Kyana Hopkins
Position: Social Studies Teacher 9th through 11th Grade
School: Paul Robeson High School
School District: School District of Philadelphia
City, State: Philadelphia, PA
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Kyana Hopkins was nominated by a colleague, Richard Gordon.
"It is with profound admiration and pride that I nominate Ms. Kyana Hopkins, a distinguished educator in her sixth year with the School District of Philadelphia, for recognition as a LifeChanger of the Year," said Gordon.
A phenomenal Social Studies teacher, Dean of Students, after-school tutor, and mother of three, Ms. Hopkins embodies the very essence of what it means to be “everything” to her students—teacher, mentor, mother figure, counselor, and inspiration. A proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Ms. Hopkins lives out the sorority’s founding principles of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood through every facet of her professional life. Her approach to education is deeply rooted in nurturing the whole child—uplifting, educating, and empowering students to believe in their own greatness even when faced with adversity. Whether she is leading a thought-provoking lesson in her Social Studies classroom, mentoring a student through a personal challenge, or organizing after-school tutoring to ensure no student is left behind, she exemplifies what it means to teach with both heart and purpose.
Proven Ability to Make a Beneficial Difference in the Lives of Students: Ms. Hopkins has made a lasting difference in the lives of hundreds of students at Paul Robeson High School for Human Services. Her students don’t just learn history—they learn how to make it. She teaches them to analyze the world critically, to see themselves as agents of change, and to take pride in their cultural and intellectual identities. Her nurturing and empowering teaching style ensures that every student—no matter their background—feels seen, supported, and valued. During the pandemic, her compassion and innovation were nationally recognized when she was featured in The Philadelphia Inquirer for ensuring that her students had access to technology, emotional support, and consistent instruction during remote learning. That portrait of teacher excellence affirmed what our school community already knew: Kyana Hopkins represents the best of public education.
Ability to Create a Positive School Atmosphere: Ms. Hopkins’ presence radiates positivity and warmth throughout our school. Known affectionately as “Mom” or “Auntie Hops,” she has become an anchor for our students and staff alike. As Dean of Students, she balances accountability with compassion, creating an environment where students feel both safe and motivated to grow. Her classroom and office are sanctuaries—spaces where students find both structure and solace. Through her daily example, she has helped to cultivate a culture of respect, resilience, and belonging that extends well beyond her classroom walls.
Leadership Within Her School and District: A natural leader, Ms. Hopkins is deeply involved in the life of our school. In addition to her teaching and deanship, she mentors new educators, coordinates school-wide initiatives, and models professionalism and empathy for her colleagues. Her leadership was instrumental during my tenure as Principal of Robeson, when the school rose to national prominence, garnering more than 45 national and state awards—including Paul Robeson's recognition as a Pennsylvania Department of Education “High Progress” School. Her contributions were so impressive that in 2023, her classroom success—combined with the outstanding performance of her colleagues—prompted a personal visit from Pennsylvania’s two-term Governor Tom Wolf, who publicly recognized Ms. Hopkins and members of the Robeson staff for their statewide and national excellence. This rare and well-deserved recognition underscored her critical role in positioning Paul Robeson High School as a model of educational transformation in Pennsylvania.
Record of Excellent Performance at the Professional Level: Ms. Hopkins is consistently rated as a highly effective teacher and is widely respected by her peers for her instructional skill, classroom management, and student outcomes. Her work directly contributed to our 95% graduation rate, far exceeding the city average and proving that high expectations paired with compassion lead to success. She exemplifies excellence in every professional domain—maintaining rigorous academic standards while ensuring that learning remains engaging, relevant, and student-centered.
Commitment to Producing a Nurturing Atmosphere: Few educators embody the spirit of nurturing as naturally as Ms. Hopkins. She is the heart of our school family—someone who gives of herself daily to ensure that every child is supported emotionally, academically, and socially. Her ability to balance firm guidance with motherly care is extraordinary. She meets students where they are, sees their potential, and walks alongside them until they realize it themselves.
