Dr. Kimberly Smith

Dr. Kimberly Smith, Ed.D., is a dedicated and visionary educational leader serving as the Executive Director of the Office of Teaching and Learning for Jackson Public Schools. With more than two decades of service to the district, Dr. Smith began her career in 1999 and has since distinguished herself in a variety of impactful roles, including classroom teacher, school administrator, and instructional leader. Her breadth of experience across multiple levels of K–12 education has equipped her with a deep understanding of instructional systems, scholar needs, and effective school leadership. In her current role, Dr. Smith provides strategic oversight for curriculum and instruction, assessment, early childhood education, library services, and professional learning across the district. She leads the design and implementation of comprehensive academic programs that align with state standards and reflect best practices in teaching and learning. Under her leadership, the Office of Teaching and Learning plays a central role in advancing district-wide strategic initiatives focused on improving scholar achievement, strengthening instructional quality, and promoting equitable outcomes for all students. Dr. Smith has successfully guided large-scale curriculum adoption efforts and managed complex instructional initiatives to ensure coherence, rigor, and alignment throughout the district. She has also conducted professional learning sessions at both the national and local levels, sharing expertise in curriculum design, instructional leadership, and standards-based practices. Her leadership emphasizes data-informed decision-making, continuous improvement, and collaborative professional development, empowering educators to deliver high-quality instruction that meets the diverse needs of scholars. Beyond her district leadership, Dr. Smith contributes to higher education as an adjunct professor at Tougaloo College, where she supports the preparation and development of future educators. She is also an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., reflecting her strong commitment to service, scholarship, and community engagement. Dr. Smith’s unwavering dedication to academic excellence, educator development, and community partnership continues to shape and strengthen the educational landscape throughout Jackson. Through visionary leadership and a steadfast focus on scholar success, she remains a driving force in advancing meaningful, sustainable educational progress.