Posted on: July 5, 2011
Crystal Smith, eigth grade teacher at Christiansburg Middle School, was recently named the recipient of the 2011 JMU Distinguished Alumni Award for Teaching. The award, presented by the James Madison University Alumni Association, recognizes exemplary teaching skills.
“Crystal is an excellent representative of the quality educators throughout the county,” said Brenda Blackburn, division superintendent. “We are proud of her continued accomplishments.”
In addition to teaching at Christiansburg Middle School, Smith is also the 2011 MCPS Teacher of the Year. She graduated from James Madison University in 2002, and earned National Board Certification in 2007.
The JMU Distinguished Alumni Award for Teaching was established in 2007 to honor the founding principles of the State Normal and Industrial School for Women at Harrisonburg, now James Madison University. The award is given to a JMU graduate who is an exemplary classroom teacher, pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade, who has shown by spirit and professionalism to be outstanding in her/his profession. All members of the JMU Alumni Association who are classroom teachers, pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade, with at least five years of teaching experience, are eligible for the award. Smith will be formally presented with the award in the fall.
-XXX-