about.
Don Smith is an educator, artist, leader, and community builder who has spent more than 20 years helping schools become more human-centered, creative, and connected.
Currently serving as Head of Middle School at The Buckley School in Los Angeles, Don brings deep experience in independent school leadership, child development, multicultural education, advisory programming, faculty support, and school culture. His career has included leading curriculum and advisory redesign, developing student-centered programs, supporting teacher growth, and building systems that help schools better understand and support the academic and social lives of young people. He holds a Master’s degree in Organizational and Private School Leadership from Columbia University Teachers College/Klingenstein Institute and was honored with the 2025 Bessie Bruington Burke Excellence in Education Award.
What makes Don’s work distinct is the way he blends rigor with warmth. He is as comfortable analyzing systems as he is creating a song, leading a workshop, writing poetry, or sitting with a student who needs to be understood. As a singer-songwriter, spoken word poet, author, and facilitator, Don believes education should make room for intellect, identity, creativity, and joy.
Through Don Smith Consulting, LLC, Don partners with schools, educators, parents, and leaders to build stronger communities, deepen practice, and create spaces where people feel seen, challenged, and inspired to grow.
music.
Before Don Smith became a respected educator and consultant, he lived another creative life as a singer, songwriter, and performer. His years in music shaped the way he listens, leads, teaches, and connects with people.
That artistry still lives at the center of his work. Whether he is speaking to students, designing professional development, writing poetry, or helping school leaders think differently, Don brings the same qualities that make music powerful: rhythm, honesty, presence, imagination, and soul.
