Cynthia Dawn Anderson
Garner,NC
Summary
I am a passionate and dedicated educational leader with extensive experience in special education, compliance, curriculum development, interagency collaboration, and transition services. Committed to enhancing academic and functional outcomes for all students by cultivating strong relationships, advocating for individualized support, and aligning practices with district, state, and federal guidelines. Proven ability to lead with vision, build capacity among staff, and implement data-informed solutions that promote equity and excellence in education.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Administrator, IPS/CCR & OCS High School
Wake County Public School System
01.2022 - Current
- -Supervision of 36 employees
- -Allotments of high school teachers and instructional assistants
- -Special Education Curriculum and Instruction high school CCR/OCS
- -Monitor graduation rate
- -Coordinate interagency efforts with parents, schools and community agencies
- -Participate in IEP meetings for compliance of local, state, and federal policies and procedures.
- Conduct professional development and monthly educator meetings.
Director, Exceptional Children Programs
Johnston County Public Schools
01.2021 - 01.2022
- -Assist the Executive Director in the administration of EC programs and services.
- -Lead initiatives in compliance, new program development, staff training, and agency coordination.
- -Monitor service delivery, oversee documentation, and ensure alignment with local, state, and federal policies.
- -Coordinate interagency efforts and handle stakeholder communication with parents, schools, and outside partners.
- -Support professional development aligned with current trends and regulatory changes.
- -Allotment of exceptional children teacher and instructional assistants.
- -Participate in IEP meetings for compliance of local state and federal policies and procedures.
Transition Coordinator / MTSS Specialist / EC Curriculum Specialist
01.2013 - 01.2021
- -Managed interagency collaborations with Vocational Rehabilitation, Johnston County Industries (JCI), and community businesses.
- -Oversaw implementation of Pre-ETS and job training programs across high schools.
- -Provided K-12 support for transition planning, teacher coaching, and parent guidance on educational pathways.
- -Conducted IEP meetings, provided curriculum updates, and ensured compliance across service areas.
- -Designed and delivered professional development for OCS teachers, focusing on instructional standards, CTE integration, and community-based employment.
Exceptional Children Program Specialist
Wayne County Public Schools
01.2007 - 01.2013
- -Managed EC records and compliance across public and private schools.
- -Coordinated curriculum planning, PBIS implementation, and state improvement projects.
- -Led professional development for educators in reading and math interventions.
- -Served as district liaison to private schools and supported DPI audits and head counts.
- -Maintained PRC 70 and 82 budgets and collaborated with stakeholders across multiple roles and agencies.
Exceptional Children OCS/Resource Teacher (Grades 9–12)
Southern Wayne High School
01.2002 - 01.2007
- -Delivered instruction in English, Social Studies, and OCS curriculum to students with various disabilities.
- -Served as EC Department Chair and coordinated IEPs for over 250 students.
- -Facilitated compliance reviews, parent communication, and interdisciplinary team collaboration.
- -Participated in school improvement, safety, and prom committees.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
Central Prison – Program Director
North Carolina Division of Prisons
01.2000 - 01.2002
- -Directed the Final Step Program and evaluated inmate classification for high-security levels.
- -Served on the Victim's Rights Committee and represented inmates with developmental disabilities.
- -Supervised program staff and coordinated GED and policy training initiatives.
Classification Coordinator
Franklin Correctional Center
01.1996 - 01.2000
- -Coordinated inmate classification and transfers, facilitated character education, and supported victim services.
- -Managed GED programming and served on the Employee Grievance Board.
Education
North Carolina Professional Educator's License - Principal (K–12), Concentration: Mentally Handicapped, Highly Qualified in All Academic Areas
06.2026
M.A. - School Administration
Gardner-Webb University
01.2013
B.S. - Human Services (Minor: Sociology)
Gardner-Webb University
Boiling Springs, NC01.1994
A.A.S. - Applied Science
Guilford Technical Community College
Greensboro, NC01.1991
Skills
- Board member, North Carolina Division of Career Development
- -Regional Coordinator for North Carolina Division of Career Development & Transition
- -Reading Foundations, Corrective Reading, Reading Mastery, TransMath Trainer
- -NC SIP (State Improvement Project) and CIPP Team Member
- -PBIS Coordinator
- -Final Step Program Design and Implementation
- -Character Education Certified Instructor
Timeline
Senior Administrator, IPS/CCR & OCS High School
Wake County Public School System
01.2022 - Current
Director, Exceptional Children Programs
Johnston County Public Schools
01.2021 - 01.2022
Transition Coordinator / MTSS Specialist / EC Curriculum Specialist
01.2013 - 01.2021
Exceptional Children Program Specialist
Wayne County Public Schools
01.2007 - 01.2013
Exceptional Children OCS/Resource Teacher (Grades 9–12)
Southern Wayne High School
01.2002 - 01.2007
Central Prison – Program Director
North Carolina Division of Prisons
01.2000 - 01.2002
Classification Coordinator
Franklin Correctional Center
01.1996 - 01.2000
M.A. - School Administration
Gardner-Webb University
North Carolina Professional Educator's License - Principal (K–12), Concentration: Mentally Handicapped, Highly Qualified in All Academic Areas
B.S. - Human Services (Minor: Sociology)
Gardner-Webb University
A.A.S. - Applied Science
Guilford Technical Community College
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