Nicole Smith

Nicole Smith has served as the High School Dean of Culture at E.L. Haynes Public Charter School since 2017. She began her teaching career instructing her stuffed animals. A proud first-generation college graduate from North Philadelphia, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. 

In her diverse education journey, Ms. Smith assumed impactful roles, including overseeing the Achievers Scholarship Program in Wards 7 and 8 during her nine-year tenure at the College Success Foundation DC. She also served as principal of the Philadelphia YouthBuild Public Charter School, acting principal and Director of Curriculum and Instruction at the bilingual LAYC YouthBuild Public Charter School in DC, and held the position of Director of Education at Women Organized Against Rape (WOAR), the country's first rape crisis center. Ms. Smith also played a pivotal role as a founding member of The Social Justice School in Ward 5. 

Ms. Smith holds a Master’s degree in Urban Education from Temple University and certificates in critical race theory and equity from the University of Pennsylvania and The National Equity Project Coaching for Equity Institute. With her wealth of experience and dedication to promoting equity in education.