At the School District of Lancaster, Black History Month is a time to reflect, celebrate, and honor the contributions of Black educators, students, and community members. Their dedication and passion help build an inclusive and equitable learning environment. One such individual making a significant impact is Kyanna Smith, a kindergarten teacher at Burrowes Elementary.
From Student to Educator
A proud product of SDoL, Kyanna’s journey has come full circle. As a former student and now a parent of two SDoL students, she has always been deeply connected to the district’s mission. With over a decade of experience working with children in Lancaster County, she has dedicated her career to bridging the gap between home and school.
Her background in multidisciplinary studies—focusing on psychology and social work—along with a master’s in education, equips her with a holistic approach to teaching. Beyond academics, her expertise in trauma-informed care, advocacy, and mindfulness strategies creates a nurturing classroom where every student feels valued and heard.
Family and Personal Inspiration
Kyanna’s greatest inspiration comes from her four children, who remind her daily of the importance of showing up as her best self. To her, Black History Month is not confined to February; it is a daily celebration of resilience, excellence, and the journey of Black individuals who have paved the way for future generations. In her household, affirmations like “Black is beautiful” set the tone for the day, and meaningful conversations about history and identity ensure her children understand the significance of their heritage.
Defying the Odds
One of Kyanna’s proudest moments is earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees—an accomplishment she describes as statistically unlikely but personally inevitable. She draws inspiration from trailblazers like Ruby Bridges, whose courage as a young student reminds her of the strength within her own classroom. She also honors educators like Ms. Mouzon, a beloved teacher of color within SDoL who left a lasting impact on her students, including Kyanna herself.
Teaching Black History Beyond February
Incorporating Black history and culture into her classroom is an integral part of Kyanna’s teaching philosophy. She fosters strong relationships with her students and their families, creating a safe and inclusive learning environment. Her classroom charter, built on mutual respect and kindness, serves as a daily reminder of the importance of community. Through hands-on learning, guest speakers, and partnerships with community organizations, she ensures that her students are exposed to diverse perspectives. Recently, an African American author visited her class to share a story on disability and inclusion, sparking meaningful conversations among her young learners.
Overcoming Challenges as a Black Educator
As a Black educator, Kyanna has faced challenges, including the need to assert her presence and credibility in spaces where she is often overlooked. Rather than allowing these experiences to discourage her, she embraces them as opportunities to open doors for others. She actively supports networks like BIPOC educators and mentors new hires, striving to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for staff of color.
Her work extends beyond the classroom, contributing to equity and representation in the district. As one of the piloting teachers for the RULER curriculum, she introduced strategies that help students understand and regulate emotions—an essential skill for lifelong success. Her involvement in the 2024 ED Conference further showcased her commitment to shaping the future of education within diverse communities.
Kyanna’s message to Black students aspiring to make an impact is simple yet powerful: “Be YOUR best self—when you look in the mirror and envision your best self, step into those shoes each day.” She believes in the power of choice and change, a belief that has guided her through her own journey from student to educator.
Finding Home at SDoL
For Kyanna, working at SDoL feels like home. Walking the same halls she once did as a student, she now stands as a role model and advocate for the next generation. Her story is one of resilience, dedication, and love for her students and community. As we celebrate Black History Month, we recognize and honor educators like Kyanna Smith, who continue to shape a future where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered to succeed.