Keitha Denise Burnett, Ph.D.

Dr. Keitha Burnett is an accomplished educator, researcher, and advocate who has dedicated her life to using writing, research, and action as tools for self-expression and social change. A native of rural northeast North Carolina, Dr. Burnett’s journey from modest beginnings to academic and professional excellence exemplifies perseverance and a strong sense of purpose. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science, a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Dakota, and a Ph.D. from Florida International University. During her college career, Dr. Burnett participated in numerous activities and was a part of the Golden Chain Honor Society at UNC-G and Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society in graduate school. Early in her career, she gained valuable experience as a legislative intern in Bismarck, North Dakota, and as an intern with the United States Coast Guard on Governors Island—experiences that shaped her understanding of governance, civic duty, and public service.

In addition, Dr. Burnett was recognized by Bethune-Cookman University Alumni as an outstanding educator, served on the State of Florida Instructional Evaluation Committee, and was an advisor to the Youth Council of the South Dade Chapter of the NAACP. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Burnett organized a drive-by recognition for the class of 2020 in her community, with the help of the Miami-Dade Police, the former Commissioner Dennis Moss's office, and the South Dade Branch of the NAACP. She co-chairs the Community Scientific Advisory Board of the Center for Latino Health Research Opportunities, a joint venture between Florida International University and the University of Miami, and is a member of the South Florida Writers Association.

Throughout her extensive teaching career in Miami-Dade County Public Schools, as a National Board Certified Teacher, Dr. Burnett served as Social Studies Department Chair, teaching a wide range of courses, from exceptional education to advanced placement. In 2005, she founded Lawrence Academy, an independent charter school established in honor of her parents, serving primarily a migrant and disadvantaged population. Under her leadership, the school became the first charter institution in South Dade to be accredited by SACS, achieving significant success with over 70% of graduates pursuing college education. Despite the challenges of under-enrollment that led to the school’s closure after nearly a decade, Dr. Burnett transformed her experiences into a reflective book, "The Last 180 Days", highlighting lessons of resilience. She presented a paper, "Building a Model to Measure Resilience," at the 25th Annual International Conference on Education in Athens, Greece, and is currently working on a book related to the topic, scheduled for release in the Fall of 2026. The previous year, she presented a paper entitled, “The Power of Purposeful Portfolios in Social Science: An Inclusive Approach to Comprehensive Teaching.”

Today, Dr. Burnett continues to shape young minds as a Social Science Faculty member and Call to Action Coordinator at Gulliver Preparatory School in Miami, where she teaches or has taught courses such as Women’s Studies, Government, and Economics. Her approach centers on empowering students through research, critical thinking, and civic engagement, exemplified by her student-led symposiums on contemporary social issues. Dr. Burnett's ongoing projects include two upcoming books and the future launch of a virtual Black History lecture series and tours in conjunction with the NAACP. Dr. Burnett remains deeply committed to advancing diversity, equity, and historical awareness through education and storytelling.

Dr. Burnett is married to Michael and has two children, Melanie and Michael II. They reside in Miami, Florida.

• Florida International University - Ph.D

• Guest Speaker, Florida Memorial College
• Guest Speaker, The North Dade Regional Library
• Outstanding Service in Education
• High School Social Studies Teacher of the Year
• Nominated and selected for the State Instructional Materials Evaluation Committee
• Who's Who Among Teachers
• Selected " Most Significant Teacher" by Valedictorian
• Teacher of Year
• Selected by " Most Significant Teacher" by Salutatorian
• Golden Chain Honor Society
• Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honor Society at UND
• Finalist for Social Studies Teacher of the Year
• Lawrence Academy Middle (6-8) recognized for academic achievement 2008, 2009, 2010
• National Board Certified Teacher
• Selected Most Significant Teacher by Valedictorian

• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
• Life Member of NAACP
• South Florida Writers Association

• Governing Board
• Consultant