Abby Smith Email & Phone Number

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Area

Harrisburg, Pa

Lead writer for Pennsylvania’s Phase 2 Race to the Top grant application. Researched and wrote policy memos and recommendations regarding alternative certification, teacher certification testing, and educator preparation and quality. Implemented a comprehensive communications strategy for the Bureau of School Leadership and Teacher Quality, initiating a new website, monthly newsletter, weekly e-mail update, and regular webinars. Adapted the guidelines, policies, and procedures for educator preparation programs statewide based on major legislative and regulatory changes. Streamlined the teacher and leadership preparation program approval processes through an online, electronic application system. Coordinated implementation within the Department to institutionalize changes. Conducted and participated in meetings and presentations on educator preparation and quality with key stakeholders, including state legislators, the Governor’s Office, the State Board of Education, and statewide advocates and leaders in education, often on behalf of the Secretary of Education, Deputy Secretary, or Bureau Director. Nominated for the 2010 Governor’s Award for Excellence; recipient of a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of “superior work performance and dedicated efforts” for Race to the Top work.

Led the largest increase on the recruitment team for any single university in the 2005/2006 season, with an increase of 73.7% in applications (95 to 165) and an increase of 220% in acceptances (from 10 to 32). Led the 150-person recruitment team two years in a row for highest percentage of student-to-applicant yield. Developed and executed marketing and recruitment strategies to increase the number of quality applications. Managed a thirteen-person team and oversaw recruitment efforts at multiple universities.

Provided some students at Glenmount School with formal social studies instruction for the first time. 83% of students demonstrated content mastery based on an ambitious social studies assessment. Nominated for the Baltimore City Public School System “Teacher of the Year.” (Spring 2005) Chair, Middle School Achievement Committee and member, School Improvement Team.

Ba, History

M.S., Public Policy And Management

M.A., Secondary Social Studies Education

Education record

Education record

Education record

Bachelor Of Arts - Ba