Curriculum Vitae
Crystal M. Giddings, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Counselor Education
[email protected]
Education
Man is always thirsty for knowledge, whether he knows it or not. So, as a teacher I must quench the learner’s thirst before he becomes dehydrated. To keep him alert, his eyes in search of the unknown, his heart in love with higher learning, his brain engaged in solving complex problems, and his soul forever illuminating, I must answer the call of creativity, genuiness, relevancy, spontaneity, and caring. Each learner becomes my special gift to the world; that is, signed, sealed and delivered to our country as smart, intelligent, capable, and a productive citizen that is able to thrive in a global society.
Students are a catalyst for learning in the classroom as I serve as the facilitator, and thereby, bridge the gap between the textbook’s concepts and common sense. I believe in maintaining rigor and encourage creative expressions. Like Carl Rogers, I too believe in the respect and support of all students, unconditionally. It is a pleasure to have diversity among students, which represents the true America, in my classroom.
Paramount to my professorship is that all students are wiser by mastering lessons learned through abstract reasoning and more sensitive to the needs of self and others. Counseling is all about self-maintenance and helping others to do the same. It is also about wholeness and wellness. Here, I lead by example and impart healthy living choices in all of my classes. Interactive experiences are most normal and include student presentations, games, skits, role-playing, debates, student-made videos, e-portfolios and direct observations at school sites. Every avenue for students’ success is employed.
Life-long learning is essential to a full meaningful life; my students end each semester with this “sermon on the mount” as I convey that just when you think you know it all, or that you finished blooming, another branch of questions begging for answers appear. The last day of class is not the end of my student-relations, as I make myself available to advise, mentor and recommend for many years to come. It is said, “Once a parent, always a parent.” I say, “Once a teacher, always a teacher.”
Bio—Crystal M. Giddings is multi-talented and an Assistant Professor at Clark Atlanta University. She is the proud product of the Atlanta Public Schools where she also began her career as an elementary school teacher for twelve years and then became school counselor for nineteen years. She retired from the Cobb County Schools System with a total of thirty-eight years as an educator. She is most noted for program planning, community volunteerism and social justice activism. She has a scholarship in her name for high school seniors and college students and is a motivational speaker. Twice her peers selected her as Writer of the Year. Her first poem was published in her high school’s newspaper. Now her first book is under publication and is due out summer 2014. She is a member of Trinity Chapel Church of God where she co-teaches a growth-track class and sings in the choir.
After graduating from David T. Howard High School, Crystal went on to earn four degrees. While she was a high school counselor she started teaching adults in professional development classes when her principal recognized her classroom management skills. Soon a friend submitted her name to a department chair at Clark Atlanta University and she quickly became an adjunct instructor. Of the many special moments in her life, her trip to Israel, and two trips to Washington, DC to see President Obama sworn in are at the top of the list.
Crystal is broker and founder of The Crystal Realty Group, LLC, resides just outside of Atlanta, and has one son, James.
Courses taught—CCPS 503-Human Growth and Development, CCPS 5 Organization and Administration of Counseling Programs, CCPS 518-School Consultation, School Practicum, CCPS 540-School Counseling Internships I and CCPS 541-School Counseling Internship II.
Research interests—Implementation of the American School Counselor Association National Counseling Standards, parenting styles on student success.
Teaching Experience—None at the post-secondary level
Publications-- Jackson, Crystal & Omar Wray (2007). Health and Fitness for the Professional School Counselor. Georgia School Counselors Association Journal.
Jackson, Crystal (2010). Georgia School Counselors Association Presidential Annual.
Presentations--
Conferences Attended--
Professional memberships--
Additional skills—Individual and group counseling, program planning, test interpretations, consultation and coordination; counseling advocacy.
Dissertation—An Investigation of the Effects of a Counseling Module on the Academic Achievement and Rate of Counseling Self-Referrals of a Select Group of Black Male Adolescent Students-Professor Eugene Herrington, Advisor
Summary: This research investigated the rate of self-referrals among adolescent black males in a metropolitan middle school. Eighth grade black males were randomly placed in either a control or experimental group. Baseline and intervention data were collected during the first and second semesters. A counseling module was developed based on the Georgia State Department of Education’s evaluation Manual for Counselors. Findings showed no significant difference between the control and experimental groups on test scores or academic performance. However, significant differences were found with the experimental group of students who were self-referred for counseling services as they had a greater rate than those students who did not receive the counseling module.
Other professional experience--
Service--
Crystal M. Giddings, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Counselor Education
[email protected]
Education
- Doctoral
degree, Counselor Education, Clark Atlanta University, 1996.
- Master’s
degree, School Counseling, Georgia State University, 1974.
- Educational
Specialist, School Counseling, Georgia State University, 1987.
- Bachelor’s
degree, Elementary Education, Morris Brown College.
