Chrystal Abernathy

Chrystal Tolbert Abernathy entered the profession of education in 2010 as a Science Teacher for Birmingham City Schools and began her journey towards her Master’s degree at the University of Montevallo in 2011. Mrs. Abernathy was granted a fellowship by the National Science Teachers’ Association in 2013. She also graduated from the University of Montevallo in 2014 with a Master’s degree in Secondary Education with a Biology focus. Mrs. Abernathy was recognized by the Birmingham City Schools district with an “Outstanding Excellence as an Educator” award in 2014. She later relocated to Memphis, Tennessee and worked in Shelby County Schools.

During her time in Memphis, Mrs. Abernathy held several leadership roles. As a Science teacher, she was also the Grade Level Team Leader for Grade 7, member of the Principal’s Advisory Board, and a district level Instructional Support Advisor for Shelby County Schools. Mrs. Abernathy was selected by Tennessee Department of Education to be part of a taskforce that planned and facilitated professional development for teachers and principals across the state to implement new state standards in instruction. In 2018, she returned to Alabama where spent time as a Science Teacher in Jefferson County Schools. In 2019, Mrs. Abernathy joined the GEAR UP Jefferson County at the University of Montevallo as an Area Facilitator. She was promoted to Associate Director of Professional Development for GEAR UP Jefferson County in 2021. She now proudly serves as the Project Director for GEAR UP Jefferson County where she leads the charge in providing college and career readiness skills and knowledge to students in underserved areas. In 2022, she completed her Ed.S. at Freed Hardeman University in Instructional Leadership and Supervision. She holds a certification in both Secondary Education and Instructional Leadership.

In addition to her leadership work in her profession, Chrystal serves on the board of several organizations including but not limited to Tarrant City Schools, the community in which she resides, the Bettye Clinton Educational Foundation, the Alabama Chapter for the National Association for Multicultural Education, and Girls Inc. of Central Alabama.
Chrystal is a devoted wife and the mother of one. Her other affiliated organizations include the National Science Teachers’ Association, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and the Association for Curriculum and Supervision Development.

Chrystal Abernathy is a passionate educator who believes in every student and educator she meets. She finds fulfillment in her work and strives to make a difference by being an advocate for all children daily. Her inspiration comes from the visionary educator and civil rights activist Mary McCloud Bethune who said, “Invest in the human soul. Who knows, it might be a diamond in the rough.”