Adherence to High Moral and Ethical Standards: Ms. Hopkins leads with integrity, humility, and grace. She models fairness, respect, and compassion in all interactions—with students, parents, and colleagues alike. Her adherence to high moral and ethical standards has made her a trusted voice in our school community. She upholds the dignity of every student and consistently advocates for equity, justice, and opportunity. Her conduct is an example of the professional and personal excellence that every educator should aspire to achieve. Simply put, Ms. Kyana Hopkins is a LifeChanger in every sense of the word. She is a devoted mother, a scholar, a servant leader, and a beacon of hope serving a student demographic that is 100% minority (95% African-American), that is 82%% below the poverty rate, who often need more than a teacher—they need someone who truly sees them and cares for them deeply. She gives them that and more. Her impact reaches far beyond the classroom, as evidenced by the increased number of students she has mentored currently attending and completing college. And such an impact will be the lifeline directly improving the City of Philadelphia.
"As her former principal, I can say with absolute confidence that she is one of the finest educators I have ever had the honor to work alongside—a living testament to what is possible when excellence meets empathy, and when teaching is done with love," said Gordon
Kyana is completely dedicated to the students and communities she serves. She greets her students with a bright smile, encouragement, and pushes them to be the best version of themselves. Her impact on her students is undeniable. Kyana is a model teacher who leads by example and absolutely deserves this honor.
Ms. Hopkins is a phenomenal leader in the community and mentor to her students.
Mrs. Hopkins is amazing educator who is dedicated to her students’ academic and caring. She is so deserving of this nomination.
Go Hops! Great energy, great teacher!
Love you Sister You deserve to win. I am casting my vote
Mrs. Hopkins is amazing educator who is dedicated to her students’ academic and emotional growth. Her love and knowledge of history, especially African-American history, shines through in her teaching. As a coworker, she is a pleasure to work with because she is supportive. The students love her because she is caring, nurturing, sets high expectations, but is approachable with problems, issues or concerns. Kyana is one of the best teachers I have worked with.
It is a blessing to call Kyana Hopkins my soror, fellow educator, and spiritual sister, as she beautifully embodies our principles of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood. Her nomination as a LifeChanger of the Year honors her incredible impact as a Social Studies teacher and Dean who serves as a vital mother figure and mentor to her students. Kyana leads with a unique blend of empathy and excellence, ensuring that every child feels seen, loved, and empowered to believe in their own greatness.
Kyanna is not just a person each and every single day she will not settle to be just ordinary from the time she enter grade school she always had a desire to do more..I have watched develop into an extraordinary person, a person who take her students under her wings, sometime a student need someone like a big brother or big sister to talk to this is the person that Kyanna choose to be extra extraordinary.
A great teacher and community servant…
Kyana Thomas is an amazing person, she's a wonderful teacher making a huge difference in the lives of young people everywhere she goes. Also, she is the secretary at our church, keeping impeccable records and organizing many functions for our church, Oak Grove BC. Although she's doing all of these amazing things, wife and mother are her most rewarding titles. She is truly loved and respected by so many, I am proud to say she is one of my spiritual nieces.
Amazing Teacher. Very Caring, and supportive.
I worked with Kyana several years ago, and she continues to serve as an example of how teachers should conduct themselves in and out of the classroom. She supports her students and provides a warm environment for them to flourish and grow.
Dedicated and passionate educator. Very deserving of this nomination
Kyana is a portrait of grace under pressure, she navigates the beautiful complexity of her life with a quiet, unwavering strength. Whether she is leading initiatives within her Sorority, nurturing the spiritual growth of her church community, or pouring her heart into her teaching career, she moves with a purposeful dedication that inspires everyone around her. As a parent, she serves as the steady heartbeat of her home, balancing the high demands of her professional and service life with a deep, intentional presence for her children. Her journey is defined by a rare blend of patience and resiliency; she meets every challenge not as an obstacle, but as an opportunity to model fortitude for the next generation. In every role she occupies, she proves that one can be both a powerhouse of achievement and a sanctuary of peace.
