Shonda Lemons-Smith

Dr. Shonda Lemons-Smith is an affiliate faculty member in the College of Education & Human Development at Georgia State University, affiliated with the Alonzo A. Crim Center for Urban Educational Excellence, Ed.D. Curriculum & Instruction Program, and Minor in Urban Education Program. With over 20 years of experience in mathematics education spanning K-12 and higher education, she specializes in urban elementary contexts, teacher development, socio-cultural issues, and culturally responsive pedagogy.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Mathematics Education, Indiana University (2002)
• M.S. and B.S. in Middle Grades Education, Fort Valley State University (1992, 1991)

Research focuses on aligning mathematics instructional practices with student demographics, leveraging students’ lived experiences, and addressing educational equity. Her work emphasizes Afrocentric culturally informed praxis and Black children’s intellectual capital in STEM fields.

Publications reflect a focus on equity in mathematics education, teacher preparation, and culturally responsive methodologies. Recent work explores frameworks for urban pre-service teachers.

Awards:

• Georgia Association of Teacher Educators Distinguished Research Award

Advising/Grants: Active in grant projects, professional development programs, and collaborations with schools/districts. Coordinates Ethiopia study abroad programs. Served on NCTM, Benjamin Banneker Association, and other professional organization committees.

Labs/Teams: Engaged with Urban Child Study Center, Center for Urban School Leadership, and other research initiatives addressing urban education challenges.