Francesca Smith

About Francesca Smith

Through a decade of experience working in education, I\'ve developed expertise in early literacy, early childhood, and multilingual learners/dual language instruction. After teaching PreK through first grade in Washington, DC for 8 years, I\'ve transitioned to instructional coaching and education consulting. In this role, I\'ve partnered with school leaders, teachers, university students, and university faculty to develop and deliver professional development/coaching on a wide range of topics relating to elementary education, literacy development, and multilingual learners. I have experience delivering coaching/professional development in both English and Spanish. The schools I partner with serve a majority of Black, Latinx, and multilingual learners in Title I schools, which reflects my personal mission of elevating the quality of education for students furthest from opportunity. I enjoy being actively engaged in current literacy education research, which led me to recently complete a doctorate degree in Education Policy and Leadership (Early Literacy focus) at American University. As a doctoral student, I conducted my dissertation research on foundational biliteracy and partnership with Spanish-speaking families in dual language schools. I currently serve on the board of The Reading League-DC Chapter, where I focus on connecting local educators with literacy research and best practices.

Experience

1. Multilingual Specialist

   DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE)

   Sep 2024 — Present

Education

• American University

  Doctor of Education - EdD, Education Leadership and Policy; Early Literacy Intervention

  2020 — 2023

• Harvard University

  Bachelor of Arts (BA), Sociology

  2010 — 2014

• Lesley University

  Dual Master’s Degree, Elementary and Special Education

  2015 — 2017