Ms. Hopkins is the definition of a LifeChanger. Her impact on students goes far beyond academics, she builds confidence, character, and purpose. Paul Robeson is better because of her leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment to our students. This recognition is truly well deserved.
Kyana is such a phenomenal person in the classroom and outside of the classroom as well; she strives for excellence in everything that she does and for every student that she teaches.
Kyana is such a giving spirit and wonderful educator!
Kyana is an awesome person with many talents. She’s a jack of all trades and on top of that she’s an amazing wife, mother, & friend. She works hard and stands for what’s right. She is an amazing teacher and fills in positions that need attention in the school house. She’s always willing to lend a helping hand. Did I mention she’s amazing!?
Congratulations we are Godly proud of you.
Kyana is a former colleague of mine and an exceptional educator who truly loves pouring into her students. There was never a time when I did not see her working intentionally with students to ensure that what she was teaching was both meaningful and clearly understood.
If I could nominate her again and again, I absolutely would. Kyana is a woman of grace, excellence, and strength. To know her is truly to love her. Her bubbly spirit and kind words have consistently been a blessing to me.
As an entrepreneur who left the school district to build my own businesses, Kyana has always shown up to support anything and everything I do. Her encouragement has never wavered.
Kyana is, without question, a life-changer.
Kyana is a wonderful, passionate, and dedicated educator and person. I have known her for over 30 years and I couldn’t endorse such a deserving person.
Kyana has influenced many of her students to become a better student and to give nothing less than their best.
This woman has given her all towards the kids and fellow teachers and staff on making sure that all who come in contact with her gets what's inside her heart and soul toward life and it's nature.
Kyana is dedicated, focused and passionate about all that she does. I have only known her for three years, and she continues to be a woman of her word. Showing up when needed, being the voice of reason and a positive light to be around. It's an honor to know of her.
Kiana has worked hard to deserve this honor. I am proud to know you and excited to see what special things 2026 brings you!
She’s amazing history teacher and person! Not only is she involved in the community, but she pushes her students to do their best. I had the pleasure of taking one of her classes during high school, and still remember the information since it was so well taught! Even though I graduated a few years ago, she goes above and beyond to check in with life and academic progress. She truly deserves this award and many more to come.
Ms. Hopkins is truly inspirational with how she walks through life challenges with a smile and love in her heart. May she continue to share her gifts with her students and colleagues
Kyana was always an amazing educator way before she started teaching. We worked together years ago before I moved to Florida. She never stopped believing in herself and strived to be the best version of her self to every one she interacted with. Her mindset was always to help young people strive for excellence. She's an amazing person, mother and educator. We tend to measure people on their success but with Kyana her skill set with our young people can not be measured. It's embedded in her.
I had the pleasure to watch Kyana be a shining light as a educator, mother, sister, and daughter. She goes above and beyond to bring happiness to anyone she comes in contact within the schools, church or community.
May God continue to use her to uplift and guide students and others who get to meet her.
She is so deserving of this award.
One of the best teachers i ever had she was my teacher on 10th grade
Mrs. Hopkins is a wonderful individual. She nurtures and encourages her Students to do and be their best. Able to have difficult conversations while remaining professional and offering Parents Hope.
For the last several years I have known and worked closely with Ms. Hopkins in the field of education as perhaps one of the most socially and culturally astute individuals within the profession. As a professional she is a rooted diplomat with an amalgam of skills that are subsumed into her methodology and approach. Her ability to incorporate various disciplines such as history, anthropology, sociology, education, and urban-studies is central to her being a well-rounded diverse individual with a sagacious sense of humor.
What is more, her rich and eclectic approach has been shaped not only by various disciplines but also by diverse contacts and social relations with people from various cultures and generations. In addition, Ms. Hopkin’s voracious appetite for education has fostered experiences that have also made her one that can salubriously adapt and respond accordingly to any crisis or added responsibilities.
