Crystel Harris is Director of the People team at NewSchools, where she supports staff learning and development and oversees the management of their human resources needs. Her commitment to education and equity has been a consistent theme throughout her career. She served as a founding middle school teacher in her hometown of the Bronx, developed the first teacher residency program at the New York City Department of Education, and led the city’s first effort to recruit and retain male teachers of color, NYC Men Teach.
Throughout her career, Crystel has seized opportunities to innovate, influence, and build systems and structures that improve educational opportunities for students and provide strong learning and development avenues for adults.
Crystel earned a B.A. in Public Policy and African American Studies from Princeton University and a M.A. in Urban Education from Mercy College through the NYC Teaching Fellows Program. She has a doctorate in education leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Outside of work, Crystel enjoys working out, spending time with friends and family, and exploring new podcasts.