Cindy A. Corcoran
Reidsville,NC
Summary
Transformational educational leader with extensive experience driving district and statewide initiatives to enhance student outcomes and organizational effectiveness. Expertise encompasses instructional support, student wellness, school safety, and strategic partnerships. Focused on fostering resilient learning environments that prioritize holistic student development and empower educators to inspire every student to achieve their potential.
Overview
1
1
Certification
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Support Services
Rockingham County School System
Eden, North Carolina
03.2015 - Current
- Oversaw, supervised, and coordinated all instructional support services for the district, including 2 district-level directors, 2 district coordinators, school nurses, school social workers, school psychologists, school counselors, drop-out prevention specialists, and behavioral specialists. Served as a member of senior staff reporting directly to the superintendent and prepared the budget while managing district-wide At-Risk/Low Wealth Funds of $2.8 million and NC Stronger Grant funds.
- Supervised Human Resources Department
- Led the interview and selection process for the Director of Human Resources, working directly with the Human Resource Team to implement systems that support all areas of employment, including online applications, interviews, board approvals, and new employee applications. Developed recruitment and retention strategies and coordinated communication between departments such as operations, logistics, instructional support services, curriculum, and finance.
- Supervised Communication and Public Relations
- Supervised and evaluated the directors of communication, public relations, and safety, fostering cross-departmental collaboration to enhance student safety and community engagement. Led district-wide crisis response and communication strategies while overseeing public relations efforts, media communications, and emergency preparedness standards.
Executive of Exceptional Children’s Program
Rockingham County School System
Eden, North Carolina
07.2012 - 05.2015
- Responsibilities: Responsible for providing effective leadership in developing comprehensive program plans and implementing and evaluating the planned EC programs PK-HS; plan collaboration instructional and curricular efforts with Curriculum and Instruction from K-12- grade level; prepared budget exceeding $12 million and coordinated with department agencies to maximize services for 25 schools; maintain records/reports/interventions in accordance with local/state/federal policies; assist in selection and placement of 275+ personnel and supervise staff responsibilities; determine and provide professional development for all staff; instrumental in the establishment of a professional development center for exceptional children staff at Lawsonville Elementary School; serve as a liaison between the school system and other agencies; problem solve with other stakeholders; examined, interpreted, disaggregated and utilized data to enhance performance of exceptional children on various assessments; create and monitor strategic plans for the department that align with the district’s strategic plan; and other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance educational programs and align curriculum with state standards.
- Developed and implemented policies to improve student outcomes and operational efficiency across the district.
- Mentored administrative staff, fostering professional growth and enhancing team performance in project execution.
Director of Elementary Education/Title I
Rockingham County School System
Eden, North Carolina
07.2011 - 01.2012
- Coordinated the district’s elementary educational programs; provided leadership in the development, implementation, and administration of a progressive elementary educational program including school improvement goals, building management, master schedule development, and budgets; managed and allocated Title I funds of $4 million to 14 Title I elementary schools; collaborated with the Director of Middle and High School Education to create a consistent PK-12 flow of educational experiences; researched and disseminated pertinent information and data relevant to elementary education initiatives; led elementary curriculum planning, implementation of state standards, and development of Graded Courses of Study; supervised and evaluated elementary school principals; acted as the district liaison to DPI Transformational Instructional and Leadership Coaches; and performed other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.
- Developed and implemented curriculum enhancements to improve student engagement and academic performance.
- Led professional development initiatives for educators, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Collaborated with community stakeholders to align educational programs with local needs and resources.
Principal
Rockingham County Middle School
Wentworth, North Carolina
07.2010 - 07.2011
- Established and maintained a set of standard operating procedures and routines for a middle school of 1000 students with 90+ staff, including bus drivers, cafeteria, and custodial staff.
- The school met AYP status and met high growth in 2011.
- Led faculty in implementing innovative teaching strategies to enhance student engagement and performance.
- Developed and executed strategic initiatives to improve school culture and foster a collaborative environment.
- Oversaw curriculum development, aligning instructional methods with state standards and educational best practices.