During my professional experiences, What is more, I have noticed that she pays particularly close attention to the social health and development of those served, while at the same time, provides strategic leadership and guidance to all institutions that are a part of her history.
Hereof, her wide range of experience encompasses education, community-outreach, and educational mentorship. To this extent, I have noticed that her philosophy builds on the notion that institutions exist to improve and support the quality of life, in all areas of society, socio-culturally. What most captivates me about Ms. Hopkins is that she is an agent of change. Moreover, she believes that education liberates people from all areas that foster development. Further, she is centered on working with disenfranchised and circumscribed groups in salubrious ways, which to this extent reveals her commitment to fostering character and the accretion needed that they may further their sense of space and belonging.
Moreover, Ms. Hopkins serves as a worthy candidate of acknowledgement for the “Life Changer of the Year Award .” -
Best,
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The best! An absolute pleasure working with and does so much for our students and school community!!
I have known Kyana since our undergraduate days at Lincoln University in 2001. She has always been enthusiastic about teaching young people and making them feel seen. Moreover, Kyana is an authentic rapport builder; her students and non-students recognize her genuine ability to bring out the best in them. I am proud of the growth Kyana has made over the years and I am equally proud of the young lives she has inspired throughout her journey as an educator. You are truly deserving of this nomination and award. Love you!
This woman is a beautiful human who spreads positivity wherever she goes. Most deserving of an award such as this.
Ms. Hopkins was my history teacher in high school, and she had a huge impact on me. She was always very helpful, supportive, and genuinely cared about her students. Even after I graduated, she has continued to support and encourage me, which means so much. She’s someone I truly appreciate and look up to.
Kyana is a wonderful teacher, friend and Mother! I have worked with her at Paul Robeson high school for several years! Her students adore her and she is always willing to stay late and put an extra time for whatever is needed if it benefits the school! She is not just a teacher, but a mother figure to her students. Kyana is always trying to improve her skills and better herself through professional development, and classes! Overall, she is a class act!
Kyana is our church secretary and, one of the best, with that big beautiful smile and her pleasant attitude about anything I come to her with, she has always been a Blessing to me. I can see why she is a nominee for life changer of the year, taking care of Home, Family, Work and Church that's a blessed person using her God given talents.
This is an amazing accomplishment for an anazing woman! Well deserved! Congratulations and Good Luck sis!
A dynamic leader and community servant with a heart and passion for her students a community.
This is well deserved! My sis is amazing and her impact is far reaching! Congratulation Kyana and Good Luck!
Mrs. Hopkins was my high school history teacher. She’s an amazing teacher who goes above and beyond for her students. She was always there when I or anyone else needed someone to talk to, always offering support and encouragement. Mrs. Hopkins was one of the best teachers I had in high school and she truly deserves this nomination.
Kyana is a life changer! Her dedication to everyone she encounters is amazing! Her care and concern for her students and her community is a testament to her faith and her commitment to others.
Mrs. Hopkins was my highschool history teacher. She’s an amazing teacher who goes above and beyond for her students. She was always there when I or anyone else needed someone to talk to, always offering support and encouragement. Mrs. Hopkins was one of the best teachers I had in highschool and she truly deserves this nomination.
I have known Kyana since our undergraduate days at Lincoln University in 2001. She has always been enthusiastic about teaching young people and making them feel seen. Moreover, Kyana is an authentic rapport builder; her students and non-students recognize her genuine ability to bring out the best in them. I am proud of the growth Kyana has made over the years and I am equally proud of the young lives she has inspired throughout her journey as an educator. You are truly deserving of this nomination and award. Love you!
Ky does not do it for the recognition…but recognition is DEFINITELY warranted!! I am confident that Kyana’s ‘Life Changing’ impact has and will continue to elevate the lives of many, for generations into the future. 100%. Thank you for all you do!
Kyana is a blessing. She is full of Love and it is revealed in everything she does.Most of all she Love the Lord and is faithful in sevice. I am glad that I was able to marry her.She has been a outstanding wife and mother. I told her many times she is the best secretary in the world. God have blessed her in so many ways and she freely shares it.
