Gerald D. Smith Jr. is Principal at St. Thomas More Catholic Academy located in DC, one of four schools in the Consortium of Catholic Academies. A former science and math educator for grades 4-12, Gerald has worked at various schools focused on developing differentiated instruction through phenomenon- and project-based learning. While teaching at Bishop McNamara High School, Gerald became familiar with Project Zero ideas and worked alongside colleagues to integrate teaching for understanding practices and visible thinking into the school's culture. As a seventh-year principal, Gerald is working to promote agency in both educators and students in order to develop strong citizens willing and ready to make the world more just and humane. He has participated in the Making Across the Curriculum, JusticexDesign, and the DC-Area Playful Schools Network initiatives.