Contacia Cross
Hoschton,GA
Summary
Dynamic instructional leader with a proven ability to elevate teaching practices and enhance student outcomes. Strong track record of driving academic achievement through data-informed decision-making and fostering collaborative school environments that promote continuous improvement. Expertise in instructional delivery, data analysis, and professional development, consistently upholding high standards in educational excellence. Recognized for building trust, supporting positive learning cultures, and advancing equitable educational success for all students while remaining adaptable to evolving needs.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Principal
Norcross Elementary
Norcross, GA
09.2019 - Current
- Led instructional improvement efforts through coaching, feedback, and professional learning aligned to district priorities
- Analyzed multiple data sources to guide instructional decisions and improve student performance
- Partnered with leadership team to design and implement school-wide initiatives and interventions
- Managed key operational systems including discipline, scheduling, and building coordination
- Managed Title I budget and ensured alignment to school improvement goals
- Strengthened family and community engagement through consistent communication and partnerships
- Supported hiring, onboarding, and development of instructional staff
- Instructional Leadership: Increased student proficiency by 3–4% in ELA and Math through targeted, data-driven instructional practices
- School Climate & Culture: Strengthened a positive school climate by maintaining low discipline rates, with only 10.3% of students receiving referrals
- Organizational Leadership: Improved systems for student success, achieving 68% regular attendance and reducing chronic absenteeism to 12%
- Collaborated with educators to implement effective instructional strategies and improve student engagement.
- Facilitated professional development workshops to enhance teaching methodologies and classroom management skills.
- Collaborated with teachers to develop and implement effective instructional strategies.
- Developed and facilitated professional development workshops for staff, enhancing teaching methodologies.
- Oversaw daily operations of school activities, ensuring compliance with educational standards and policies.
- Enhanced teacher effectiveness through regular classroom observations and feedback sessions.
- Managed budgets and resources for educational programs.
- Developed and coordinated after-school programs and activities.
- Communicated with parents to encourage active parental participation in education.
Parent Instructional Coordinator
Benefield Elementary
Lawrenceville, GA
08.2014 - 09.2019
- Built teacher capacity through job-embedded coaching, modeling, and feedback
- Organized workshops and events to support parental involvement in student education.
- Facilitated regular meetings, fostering collaboration among parents and staff members.
- Coordinated communication between parents and school administration to enhance engagement.
- Developed parent friendly Model lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Developed resources for parents, promoting awareness of school programs and policies.
- Increased parent engagement and business partnership over 50% through consistent communication and a strong, visible leadership presence, fostering collaboration and strengthening the school community.
Instructional Coach
Benefield Elementary School
Lawrenceville, GA
08.2014 - 09.2019
- Analyzed student performance data to inform instructional adjustments and improve educational outcomes.
- Supported educators in integrating technology into lesson plans for enhanced student engagement.
- Mentored new teachers, providing guidance on curriculum standards and assessment practices. Supported the increase in teacher retention of over 50% in a five year period.
- Designed tailored coaching sessions based on individual teacher needs and goals for professional growth.
- Facilitated professional development workshops to enhance teaching and classroom management skills.
Teacher
Benefield Elementary
Lawrenceville, GA
01.2007 - 05.2014
- Designed engaging, standards-based instruction to meet diverse student needs of SPED, ESOL, Regular ED and Gifted Students.
- Analyzed student data to inform instruction and improve outcomes by using Responsive teaching method.
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Fostered a positive learning environment to enhance student participation.
- Implemented differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning styles ensure students make at least 1 year growth.
Education
Tier II - Educational Leadership
University of North Georgia
Dahlonega, GA05-2024
Tier I - Educational Leadership
University of West Georgia
Carrollton, GA12-2019
Educational Specialist - Educational Leadership
Nova Southeastern University
Davie, FL12-2013
Master of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ12-2005
Bachelor of Science - Computer And Information Systems
DeVry University
Addison, IL05-2003
Skills
- Instructional Leadership
- Data-Driven Decision Making and Instruction
- School Operations and Budget Management
- Staff Development Coaching and Mentoring
- Equity and Inclusive Practices
- Family and Community Engagement
- Instructional Planning and Effective Teaching Strategies
- Collaborative Learning and Team Leadership
- Continuous Improvement and Results-Oriented Leadership
- Progress monitoring
- Community engagement
- Funding management
Timeline
Assistant Principal
Norcross Elementary
09.2019 - Current
Parent Instructional Coordinator
Benefield Elementary
08.2014 - 09.2019
Instructional Coach
Benefield Elementary School
08.2014 - 09.2019
Teacher
Benefield Elementary
01.2007 - 05.2014
Tier II - Educational Leadership
University of North Georgia
Tier I - Educational Leadership
University of West Georgia
Educational Specialist - Educational Leadership
Nova Southeastern University
Master of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Science - Computer And Information Systems
DeVry University
LEADERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
- 2025 GCPS Assistant Principal of the Year
- Aspiring Principal Program, Cohort 18
- Aspiring Leader Program, Cohort 11
- Mentor to New and Emerging Administrators
- Pay for Performance Award Recipient (2018)
- Collaborated with district leaders to develop Duties and Responsibilities for the Educator Effectiveness System