The title was a bit of a misnomer. I am not really concerned with smarter as much as level of skills. The Van Hiele is not an IQ test but rather an assessment of the level of geometric reasoning skills, which can be taught. For example, college math majors are expected to be at the top level. Unless for some reason this teacher falls outside the norm, she should have a masters degree. I am grateful that she doesn't seem defensive or an ogre so it may all work out.