Dr. Kyley Pulphus-Smith

Education Director

Dr. Kyley Pulphus-Smith is a mama, educator, and writer from New Orleans. She received her BA in Communications from the University of New Orleans, her MFA in Film Making from Florida State University, and her PhD in Curriculum & Instruction from Louisiana State University. She really loves school. Kyley is a career changer who originally worked in Hollywood. She is an award-winning children’s film writer/director, and spent several years working in children’s television in Los Angeles. However, New Orleans called her home, and she returned to her favorite city to pursue a career in education. She was a skilled classroom teacher, teacher coach, and teacher consultant for the Greater New Orleans Writing Project. She was also the founding program director of a youth writing nonprofit, where, under her stewardship, she supported thousands of young people in strengthening their writing skills. She oversaw the publishing of 30 books of youth writing, worked with dozens of teachers, and facilitated many professional development workshops. Kyley has received several honors, most recently earning the International Literacy Association’s Helen M. Robinson award. She was also recognized as one of Gambit's 40 under 40 and a Millennial Educator of the Year Finalist. Outside of work, Kyley enjoys spending time with her loved ones, delicious small-batch ice cream, and dancing, especially to brass band music.