At the heart of the School District of Lancaster is a commitment to equity, representation, and the celebration of the diverse voices that shape our community. This Black History Month, we honor the educators who leave an indelible mark on our schools—leaders like Dionne Golden, whose dedication to students and communities embodies resilience, empowerment, and transformation.
From Baltimore to Lancaster: A Path to Education
Dionne Golden’s journey to education is anything but conventional. A native of Baltimore, she grew up surrounded by the richness of Black history and culture. Excelling as a gifted student in Baltimore City Public Schools, she often found herself navigating predominantly white academic spaces. Whether as a church girl, an advanced student, or later as one of the few Black women in leadership roles, she learned the importance of creating spaces where students feel seen, valued, and affirmed.
A Career Built on Supporting Others
Golden’s professional journey began in advocacy and direct support for individuals with disabilities. As a program manager at a shelter workshop in Baltimore, she helped adults with disabilities develop critical life and job skills, fostering independence and confidence. She later worked in Texas with the Department of Aging and Disability Services, investigating cases of abuse and neglect among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
After relocating to Pennsylvania, she transitioned into education, serving as a paraeducator in the School District of Lancaster. Her passion for working with students with disabilities led her to pursue degrees in elementary and special education. She eventually moved into an emotional support teaching role before returning to her passion—Life Skills education. Now, as a Life Skills Teacher at Reynolds Middle School, she continues to inspire independence, resilience, and self-advocacy in her students.
Teaching as a Calling
For Golden, teaching is not just a profession—it’s a calling. “I absolutely love, love, love being a Life Skills teacher,” she shares, emphasizing the deep connections she builds with her students. In her classroom, students are encouraged to embrace their strengths, develop essential life skills, and believe in their potential. She ensures her curriculum reflects their identities and experiences, advocating for their individualized needs and long-term success. “I want my students to remember how I made them feel,” she says, echoing Maya Angelou’s wisdom.
Black History Month: A Celebration of Identity and Culture
To Golden, Black History Month is an active celebration of heritage, identity, and resilience. “It’s everything,” she affirms. “It’s about our food, our dance, how we style our hair, the clothing we wear, how we’re smart, how we’re educators, how we thrive in faith, and how we triumph in the face of adversity. It’s about standing in our truth and being proud of who we are.”
She acknowledges the systemic barriers that persist but remains steadfast in her belief that representation matters. “Black history isn’t just February. It’s every day,” she asserts. “It’s about embracing and highlighting what makes us unique while breaking down stereotypes and fostering real connections.”
A Leader in the Making
Beyond her role as an educator, Golden is a mentor, advocate, and leader. Currently pursuing a master’s degree in educational leadership, she hopes to extend her impact beyond the classroom. “I want to be the same person in every room I walk into,” she says. “I want to be known for doing the right thing because the right thing is the right thing to do.”
Her leadership extends to district-wide equity initiatives, like the Equity Steering Committee where she works to dismantle traditional barriers and foster a more inclusive educational experience for all students.
Impact at Reynolds Middle School
Golden’s contributions at Reynolds Middle School are immeasurable. Her students thrive under her guidance, while her colleagues recognize her as a source of encouragement and advocacy. Principal Aaron Swinton, whom Golden credits as a major influence in her career, saw leadership potential in her before she fully realized it herself. During moments of grief and personal hardship, he reminded her of her worth and the impact she has on students. “He told me to get up, to come in, to be present because my students needed me,” she recalls. It’s a lesson she carries forward, using her experiences to inspire students to embrace their identities and pursue their dreams with confidence.
A Challenge to the Lancaster Community
Golden offers a powerful message to the Lancaster community: “If we say we are a melting pot, we need to show it—not just on paper, not just in slogans, but in how we live and work together.”
She envisions a district where relationships transcend silos, where inclusivity is not just a mission statement but a lived experience. She challenges schools, educators, and the broader community to cultivate genuine connections, celebrate differences, and create opportunities for understanding and collaboration.
A Living Legacy
As we celebrate Black History Month, we recognize that history is not just in the past—it is being shaped every day by individuals like Dionne Golden. She embodies the power of representation, the strength of perseverance, and the transformative role of education in shaping the future. Her legacy is one of impact, leadership, and a commitment to ensuring that every student feels seen, heard, and valued.
“I do the right thing because the right thing is the right thing to do,” Golden says. Through her work, she ensures that generations of students will carry that lesson forward, building a more inclusive and empowered future.