Veteran Educator Worked at OPS as a Teacher, Assistant Principal, and Central Office Administrator

The Buffett Early Childhood Institute has named an associate director of program development to help lead early childhood initiatives.

Kanyon Chism comes to the Buffett Institute from Omaha Public Schools (OPS), where she has worked for almost two decades as a teacher, assistant principal, and central office administrator. Most recently she served as an elementary supervisor for curriculum, instruction, and assessment and as coordinator of elementary curriculum and instruction projects and school improvement.

As associate director, Chism will work closely with Lisa Roy, director of program development, and Cris Lopez Anderson, program administrator for the Superintendents’ Early Childhood Plan, which is a collaborative effort between the Institute, the 11 school districts in the Omaha area, and the Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy Counties.

“Kanyon has valuable knowledge about PreK – Grade 3 pedagogy and instructional practices, and is focused on meeting the needs of diverse learners while supporting both school- and district-level goals to decrease the achievement gap,” Roy said. “Her commitment to increasing access to equitable learning experiences for all children; her extensive background, education, and experience; and her connection to Omaha will make her an incredible asset for the Superintendents’ Plan and the Institute overall.”

“I am looking forward to improving opportunities for children and families in the Omaha metro community and beyond,” Chism said. “I have focused my doctoral work on leadership in early childhood and as an OPS staff member, I have embedded myself in the curriculum and instruction and school improvement work supporting our elementary schools. I am ready to share the skills and knowledge that I have gained working for OPS to help all children achieve their full potential.”

Chism earned an Ed.D. in educational leadership and a master’s degree in elementary education, both from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and she received her B.A. in elementary education from Creighton University. She also holds a school superintendent’s certificate and  PreK-12 endorsement in educational administration.

Chism started work at the Institute on August 1.