Announcing That Sidra Smith is Joining R.E.A.L.® Discussion
R.E.A.L.® Discussion, a social enterprise on a mission to teach discussion skills to young people growing up in our tech-centric, polarized world, today announced that Dr. Sidra Smith will join the organization as Director of the Independent School Program. In this role, Dr. Smith will serve as the face of the organization in the K-12 independent school community: leading independent school partnerships, professional development, program implementation support, and idea incubation.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Sidra to the team,” said Liza Garonzik, Founder of R.E.A.L.® Discussion. “We are grateful for the mission-orientation, strategic mindset, academic leadership experience, and coaching expertise Sidra brings to the role. She is a dream partner for our independent school community!”
Dr. Smith is an accomplished educator and leadership coach, with 30 years of experience fostering growth in others. She has experience in a wide range of school types across the US and internationally; she began her teaching career at an international school in West Africa, spent a year as a fellow in a New England boarding school, and has held faculty and senior administrative roles at various independent schools across the country. She joins R.E.A.L.® after serving most recently as the Director of Studies and Strategic Initiatives at Severn School.
“I am honored to join R.E.A.L.® and collaborate with my independent school colleagues to shape the future of learning and cultivate spaces where respectful and thoughtful dialogue thrives,” said Dr. Smith. “I look forward to championing civil discourse, supporting educators, and helping to foster environments that empower students to become active, engaged citizens.”
To learn more about R.E.A.L.® Discussion or for a conversation about a skills-based approach to discussion instruction, please reach out – we’d love to chat!
