coaching. training. advising. onboarding.
Crystal Education Collaborative
specializing in new teacher support
Who We Are
The United States is experiencing teacher shortages, partly due to the turnover of beginning teachers (VanLone et al., 2022). Studies have shown that up to 44 percent of teachers leave before their fifth year, and 10 percent leave before the end of their first year (Ingersoll et al., 2014, 2018). These rates increase in schools that serve marginalized populations such as students of color, students living in poverty, and students with disabilities (Carver-Thomas & Darling-Hammond, 2017; Sorensen & Ladd, 2020).
At Crystal Education Collaborative, we recognize the dire need to retain teachers, especially new teachers, so that students can receive an equitable education with minimal learning disruptions. We believe that the key to supporting new teachers well is to know them well. We accomplish this by providing a non-evaluative learning environment with an intentional focus that allows teachers to embrace vulnerability, welcome change, improve their teaching practices, and realize their capabilities as professionals in education. Through collaboration with new teachers, school personnel, and other educational stakeholders, we can co-create equitable spaces where teachers and students thrive.
Our Approach
New Teacher Support Framework
In collaboration with new teachers, mentors. administrators, and other educational leaders, our framework is designed to accomplish success for new teachers through the following pillars:
Relational
Logistical
Instructional
Emotional
Equitable
This pillar focuses on the common aspects of teaching that new teachers continue to adjust as they learn their students. This includes classroom management, expectations, rules, and procedures, classroom layout, organizational skills, etc.
As a Crystal Education Collaborative partner, we guarantee expert instructional support for new teachers from licensed professionals including: best pedagogical practices, teaching strategies, feedback and reflection, etc.
Balancing being a new teacher along with life’s demands can be challenging. We also understand how the evaluative role of administrators can sometimes inhibit teachers from sharing their teaching concerns. As an external partner, we work to ensure that new teachers feel heard and understood.
Educational equity is our ultimate goal when working with our clients. Every student deserves an equitable education with a prepared teacher who recognizes their genius. Through each pillar, we create spaces in our services that allow teachers to think critically about their teaching practices and behaviors to ensure that all children are celebrated for who they are.
Relationships are the foundation of our work and are integral when collaborating with new teachers. We pride ourselves in providing a non-evaluative, confidential space that allows new teachers to openly express their concerns so that we can actively address them.
our
services
All services are available in person, virtual, or hybrid.
Dr. Crystal Johnson is an educator, specializing in new teacher support. She has coached, trained, advised, onboarded, and collaborated with 430+ EC Pre-K-12 beginning and career teachers, 50+ principals, and 130+ teacher mentors in over 50 public schools. Dr. Johnson recognizes that new teachers are most likely employed at schools that predominately serve students of color and/or students experiencing poverty. These schools also experience high teacher attrition, causing several learning disruptions for students. Supporting new teachers in their teaching and learning is imperative for the academic success of all students, especially those within marginalized populations. Dr. Johnson believes that it is everyone's responsibility for new teachers to feel supported and efficient in their new profession. She provides expert support by providing knowledgeable, comprehensive, and personalized support for new teachers and other educational stakeholders.
Crystal Johnson, Ph.D.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Bachelor of Science: Elementary Education (K-6)
Master of Education: Curriculum and Instruction (Reading K-12)
Post Master's Certificate: School Administration
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Doctor of Philosophy: Curriculum and Instruction (Urban Education)
Educational Background
Testimonials
Ms. Johnson is an exceptional coach. I am so appreciative of her support and ability to clearly communicate areas of improvement for instructors on all levels of teaching. She is personable and able to speak to each educator on their level, beginner or highly experienced. She is truly a gem and wonderful to work with.
-Career 5th Grade Teacher
Carter G. Woodson Charter School
I worked with Crystal for 5 years in Guilford County Schools as she led new teachers and assisted them with strategies to improve their practice. Her expertise and coaching impacted students’ academic performance and teachers’ confidence in the classroom. I also worked alongside Crystal as an Equity Leadership Coach. Her determination and presentation skills helped ensure all students have an equitable academic experience.
-Assistant Principal
Charlotte-Mecklenberg Schools
Crystal is absolutely amazing! She is “pro-YOU” which means she represents her clients in a way that makes them feel seen. Crystal is knowledgeable about her craft and thorough in her ability to grow education.
-2nd year High School English Teacher
Guilford County Schools
Crystal made lasting impacts on new teacher support programming and broke down walls both in our system, and in the minds of her own team, including mine. She thoughtfully approached issues of bias that surfaced in her team, her beginning teachers and her supervisor with careful research and a commitment to racial equity for all.
Her work lives on, and will continue to live on for many years. She did more than plant a seed, she grew a
forest.
-Former Director
Dr. Johnson is THE definition of a coach. As a brand new teacher, a lot is thrown at you your first year. I was apprehensive when we first met, as I wasn’t sure what to expect. However, she gave a lot of support and has helped me tremendously in becoming a better teacher. I look forward to working with Dr. J in the future!
-Physical Education Teacher
NC Lab School