Myra Smith

Dr. Myra J. Smith is a Lecturer in educational leadership at the School of Education, Loyola University Maryland. Her career spans roles as a principal, director of school performance, and community superintendent in Montgomery County Public Schools, where she focused on systemic school improvement and cultivating professional learning communities (PLCs). She contributes to academic discourse through presentations at organizations like the National Association of Elementary School Principals and chairs Loyola's annual Art of Leadership conference.

• Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in Education Leadership, Higher Education, and Policy Studies, University of Maryland, College Park (2009)
• Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Reading Education, Towson University
• Administration & Supervision Certification, Loyola University Maryland
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Special Education, Coppin State College

Dr. Smith’s research centers on Professional Learning Communities, examining how principals initiate and sustain PLCs through shared leadership, collective learning, and alignment with system-wide goals. Her work emphasizes:

• Supportive and shared leadership frameworks
• Integration of student and adult learning needs
• Strategic feedback mechanisms for instructional leaders
• Alignment of school improvement plans with policy milestones

She has delivered keynote addresses on Systemic and Sustainable School Improvement for the Archdiocese of Baltimore and collaborates with colleagues on leadership development initiatives.