- Professional
certifications-
- Georgia
Department of Education-School Counseling, T-7; K-12
- Georgia
Licensed Professional Counselor
- National
Certified Counselor
- National
Certified School Counselor
Man is always thirsty for knowledge, whether he knows it or not. So, as a teacher I must quench the learner’s thirst before he becomes dehydrated. To keep him alert, his eyes in search of the unknown, his heart in love with higher learning, his brain engaged in solving complex problems, and his soul forever illuminating, I must answer the call of creativity, genuiness, relevancy, spontaneity, and caring. Each learner becomes my special gift to the world; that is, signed, sealed and delivered to our country as smart, intelligent, capable, and a productive citizen that is able to thrive in a global society.
Students are a catalyst for learning in the classroom as I serve as the facilitator, and thereby, bridge the gap between the textbook’s concepts and common sense. I believe in maintaining rigor and encourage creative expressions. Like Carl Rogers, I too believe in the respect and support of all students, unconditionally. It is a pleasure to have diversity among students, which represents the true America, in my classroom.
Paramount to my professorship is that all students are wiser by mastering lessons learned through abstract reasoning and more sensitive to the needs of self and others. Counseling is all about self-maintenance and helping others to do the same. It is also about wholeness and wellness. Here, I lead by example and impart healthy living choices in all of my classes. Interactive experiences are most normal and include student presentations, games, skits, role-playing, debates, student-made videos, e-portfolios and direct observations at school sites. Every avenue for students’ success is employed.
Life-long learning is essential to a full meaningful life; my students end each semester with this “sermon on the mount” as I convey that just when you think you know it all, or that you finished blooming, another branch of questions begging for answers appear. The last day of class is not the end of my student-relations, as I make myself available to advise, mentor and recommend for many years to come. It is said, “Once a parent, always a parent.” I say, “Once a teacher, always a teacher.”
Bio—Crystal M. Giddings is multi-talented and an Assistant Professor at Clark Atlanta University. She is the proud product of the Atlanta Public Schools where she also began her career as an elementary school teacher for twelve years and then became school counselor for nineteen years. She retired from the Cobb County Schools System with a total of thirty-eight years as an educator. She is most noted for program planning, community volunteerism and social justice activism. She has a scholarship in her name for high school seniors and college students and is a motivational speaker. Twice her peers selected her as Writer of the Year. Her first poem was published in her high school’s newspaper. Now her first book is under publication and is due out summer 2014. She is a member of Trinity Chapel Church of God where she co-teaches a growth-track class and sings in the choir.
After graduating from David T. Howard High School, Crystal went on to earn four degrees. While she was a high school counselor she started teaching adults in professional development classes when her principal recognized her classroom management skills. Soon a friend submitted her name to a department chair at Clark Atlanta University and she quickly became an adjunct instructor. Of the many special moments in her life, her trip to Israel, and two trips to Washington, DC to see President Obama sworn in are at the top of the list.
Crystal is broker and founder of The Crystal Realty Group, LLC, resides just outside of Atlanta, and has one son, James.
Courses taught—CCPS 503-Human Growth and Development, CCPS 5 Organization and Administration of Counseling Programs, CCPS 518-School Consultation, School Practicum, CCPS 540-School Counseling Internships I and CCPS 541-School Counseling Internship II.
Research interests—Implementation of the American School Counselor Association National Counseling Standards, parenting styles on student success.
Teaching Experience—None at the post-secondary level
Publications-- Jackson, Crystal & Omar Wray (2007). Health and Fitness for the Professional School Counselor. Georgia School Counselors Association Journal.
Jackson, Crystal (2010). Georgia School Counselors Association Presidential Annual.
Presentations--
- Atlanta Board of Education (1984) on the
need to hire counselors for elementary schools; resulted in part to the hiring
of five elementary schools counselors.
- Atlanta Board of Education (1991) on
middle school facility maintenance issues; resulted in school renovation.
- Giddings, Crystal and Sonya Wright
(2003). Using Technology to Enhance Counseling Services. Georgia School
Counselors Annual Fall Conference.
- Giddings, Crystal (2004). Using
Portfolios in Senior Transition. Georgia School Counselors Annual Fall
Conference.
- Jackson, Crystal and Omar Wray (2007).
Health and Fitness for the School Counselor. Georgia School Counselors Annual
Fall Conferences.
- Jackson, Crystal (2009). Senior
Portfolios, Don’t Leave School Without It! Georgia School Counselors Annual
Fall Conference.
- Atlanta Public Schools/Communities In
Action Grant for a secondary after-school tutorial program.
- Cobb County Schools Grant to establish a
college career center.
- Family Friendly Schools Grant for the
leadership team to attend a conference in Washington, DC and to create a family
focused school climate.
- The Southern Association for College Admission Counseling to visit overnight four post secondary institutions.
