Crystal holds an undergraduate degree in social sciences from the University of Pittsburgh and graduate degrees in early childhood education and special education from Carlow University as well as her doctorate from Point Park University. Dr. Smith-Rose has taught in early childhood education classrooms within urban settings around the city of Pittsburgh. Moving beyond the classroom, she managed multiple childcare centers focusing on culturally relevant teaching practices and then began adjunct work in higher education. With over 15 years in the field of early childhood education, her strengths are in the areas of culturally relevant classroom instruction, childcare center management, equitable practices for black and brown children, early childhood classroom management, and implicit bias. Recently, she served as the Director of Pre-Apprenticeship and Adjunct Faculty in the Education Dept at Carlow University.                              

 

Dr. Crystal Smith-Rose was hired recently by FAME- Fund for Advancement of Minorities through Education as Director of FAME Academy. The FAME Academy honors the comprehensive needs of our middle students by offering a proven template of preparatory activities designed to cultivate success at an independent private high school and ultimately prepare them for college. Dr. Smith-Rose currently serves on the advisory committee for the FAME Teachers’ Academy to support the building of a pipeline for African American teachers. She is excited to begin her full-time role with FAME in November 2022.