About me
Gerald D. Smith Jr. is the former Principal of St. Thomas More Catholic Academy in Washington, DC, where he led with a focus on equity, innovation, and community partnerships. Currently he is the Lead Education Specialist for Youth Development Programs at the Smithsonian Institution working with museum experts to develop out of school curriculums for programs across the nation. These include Girls Inc, NYC and the Boys and Girls Club. He recently received his doctorate in Educational Leadership at Xavier University of Louisiana, with research centered on culturally relevant pedagogy and developing agency among Black middle school students. With over two decades of experience as an educator and leader, Gerald has worked across classrooms, schools, and professional learning networks to design transformative learning experiences. He is a longtime collaborator with Harvard’s Project Zero and the Smithsonian Institution, creating programs that integrate critical thinking, student voice, and real-world problem-solving. Passionate about preparing young people for lifelong success, he brings expertise in curriculum design, leadership development, and culturally responsive practices. During his free time he enjoys spending time with his wife, Krishaun traveling and gardening. When not saving education you can find him with a really good book.
