Meet Dr. Smith
Dr. Catherine Carter Smith is the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of 360 Training & Development. She is a scholar, computer scientist, STEAM educator, adjunct professor, community volunteer, experienced research teacher for the National Science Foundation, and leader-mentor for award-winning FIRST Robotics Competition teams.
Passionate
Dr. Smith discovered her passion for teaching as a working undergraduate business student studying accounting and human resource management at Temple University. In 2007, Dr. Smith started her professional career as the administrative director at The University of Pennsylvania’s Teacher’s Institute of Philadelphia. After earning a bachelor's degree, she immediately enrolled in Temple University’s School of Education Master’s and Teaching Certification program where she was able to connect her interest for business, computers, and information technology education. Dr. Smith has 16 years of teaching and leadership experience in K-12 schools and universities around the world.
Experienced
While enrolled in Temple University's Master and Teaching Certification program, Dr. Smith was the recipient of a two-year research experience for teachers (RET) grant that allowed her to develop a driving simulation at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Center for Injury Research and Prevention (CIRP). RET and CIRP provided Dr. Smith with extensive programming experience that helped her further develop her interest in teaching students how to code, build and program robots, and navigate critical-thinking and problem-solving skills through various mediums of technology. Dr. Smith is a master programmer, speaking 11 languages of code, she successfully developed and recruited 100 participants to complete her research experience while working as a full-time classroom teacher over two years.
360 Training & Development was founded in 2011 during Dr. Smith's next role as Director of Technology for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. In this role, Dr. Smith managed their network, implemented a 1 to 1 iPad program, and provided technology support and integration services for 3W International, a foreign exchange program with Chinese students attending school in Philadelphia. 360 Training & Development was inspired by need and a diverse South Philadelphia community that believed in Dr. Smith's vision, expertise, and leadership.
Expert
Dr. Smith earned a research and professional Doctoral degree in Educational Administration from Capella University. Additionally, she has both a Master of Science degree in Business, Computer, and Information Technology Education and a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resource Management and a second master's degree in educational leadership and administration with a administrative certification from Temple University and Grand Canyon University. For two consecutive years, Dr. Smith was awarded the College Board's AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for expanding young women’s access to AP Computer Science Principles. This award is a special honor because it was awarded to one of only 4% of AP schools in the world!
Advocate
With a proven track record of strong leadership, technical ability, content knowledge, and success, Dr. Smith and Team 360 is prepared to lead and manage educational programs in schools, universities, and non-profit organizations around the world. As a business professional, scholar, researcher, and computer scientist, Dr. Smith is confident in 360's ability to continue her mission to utilize STEAM education pathways to realize fair and equitable education through small business development and school and community partnerships.