects, core curriculum, music, photography, technology, filmmaking, martial arts, and nature-based learning. He also built the technology and film department at Palm Beach Christian Academy - Lake Park, where he created opportunities for students to learn through creativity, collaboration, and real-world experience.
Through years of teaching, mentoring, and working closely with children of many ages, personalities, and learning styles, Joshua has seen firsthand that students thrive when they feel known, challenged, and supported. As both a teacher and parent with firsthand experience in neurodiversity, he is especially passionate about helping students build confidence, perseverance, and independence in the way they learn best.
Joshua enjoys helping students grow not only in knowledge, but in character—so they leave feeling capable, understood, and ready to meet life with courage.
“Don’t say ‘can’t.’ Say, ‘This is hard, but I’ll do my best.’”