Dr. Nakia Cotton-Smith

Dr. Nakia Cotton-Smith is a native of Tallahassee, Florida. She earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Clark Atlanta University, Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, and Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Dr. Cotton-Smith is certified in Reading (K-12) and Special Education (K-12).

With twenty-nine years of leadership and educational experience, Dr. Cotton-Smith has held various district and school-level leadership positions in the two largest districts in Georgia. She has also served as a Director of Special Programs at Florida State University School, Adjunct Professor at Tallahassee Community College, and an educator in various Florida school districts. In these roles, she has supported school and district leaders, diverse learner populations, and different educational programs.

Dr. Cotton-Smith is a wife and a proud mother of two sons, whom she considers her most outstanding achievement. She is also the owner and CEO of Edufaith Educational Services, a self-published author of Essential Tips for Special Education Leaders, Essential Tips for Section 504 Coordinators, Essential Tips for Parents of Students with Disabilities, and Essential Tips for Educators (Amazon), and a podcaster (Edufaith Essentials). Dr. Cotton-Smith is a full-time instructor at Clark Atlanta University and a part-time instructor at Kennesaw State University. She knows that education unlocks doors to vast opportunities and positively shapes society.