Congratulations!! Keep up the Great work!
I have known this amazing young lady for a very long time she is a great mother sister/friend daughter and educator. She loves what she does what makes things come easy to her! Not only does she make a difference in the life of her students she makes a difference in the lives of everyone she comes in contact with. The children she comes in contact with sometimes even consider her and their aunt and even a mother figure and that alone makes a difference! I personally love and appreciate everything you do and everything you stand for!
Ms. Hopkins really deserves this nomination. Over my four years, she was someone I could always go to for comfort and support. Her classroom felt like a safe space, and she never made me feel judged for asking questions or needing help. She’s very knowledgeable, but what meant the most was how supportive and understanding she was. She had a big impact on my high school experience and helped me grow, not just as a student, but as a person.
Kyana shows so much love and dedication to those in her day to day including those of us in our Sorority and the communities we serve. I can only imagine that Kyana gives a 1000% more to her students who rely on her.
Congrats Kyana for being nominated for Lifechanger of the year. The positive impact you make everyday will continue to shine through generations of children to come.
I support Kyana as the life changer of the year nominee because of love and support of young people not just in her school but her church and community. She is dedicated and express compassion and commitment to educating the youth of today.
Ms. Kyana Hopkins truly deserves this recognition. She has always carried such a warm, radiant energy that stayed with me long after high school. Seeing an Afro-centered, unapologetically Black teacher who walked confidently in her truth gave me pride in myself and in who I am. She inspired me to value knowledge, culture, and my own potential. Even now in college, her words still push me forward because she reminded her students that knowledge is power. Ms. Hopkins’ impact reaches far beyond the pool and the classroom, and her influence will always be felt.
Kiana has worked hard to deserve this honor. I am proud to know you and excited to see what special things 2026 brings you!
An educator who is deeply dedicated and consistently demonstrates a rare ability to find the right words at the right time. Her thoughtfulness, passion for teaching, and commitment to uplifting others make a lasting impact on students and colleagues alike.
Kyana is and has always been a very heart-warming person and is passionate about her career.
An educator who is deeply dedicated and consistently demonstrates a rare ability to find the right words at the right time. Her thoughtfulness, passion for teaching, and commitment to uplifting others make a lasting impact on students and colleagues alike.
Between 2021 and 2023, I had the pleasure of teaching history courses alongside Kyana at Paul Robeson High School. During that time, Kyana served as both a mentor and an exemplar of excellence in teaching. Through the ways she lovingly pushed her students toward excellence – in the quality of their work and in their critical thinking – she modeled what rigorous, student-centered instruction can look like.
From day one, what struck me most was her deep content knowledge of history and pedagogy. Many of my lessons were inspired by her practice, and she was a constant reminder that the relational work teachers do must be both loving and critical. Kyana has not only changed the lives of hundreds of students; she is also an inspiration for the kind of teacher needed to create more just and meaningful educational experiences.
My sister. What more can I say that people don’t already know. You are amazing. You will always shine bright and there isn’t anything that can hold you down. Love you always.
Kyana represents an extraordinary talent. She’s an exceptional human being, mother, sister, professional and life changing educator. An honor so well deserved. Always proud!
Kyana is a great person overall. As a listener and as a person who makes what she hears an actionable pursuit to get things done, i am excited about her future and what she brings to the educational field. Super proud of her.
Such an amazing teacher, mentor, and inspiring friend. She was my previous History teacher but outside of that she was an inspiration to me. She believed in me, in ways I never could believe in myself. She stayed by my side no matter the time, during or after school hours. She left a lasting impact on my life, and for that I appreciate here beyond words and so glad to still bond with her, after graduation.
I've had the pleasure of working with Kyana for several years at Paul Robeson. Even though my main responsibility was supervising the math and science programs, I stopped every day in "Hops's" class. I told her that she had the best scented classroom in the building, (loved her aromatherapy diffuser), but I really enjoyed the vibe in her room. Hops teaches history and she has this unique ability to bring the past to the present and keep the kids engaged. Hops makes history relevant and this is extremely important when you have teenagers in the classroom. She was always available to help in any way she could, taking on whatever role necessary for the overall success of our Robeson family. She IS a Life Changer and I am ever so grateful to have worked with her and to also call her "friend".