Principal
Leaksville-Spray Elementary School
Eden, North Carolina
07.2007 - 01.2010
- Performed all duties assigned to a school administrator as directed by the local school board, as listed below. Improved test scores at a low-performing school of 500 students with a high population of at-risk students; initiated and carried out reform measures to enhance relationships among students, parents, and staff; conducted staff development focused on Marzano’s 9 Highly Effective Instructional Strategies; managed three Title I federal budgets for school improvement; supervised 75+ staff members.
- Achieved AYP status and high growth for two out of three years, exiting school improvement in reading and math in 2010.
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance student engagement and academic performance.
- Developed and implemented school-wide policies to promote a positive learning environment.
- Collaborated with faculty to align curriculum with state educational standards.
Principal
John W. Dillard Elementary School
Madison, North Carolina
07.2004 - 06.2007
- Responsibilities: All duties provided to a school administrator as directed by the local school board as listed below. Also included the following: Improved test scores at a low performing school of 500 students with a high population of at-risk students; initiated and carried out reform measures that enhanced relationships among students, parents, and staff; conducted staff development with an emphasis on Marzano’s 9 Highly Effective Instructional Strategies; managed three different Title I federal budgets for school improvement; supervised 75+ staff members.
- Achieved AYP status and high growth for two out of three years, successfully exiting school improvement in both reading and math by 2010.
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance student engagement and academic performance across the school district.
- Developed and implemented professional development programs for faculty to improve instructional practices.
- Fostered collaborative relationships with community stakeholders to support educational outreach and resources.
Assistant Principal
Douglass Elementary School
Eden, North Carolina
08.2002 - 06.2004
- Responsibilities: Supervised students and staff, managed school and bus discipline, evaluated and observed all staff members through formal and informal observations, and maintained a safe and orderly learning environment.
- Developed comprehensive teaching strategies over 18 years across West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina.
- Can provide a comprehensive teaching history, detailing roles and responsibilities upon request.
Education
Doctor of Education -
University of North Carolina Greensboro
North Carolina01-2012
Educational Specialist - undefined
Appalachian State University
Boone, North Carolina01-2007
Master of Science in Education/Administration - undefined
Shenandoah University
Winchester, Virginia01-2002
Master of Science in Education/Special Education - undefined
West Virginia College of Graduate Studies
West Virginia01-1987
Bachelor of Science in Education - undefined
Concord College
Athens, West Virginia01-1984
Skills
- Strategic leadership
- Student support systems
- MTSS framework
- Trauma-informed practices
- Talent development
- Budget management
- Crisis management
- Change management
- Policy governance
- Stakeholder engagement
Affiliations
- Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)
- North Carolina Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development (NCASCD)
- North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE)
- North Carolina Principal and Assistant Principal Association (NCPAPA)
- North Carolina School Counselors Association (NCSCA)
- Phi Delta Kappa
Certification
- Cambiar Catalyst National Fellowship Program Graduate 2025-26
- Graduate of the Aspiring Superintendent Program (Cohort V) North Carolina School Superintendents Association (NCSSA) and the North Carolina Alliance for School Leadership Development (NCASLD) 2020-21
- Council of Educators for Students: 504 and OCR Compliance Training – 2019
- Equity Training – University of North Carolina Greensboro - Dr. Kimberly Hewitt – 2018-19
- Equity Training – Open Sources Leadership Strategies – Gita Gulati-Partee 2017-2018
- Graduate - Participant of Rockingham Leadership Program in Rockingham County – 2018
- Graduate - Education Policy Fellowship Program – NC Public Forum – 2017
- NCASA Law Symposium – 2015 - Present
- New EC Director’s Institute – North Carolina Department of Public Instruction – 2013-15
- Healthy Places North Carolina Leadership Program – K. B. Reynolds Charitable Trust – Center for Creative Leadership, Greensboro, North Carolina 2014-15
- Leadership Academy with EC Leadership group, 8 sessions of Special Education Leadership with Dr. Carl Lashley, UNCG
- Distinguished Leadership in Practice Program – North Carolina Principals & Assistant Principals Association
- Educational Leadership Training Executive 360 Evaluation – Dr. Larry Coble – Piedmont Triad Consortium
- Trainer and Facilitator of Equity Learning Community with OpenSource Leadership Strategies – 2018-19
- Graduate - Changing the Way We Do Business in the Village through Parent/Family Empowerment – 2008
- Served on South Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI)
- Aspiring Superintendent Summit – Dr. Larry Coble, 2008
- PEP Assistant Principals Program – Jack McCall Award
Timeline
Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Support Services
Rockingham County School System
03.2015 - Current
Executive of Exceptional Children’s Program
Rockingham County School System
07.2012 - 05.2015
Director of Elementary Education/Title I
Rockingham County School System
07.2011 - 01.2012
Principal
Rockingham County Middle School
07.2010 - 07.2011
Principal
Leaksville-Spray Elementary School
07.2007 - 01.2010
Principal
John W. Dillard Elementary School
07.2004 - 06.2007
Assistant Principal
Douglass Elementary School
08.2002 - 06.2004
Bachelor of Science in Education - undefined
Concord College
Master of Science in Education/Special Education - undefined
West Virginia College of Graduate Studies
Master of Science in Education/Administration - undefined
Shenandoah University
Educational Specialist - undefined
Appalachian State University
Doctor of Education -
University of North Carolina Greensboro
PUBLISHED WORK
- Dissertation / Publication: Corcoran, Cindy. A. Ed.D. Exiting School Improvement: Principals’ Roles in Turning Schools Around for Success (2012). Directed by Dr. Ulrich C. Reitzug. 283 pp.
