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Alumni Feature: Crystal Perry

"I joined TFA to initiate a spark for a child." -Perry (Metro Atlanta, '00)


Crystal Perry

By The TFA Editorial Team

October 12, 2016

Crystal Perry (Metro Atlanta, ‘00), Atlanta, GA

National Senior Director of Partnership Implementation, BELL (Building Educated Leaders for Life)

Why did you join TFA: I joined TFA to initiate a spark for a child. More people need an engagement with a flame; an idea or thought, an emotion, a feeling that ignites something internally and excites you mentally. Each of us has an innate gift or talent or skill set, that when sparked uncovers our natural drive and desire. Uncovering that potential is the true purpose of education. The objective of education is simply stated but barely practiced. That said, I joined TFA to bring others, children specifically into their identity; identifying their personal purpose, passions and production.

Favorite TFA Memory: During my 2nd year, I was able to lead an African American History program for the students and staff. It was a true celebration of heritage and helped a community practice pride. My students loved performing and learning about history. Whether serving as a teacher, instructional coach or educational leader, I remain committed to the development of the whole child through experiences that build problem-solving skills and foster awareness of community responsibility.

I take great pride in fostering teacher, staff and student motivation, leadership development, civic responsibility and respect for individual, cultural, religious and racial differences. I actively seek to stay apprised of instructional strategies in order to support practices that will yield greater student achievement.

How has TFA impacted you: My TFA experience has helped to shape and strengthen my belief that the goal of education is to increase competence while developing confidence and social responsibility in children. As an educator, I joined the "system" knowing that my work would have more lasting effects than immediate. As a teacher, I viewed my students as vessels and attempted to fill them with everything that I could pour into them while striving to create paths to self-discovery and character development.

I have more than 10 years of experience in the field of educational leadership, coaching, and managing strategic partnerships. Throughout my career in education, I have been consistently rewarded for hard work with promotions and increased responsibilities. These rewards have been a direct result of my expertise in developing programmatic excellence, my commitment to both personal and professional excellence, my leadership training, communication skills, and my ability to with collaborate with colleagues at all levels to accomplish goals.

College Attended: Agnes Scott College, GSU

Community Activities: ONE Atlanta, CASA, TFA-The Collective