Charisse Smith

Dr. Charisse Smith is a distinguished Principal Educational Consultant, keynote speaker, and owner of Sankofa Educational Consulting LLC. She also serves as the Curriculum Supervisor of Social Studies (K-6) and the Coordinator of the Bridge to Brilliance Gifted and Talented Program for Trenton Public Schools in New Jersey.As the founder of Sankofa Educational Consulting, Dr. Smith designs parental engagement programs, leads diversity initiatives, and delivers keynote speeches on academic excellence among Black youth, financial literacy, and community health. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education from Grand Canyon University and a PhD in Education from Capella University, focusing on transforming African American student attitudes towards STEM. She also earned Principal and Supervisor certifications from Rider University.Dr. Smith’s career spans roles including Teaching Assistant, mental health professional, elementary and middle school teacher, educational interventionist, and instructional coach. She is dedicated to community service, serving as a Board Trustee for the New Jersey Advocates for Aging Well (NJAAW) and as the first Black Executive Board Trustee for Notre Dame High School.Among her achievements, she launched the Inquiry Design Model for K-6 Social Studies in Trenton and founded REAL Men Read of Hamilton, promoting literacy among young students. Dr. Smith resides in Trenton with her husband, Steven, and their two adult children, Raven and Satchel. In her spare time, she enjoys crocheting, visiting museums, playing tennis, and raising rabbits.

World History 1

These are inquiries that fit in the 9th grade World History 1 course (ONLY 1 SEMESTER)

World History

Possible inquiries for World History. Will need to be broken down into units or concepts– this is just the first glance.

The American Civil War

A collection of inquires related to the American Civil War

Extremism in American History

This Building Block Inquiry stack will look at examples of extremism both left wing and right wing throughout American History.

The AWEsome stack

These four inquiries explore profound aspects of the human experience—from historical suffering and political ethics to fundamental economics and the nature of the American identity—all of which can evoke a sense of Awe.

Photographic Perspectives

Photography serves as a poignant story of the past, offering visual narratives that transcend time and space. Through the lens of historical photographs, we gain intimate glimpses into pivotal moments, societal shifts, and individual experiences frozen in time. These images capture the essence of historical events, from wars and revolutions to everyday life, allowing students to empathize with the people and their stories.

Activisim

Activism as a focus for inquiry invites students to explore how individuals and groups take action to promote change in their communities, nations, and the world. Through examining historical and contemporary examples of activism, students can engage with questions of justice, citizenship, and the responsibilities of participation in democratic life. Inquiries centered on activism encourage learners to consider both the motivations behind civic action and the strategies used to influence public policy and opinion.