“In the
end, it’s all about the beginning-the beginning of children’s lives, at a time
that is critically important to their future”
Katharine Jennette Smith, is a Durham native
and the oldest living of 5 children born to Edward and Dorothy Jennette.
Katharine gives credit to the person she is today to her late father Edward E.
Jennette, Sr., someone who she considers an outstanding role model in her life.
Being raised in the church, her father always instilled scripture in her life;
most notably Isaiah 56:1 (NIV) “This is what the Lord says: Maintain justice
and do what is right…”
Katharine’s parents always valued education but, for various reasons, they had to be pulled from school early to help their parents take care of their siblings. Resources and literature were made available to the Jennette children so that they would have the opportunities in life to be successful. A piece of literature that made a huge impact was the biography of Wilma Glodean Rudolph, an American sprinter who, after surviving bouts of polio and scarlet fever, became a world-record-holding Olympic champion. Guided by another scripture her father often quoted, (Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”) becoming the next Wilma Rudolph became one of Katharine’s first dreams. She went on to become an athlete that went to the Olympics for Track and Field training under Coach Walker and later worked with the students at Durham School of the Arts where she was the Head Volleyball Coach and Sprint Coach for Track and Field. “Dreams do come true!” Katharine’s diverse work and community background also includes her time as a Police Officer, Criminal Investigator and a Firefighter.
It was during her tenure at Durham PD as a
Criminal/Juvenile Investigator where she saw children who were constantly in
trouble with the law, that drove her to the path of Early Childhood Education
in order to take a proactive approach in making a difference in the lives of
children and families. Katharine has been an advocate for quality childcare for
over 30 years. She has owned and operated a nationally accredited childcare
facility which served as an Early Childhood practicum site. She is the owner of
S.I.E.R.R.A, Training/Consulting.
Currently,
Katharine is serving in a dual role at Family and Communities Rising. “I have
always been interested in the Head Start model and the population it serves.
After serving as ED at First Presbyterian Day School, a Five Star Facility for
15 years, I looked forward to embracing the holistic philosophy of the Head
Start Early Education model.”
“I
support and encourage teachers by giving them what they need so they can be
their best with the children and parents of FCR and so, by supporting them, I
can make a difference as well, in the lives of children and families”. She adds
that she loves connecting with the parents and connecting in a way that they
may feel encouraged and uplifted, not judged. She is an advocate of two
generational work with families and is excited to do more work with the mothers
and caregivers to support their needs.
Katharine
is passionate about her work and stated “You can’t run away from your purpose”
to describe her work in the Early Childhood Education space. She has been an
instructor at NCCU, an adjunct instructor at Durham Technical Community
College, a mentor to many, and has taught many current and past Early Education
staff and administrators. In 2006, she was awarded CCSA’s Child Care Award, and
in 2010, she was recognized not only with the Durham Partnership for Children
“Champion for Young Children Award” but also was highlighted in The Triangle
Tribune for her proactive approach to making a difference. She is also a Legacy
Honoree for Early Childcare Providers by the Laurence and Artelia Perry
Scholarship Fund
Katharine
is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of NCCU with dual degrees in Political Science
and Criminal Justice. She later received her MS from NCCU in Child Development.
Katharine is
married for 39 years to her loving and supportive husband, Ron. They reside in
Durham, NC and are the proud parents of 3 wonderful adult children, Michael,
Scottie and Sierra Smith and 4 grandchildren.
When we are together standing 6 feet and taller, I am amazed how many people think we are sisters. Even though we are not, there is a connectedness being educators which continued into being personal friends. You have been my go-to site when students had to complete in-person hands-on assignments not working in the field and having staff implement research-based activities for validity which I share in courses along with presentations. You are truly a strong woman displaying Black love, Black joy, Black excellence, and Black history. Thanks for allowing me to have your story in the series of Black Women Educators.
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