An awesome woman I have had the pleasure of knowing for well over 20 yrs
So godly proud of you. Amazing mother, educator, woman of God and friend. As an educator you are such an invaluable asset to the school community. You’re valued dearly by your coworkers, colleagues and to your students. You’re an irreplaceable part of your students’ lives. You are teacher, mother, therapist and advocate for your students. This nomination is so fitting and deserving!!! Congratulations
What can I say about this incredible woman of God? One thing for sure and two things for certain she loves the children! She has made a great impact on so many lives even when she doesn’t think she has. She loves and keeps up with every student is able to that she has to taught. I have seen her show up and show out for the youth in Philadelphia not only at her school but also in her community! She loves them and they love her back! Keep up the great work you are doing ….and know that all your blessings come from God for the works you are doing!
Congratulations! Continue to be awesomely amazing!!
Kyana Hopkins gives so much of herself so that her impact on young men & women can be felt even after they graduate. What an amazing woman who understands the value of an educational institution and its purpose in elevating and stimulating the minds of young people. She breathes life in to her students and provides hope in her inspiring words. They gravitate to someone who understands their journey and the challenges of life placed for them. Kyana’s footprint on her students can’t be measured by an award but it’s a reflection of thank you for all that you have done and for things that are yet to come.
Congratulations to this beautiful woman...inside and out. Kyana is a wonderful educator and a true sister/friend. She is always putting others first before herself. She is definitely deserving of this beautiful award.
Kyana Hopkins-Thomas This is an extraordinary young woman. I have known Kyana since she was 12 years old, even then at that young age I knew she was going to change the world and change lives. Everything she's done has been intentional. Whether it's being a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, an auntie, a godmother, a teacher, a nurturer, and she disciplines with love. However the greatest title she holds is being a woman of God. Kyana balance is all of these titles with greatness. I was not surprised that this auspicious honor was bestowed upon her. It is definitely well deserved. Being the humble person that she is I know she is beyond grateful.
Kyana is kind-hearted, caring and loving person. she works hard not only in her school, She volunteers in her church as well as her community. Education is a big part of Kyana's makeup She always encouraging an uplifting I'll use and those around her, making sure everyone she meets has the tools they succeed.
Kyana has one of the biggest hearts, she can interact with the youngest to the oldest never skipping a beat. Everyone who gets to know her loves her.
Congratulations Sis.
I've had the pleasure of working alongside Kyana for the past 7 years. She's an amazing educator and person. She brings everything she has everyday to her students. She is well deserving of this award.
A great teacher, community servant and Soror. You are so deserving of this recognition and so much more. You have my full support. Katherine Gilmore Richardson
such a giving, supportive, and truly inspirational being.
Kyana is my goddaughter. She has always been a blessing to our family and a blessing to the School District. She is devoted, caring, loving and loves working with her students. We are all so very proud of her.
Amazing, dedicated and passionate educator! This nomination is truly deserving! So proud of you!
Kyana efforts in and out of the classroom has a tremendous impact on the Philadelphia Community. Her love for teaching and helping her students find the right resources to accomplish their dreams comes from having a selfless spirit. Her community engagement through Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. is an extension of that selfless spirit as she continues to empower youth through her volunteering.
Congratulations, Kyana, my beautiful sis. This is a well deserved honor. I am so Godly proud of you. Continue to let your light shine brightly. Love you!
I think you should choose Ms.Hopkins because she was my mother when I was at school and need some to talk too. She was the therapist and the person I trust. I hope you pick Ms.Hopkins because she is a phenomenal teacher when it came time to do assignments I understood and she was very helpful when I didn’t understand certain things on the assignment.
THATS MY MOMMA!! THATS MY AMAZING MOTHER!!
