Amy Cruz
Laredo
Summary
A highly motivated education professional with 20 years of experience in private and public institutions across various grade levels. Proven leadership as Principal of a National Blue Ribbon Campus and Honor Roll school within Laredo ISD, dedicated to fostering an environment of continuous improvement and academic excellence. Academic credentials include a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Criminal Justice, a Master’s in Educational Administration, and ongoing doctoral studies in Higher Education. Also a graduate from the Holdsworth Leadership Academy.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Principal
Laredo ISD
07.2019 - Current
- Oversaw operations for 425 students and 85 employees, ensuring a supportive learning atmosphere
- Provided strategic leadership and direction to school community, fostering collaboration and growth
- Led campus professional learning community, promoting shared best practices and continuous improvement
- Served in Holdsworth leadership projects for the Professional development of principals and assistant principals
- Established a positive learning environment
- Maintained communication with all stakeholders
- Accountable for the daily operations of campus’ needs
- Served in various district committees for the selection of new curriculum resources, technology, and hiring process
- Led implementation of curriculum enhancements to improve student engagement and academic performance.
- Collaborated with community stakeholders to align educational initiatives with local needs and resources.
- Analyzed student performance data to identify trends and inform strategic decision-making for academic interventions.
- Supervisor: Myrtala Ramirez (previous Director of Elementary Education)
Assistant Principal
Laredo ISD
08.2016 - 07.2019
- Spearheaded continued education initiatives for teaching staff by implementing high-quality curriculum training and allocating essential resources.
- Directed operations and decision-making for 105 employees and 835 students across three school buildings.
- Analyzed student performance data to identify areas for improvement and drive instructional strategies.
- Led professional development workshops for staff to improve teaching practices and classroom management.
- Managed budgetary allocations ensuring effective resource utilization aligned with district goals.
- Established partnerships with community organizations to support student services and extracurricular activities.
- Oversaw compliance with educational policies, ensuring alignment with state and federal regulations.
- Mentored new administrators, fostering leadership skills and promoting best practices as a TxBess Mentor
- Managed logistics and execution of various school programs, coordinating presentations that highlighted student achievements to parents and community stakeholders.
- Participated in schools model conference in Nashville, TX to acquire innovative instructional and research-based strategies for teacher development.
- Delivered a presentation at Teach to Lead Summit, addressing over 100 attendees on strategies to close the educational gap.
- Communicated and monitored performance of school's vision, mission, goals, and objectives through data tracking, monthly meetings, and relationship-building with stakeholders to foster positive school climate
- Facilitated expansion of school’s ECC parking lot entrance/exit by collaborating with architect and contractor to devise a design that alleviates traffic congestion.
- Supervisor: Noralva Esquivel
- (956) 273-4301
Educator (2nd & 4th grade)
Laredo ISD
08.2008 - 07.2016
- Mentored novice teachers as a TxBess Mentor.
- Collaborated with parents to address student challenges and identify areas for academic improvement
- Selected for the development of the 2nd grade Reading L.E.A.D. curriculum for LISD
- Contributed to a team recognized for high STAAR scores in the district.
- U.I.L. Campus Coordinator and Ready Writing Coach, where the campus would always place in the Top 3
- Collaborated with curriculum and instruction committee to develop and refine educational strategies aimed at improving student outcomes from 2008 to 2016.
- Campus Improvement Plan committee member
- Supervisor: Noralva Esquivel
- (956) 273-4301
- Supervisor: Josefina Torres
- (956) 723-3540
Educator (Kinder, 4th-6th ELA)
Our Lady of Guadalupe Parochial School
11.2006 - 07.2008
- Created and maintained an environment allowing and encouraging children to make discoveries, solve problems, and think independently
- Spearheaded organization of kindergarten graduation ceremony and having ex-mayor Raul Salinas as guest speaker.
- Developed engaging lesson plans to enhance student learning and foster academic growth.
- Maintained open lines of communication with parents and guardians regarding student progress and classroom happenings.
- Sponsor for the Cheerleading team
- Attended a conference for Differentiated Instruction in Las Vegas, NV to learn about new pedagogical strategies
- Supervisor: Herlinda Martinez
- (956) 722-3915
Education
Ed.D. - Education
East Texas University
Commerce, TX12-2026
Master of Science - Educational Administration
Texas A&M International University
Laredo, TX05-2016
Master of Science - Criminal Justice
Texas A&M International University
Laredo, TX12-2010
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice, Minor in Sociology
Texas A&M International University
05-2006
Skills
- Leadership and team development
- Training and mentoring
- Efficient task management
- Communication skills
- Curriculum development
- Experienced with Word, Excel, and Google Classroom
- Tech proficient
- Team-Player
- Punctual
Accomplishments
- TRS Grant Cash Award for $4,684.66 for Top TPRI scores as a teacher
- 2009 TOP Writing TAKS Test Scores in the District
- 2009 Alternative Certification Program Teacher of the Year
- 2014 Golden Apple Nominee
- Researcher for the Academy of Social Sciences
- Selected to film a video and serve as a recruiter for the Educational Administration Master’s Program at Texas A&M International University
- Selected to participate in Holdsworth Academy of Leadership Program
- 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 Highest Attendance (Elementary)
- 2022-2023 Elementary Principal of the Year
- 2024 Certificate of Appreciation for Inspiring Change
- 2024 Learning.com Digital Citizen Award ranking 4th in Tx
- 2024 and 2025 Texas Honor Roll Campus
- 2025 K12 Top Elementary (6th place) in the state of Tx
- 2026 Top School for Learning.com Keyboarding Challenge (8th place) in Tx.
Certification
- Bilingual Generalist, EC-4th grade
- Instructional Leadership Development certificate, EC-12th
- Principal Certificate, EC-12th grade
- Gifted & Talented certification
- Texas Beginning Educator Support System (TxBess) Mentor certificate
- Texas Teacher Evaluation & Support System (TTESS) Certified
- Drug Impairment Training for Educational Professionals
- Science of Reading Certification
- Holdsworth Leadership Certificate
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Principal
Laredo ISD
07.2019 - Current
Assistant Principal
Laredo ISD
08.2016 - 07.2019
Educator (2nd & 4th grade)
Laredo ISD
08.2008 - 07.2016
Educator (Kinder, 4th-6th ELA)
Our Lady of Guadalupe Parochial School
11.2006 - 07.2008
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice, Minor in Sociology
Texas A&M International University
Ed.D. - Education
East Texas University
Master of Science - Educational Administration
Texas A&M International University
Master of Science - Criminal Justice
Texas A&M International University
Leadership
- Master Teacher
- TxBess Mentor for novice teacher
- Alternative Certification Teacher of the Year
- L.E.A.D. curriculum writer for Laredo ISD’s Reading Curriculum
- New Principal Mentor
- Holdsworth Leadership Academy member
- 2025 Aspiring Principals Program rotation principal
- TAMIU Branch Alliance for Educator Diversity (BranchEd)