About The Teacher

Michael Smiley was born and raised in San Francisco to Chinese born immigrants. From a young age he excelled in sports, especially in soccer. In High School, he participated in soccer, wrestling, and football.

After attending community college off and on for a few years, he joined the Air Force, where he served for over six years, including a two year tour in Japan.  While in the military, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Humanities (Philosophy, Russian, Religions), and followed that up with a Master’s Degree in Philosophy from the University of Nevada, Reno

After college, he worked as a Corrections Officer, an English Teacher in Korea, and as a bouncer.

Michael started working for the EDD (Employment Development Department) as an unemployment adjudicator and as a Veteran’s Representative (10 years). He also started teaching Philosophy at the community college level as an adjunct professor for five years.

Michael taught High School Special Education for one year following his time at EDD.

Following a brief stint with the Federal Government as an Educational Assistant at a national park, he joined CICA in March 2020.