Conferences Attended--
- American
Counseling Association, 2012
- American
School Counselor Association Annual Conferences, 2012, 2014
- Clark
Atlanta University Summer Faculty and Staff Institute, 2013
- Georgia
School Counselors Association Fall Conferences, 1986 to 2013
- Willowbrooke@Tanner
Workshop on the New Diagnostic Criteria
DSM, 2014
- The
2014 Summit on Educational Excellence for African Americans/Morehouse College
Professional memberships--
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
- American School Counselors Association
- Cobb Association of Educators
- Cobb County School Counselors Association
- Georgia Association of Educators (Lifetime
Member)
- Georgia Licensed Professional Association
- Georgia School Counselors Association
- National Action Network
- National Association for College Admission
Counseling
- National Association for the Advancement of
Colored People
- Elementary School Teacher of the Year, 1983.
- Atlanta Public Schools’ Academic Incentive Award for Distinguished Teaching, 1983.
- Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, 1991.
- Middle School Counselor of the Year, 1993.
- The Georgia Association of Educators’ Human Relations Award, 1999.
- Licensed Exhorter, 1999-present.
- Presidential Award for President of the Atlanta School Counselors Association, two terms, 2001-2005.
- Atlanta School Counselors Association’s Writer of the Year, 2002.
- Atlanta Association of Educators Faces on the Front Line for counselors’ salary appeal, 2003.
- Featured in APS Superintendent’s Focus Student Success Magazine for contributing to school’s “Distinguished” honor, 2003.
- Stillman College Advisory Board Member/Consultant, 2003-2010.
- Georgia School Counselors Association’s Writer of the Year (local, regional, state winner), 2008-2009.
- Chi Sigma Iota 2012; Counseling Academics and Professional International Honor Society.
Additional skills—Individual and group counseling, program planning, test interpretations, consultation and coordination; counseling advocacy.
Dissertation—An Investigation of the Effects of a Counseling Module on the Academic Achievement and Rate of Counseling Self-Referrals of a Select Group of Black Male Adolescent Students-Professor Eugene Herrington, Advisor
Summary: This research investigated the rate of self-referrals among adolescent black males in a metropolitan middle school. Eighth grade black males were randomly placed in either a control or experimental group. Baseline and intervention data were collected during the first and second semesters. A counseling module was developed based on the Georgia State Department of Education’s evaluation Manual for Counselors. Findings showed no significant difference between the control and experimental groups on test scores or academic performance. However, significant differences were found with the experimental group of students who were self-referred for counseling services as they had a greater rate than those students who did not receive the counseling module.
Other professional experience--
- Coordinator
for School Counseling field experiences. Conduct observations and
individual supervision to interns, liaison between university and supervision
sites, evaluation of intern placements (2012-present).
- Marketing
and Recruitment Task Force for the School of Education at Clark Atlanta
University. Develop and implement programs and activities to increase
undergraduate and graduate student enrollment and fundraising for scholarships
(2012-2014).
- Student
Life Advisory Committee which provides personal, professional and academic
learning opportunities for students on campus (2013-2014).
- Licensed
Professional Counselor Association Advisor for students who want to
establish their private practice as a mental health counseling professionals
(2013-2014).
- Chi Sigma
Iota Advisor for students who have distinguished themselves in the
Counselor Education Department and wish to provide community service and
conduct research (2013-2014).
- Leadership Team Chair for two years (principal’s right hand) emphasized student-focused curriculum, common teacher planning, team building, parent workshops and student appraisal; implemented and monitored the school improvement plan resulting in the school’s first pay-for-performance award; established and monitored the fiscal budget (2000-2002).
- SACS co-chair for school’s 5-year review; established calendar of events; collaborated with department chairs for input; completed analysis report of test data; conducted satisfaction poll from stakeholders; compiled and wrote the 5-year review school status report (2001).
- President
of Board of Directors for Positive Growth Group Home for Boys. Wrote first
policy and procedure handbook and group home theme song; established and monitored
funds and budget; planned fundraisers, interviewed/hired/dismissed employees;
assisted in developing the personal/social curriculum, organized meetings with
community patrons for financial and in-kind support (1998-2001).
- Test
Coordinator for twelve years; established testing teams; presented testing
plans at quarterly faculty meetings; communicated test schedule; trained test
administrators; ensured test security and standardization of procedures; order,
received, distributed testing materials; provided test interpretations for
faculty and staff, and parents and students; now serve as SAT and ACT test
administrator and co-site coordinator for the ACT (1986-2008; 2009-2010).
- Archives
Chair for Georgia School Counselor Association President’s Leadership Team (2009-2010);
used technology to upgrade 50 years of history from scrapbooks to digital
format; chief photographer.
Service--
- American Heart Walk and Mothers Against Drunk Driving March.
- Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church-Pianist, Sunday School Teacher, youth director.
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority College Readiness Program.
- Habitat for Humanity Build-A-House.
- Trinity Chapel Church of God.
