Dr. Crystal Washington, EdD, MAT, MS
Dr. Crystal Washington, EdD, MAT, MS, is a dedicated health and physical education teacher at Fayette County Public Schools, where she has spent over 17 years shaping student wellness and fitness programs. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she serves as Head Track and Field Coach at Frederick Douglass High School, emphasizing student development, positive mindset, and lifelong physical activity. Her career also includes leadership roles in Parks & Recreation, where she honed her skills in program development and community engagement.
Crystal’s professional philosophy centers on authenticity, integrity, and creating opportunities for students to carry healthy habits beyond high school. She combines her extensive experience in K–12 education with her background as a graduate assistant at Eastern Kentucky University, where she taught college-level courses and completed her dissertation. She has also led school wellness initiatives, including Living Well Champion activities, and has broken barriers as a female head coach in a traditionally male-dominated sport.
A lifelong learner, Crystal completed her undergraduate studies at Kentucky State University and the University of Kentucky before earning multiple graduate degrees from Eastern Kentucky University, including a Master of Education in Health and Physical Education and a Master of Science in Sports Administration. She has been recognized as Teacher of the Year at the state level through Kentucky Shape and authored a children’s book celebrating the history and culture of Black hair, highlighting her commitment to education, leadership, and community impact.
• KY Certified Teacher
• Eastern Kentucky University- M.Ed.
• Teacher of the Year
• Living Well Champion Activities
• LAASHOF Scholaship Committe Member
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, passion, and a commitment to serving others. Being a first-generation college student and working as a graduate assistant helped me grow and develop the leadership skills I rely on today, even while navigating challenges as an African American woman in a male-dominated field. My dedication to student fitness, integrity in leadership, and creating opportunities for young people has guided my career and led to honors like Kentucky Shape Teacher of the Year and Living Well Champion.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received comes from my mother, Donna Murray, who taught me the importance of perseverance, support, and believing in myself no matter the obstacles. I also credit my husband, Jason Washington, for his unwavering support throughout my education and coaching career, helping me balance family and professional responsibilities while encouraging me to keep pushing forward. Their guidance and belief in me have been the foundation of my success.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to be authentic, bring the right heart, and maintain a positive mindset. Remove the things that hold you back, embrace challenges, and step out of your comfort zone—real growth happens when you push yourself beyond it.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Over the years, I have faced significant challenges, including multiple health issues that required surgeries. In 2021, I underwent back surgery that risked my mobility, but I persevered through eight months of physical therapy while maintaining my career as a teacher and coach. This experience has profoundly shaped my character. Additionally, managing Plummer’s disease, a thyroid condition, while pursuing doctoral studies, conducting research, and balancing family, career, and coaching responsibilities, has truly demonstrated both my resilience and the grace I've experienced in overcoming obstacles.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are authenticity, integrity, and passion. I strive to lead with a positive mindset, nurture growth in others, and honor my personal interests—like music, woodworking, gardening, and writing—that keep me grounded and inspired. I also value creativity and representation, which I celebrate through projects like my book, This One Thing You Know, inspired by the beauty and history of Black hair.