- Book Publication: School and District Leadership in an Era of Accountability (2013) Contributing Author: Chapter 4:Exiting School Improvement Sanctions: Accountability, Morale and the Successful School Turnaround Principal. Information Age Publishing Inc. p. 63-83.
STATE and DISTRICT PRESENTATIONS, COMMITTEES and BOARDS
- State Board of Directors and Secretary – North Carolina Association Supervision and Curriculum Development 2012-2025; North Carolina Association for Teaching, Learning and Leading
- Covid-19 Emergency Response and Re-Entry Committee member – 2020-21
- Chairperson – Rockingham County Discipline Task Force – 2015-Present
- Co-Chairperson – Rockingham County Graduation/Drop Out Committee – 2017-2020
- Chairperson – Anti-Bullying Re-Boot Committee – 2018-Present
- Member –countywide- Multi-Tiered System of Support Committee – 2015-2020 Fully implemented in all 22 schools
- Member –countywide – Student Health and Awareness Committee – 2015-Present
- Member – countywide - Registration Committee – 2010 – present
- Created the Annual Safety Summit for Rockingham County, 2017 – Covered Risk Assessments, Safety and Crisis Protocols, SRO/Principal training and Bullying Prevention
- Co-Presented at the North Carolina School Counselors State Conference – Fall 2024 – “Traveling the Pathway: Making Connections”
- Co-Presented at the NCASCD Whole Child Conference – Fall 2020 – “District & School Leaders: Helping Employees Adjust to the New Normal” Fall 2017 – “We’ve Got the Whole Child in our Hands: “Supporting the Whole Child Creating Effective Wrap Around Services for All Students”
- Co-Presented at the North Carolina Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 2019 “ReBoot Your Bullying Prevention Programs Through a Multi-Tiered System of Supports”
- Co-Presented at the NC Association of Elementary Educators (NCAEE) State Conference, 2017. “Foundation for Equity: Building Equity in the Classroom for Each and Every Child”
- Presented at NC Department of Public Instruction, Piedmont Triad Region, 2019. “Instructional Support Services: Road to Success”
- Co-Presented: 66+ Conference of Exceptional Children, 2016 – “Doing Away with the Silos Build a Framework for Collaborative District Level Teams”
COMMUNITY – VOLUNTEER EFFORTS
- Rockingham County Education Foundation, Board of Directors, 2016, 2019
- City of Eden, Strategic Planning and Steering Committee, 2017, 2019
- United Way, Rockingham County, Board of Directors, 2015, 2018
- Rockingham County Schools, March of Dimes Coordinator, 2017, 2018
- Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation – Rockingham County, Racial Learning Community
- Rockingham County and Cone Health System, Board of Directors – Student Health Centers, Present
AWARDS
2022 WeLead Award – WE LEAD – Women in Educational Leadership, 2018 NCASCD Distinguished Educator of the Year Award, 2006 Jack McCall Award – Assistant Principal Education Program, 2000 Teacher of the Year – North Fork Middle School, Shenandoah County, VA