About

Building spaces of learning where teachers and students can work together to promote rich learning experiences rooted in everyone's voice and perspective is the missing piece to success in urban schools.  How might we work to promote cultural and communal learning? 

A native Washingtonian and graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana, Gerald D. Smith Jr. is the current principal of St. Thomas More Catholic Academy located in the Greater Southeast area of Washington D.C.  Gerald is currently a doctoral candidate at Xavier University of Louisiana whose research is focused in promoting more equitable and inclusive frameworks of teaching within urban schools that brings the perspectives and experiences of Black students in to cultural and communal learning space in schools.  A practitioner of Harvard University's Graduate School of Education Project Zero ideas, Gerald believes in the work of developing learning spaces that cultivate experiences for BIPOC students that invites their ideas and voices to the space to promote deep thinking and understanding.

Gerald is a devoted husband and follower of Christ.  He enjoys traveling, reading, and gummi bears.  He currently resides in Southeast D.C. with his wife and two dogs. He believes in the mantra to do all things, always, love & care.

This website was developed in accordance to the required project assignments within EDLD6014 Urban Education-Urban Culture Project.