Shanta M. Smith

Shanta M. Smith, EdD, is an Associate Professor of Clinical Education in the Master of Arts in Teaching program at USC Rossier. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a Master of Science in Education from the University of New Haven, a Sixth-Year Diploma in Educational Leadership from Southern Connecticut State University, and a Doctor of Education in Educational and Organizational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania.

Before joining USC Rossier, Dr. Smith had a distinguished 22-year career in public education, where she served as principal of two STEAM magnet schools, assistant principal, math instructional coach, and teacher in various roles, including middle school math and writing, and elementary education. In these positions, Dr. Smith consistently implemented student-centered instructional and mindful leadership practices that built on the knowledge and experiences of students, families and staff leading to improved student outcomes.

Dr. Smith’s work aligns with her research interests, which focus on fostering student agency through STEAM education and promoting self-care professional learning for educators. She has authored articles on self-care for academic journals, magazines, and newspapers, and has presented nationwide on the importance of identity-based radical self-care for educators.

In addition to her academic pursuits, Dr. Smith is a trained yoga instructor, dedicated meditation practitioner, and certified Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Facilitator through Breathe 4 Change.

USC Center for Excellence in Teaching Faculty Fellow 2023-2026

EDUC 673- Applications of Elementary Mathematics, Science and Physical Education – Pedagogy A

EDUC 671- Contexts for Educational Equity, Access, and Agency

EDUC 672- Integrated Language Development Across the Curriculum

EDUC 624- Educational Organizations: Governance and Finance I

• Smith, S. (2024) A New Tool for Educators Running on Empty. USC Rossier Magazine, Fall/Winter 2024. 
• Smith, S. (2023). In Pursuit of Revolutionary Rest: Liberatory Retooling for Black Women Principals. Penn GSE Perspectives on Urban Education, 20 (1). 
• Smith, S. (2021). "Herjourns of Thriving While Healing: Black Women Principals, Identity-Based Discrimination, Resistance and Radical Self-Care". Dissertations available from ProQuest. AAI28549431 https://repository.upenn.edu/dissertations/AAI28549431
• Smith, S. (2020). Why Radical Self-Care Cannot Wait: Strategies for Black Women Leaders NOW. PENN GSE Perspectives on Education,18 (1), n1.