Jessica Cross, M.Ed.
Academic Coach & Educational Administrator
White,MD
Summary
Creative and reliable Academic Coach and Educational Leader with proven history of motivating students to reach academic potential. 17 years of experience in educational support and highly knowledgeable in special education disabilities and Social Emotional Learning practices. Proactive and explicit coaching style rooted in ongoing support and careful monitoring of advising outcomes.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Campus Director of Student Support Services
KIPP DC
Washington, DC
08.2020 - Current
- Evaluate student support staff (OT/PT/Psychologist/ELL) through classroom observation, feedback and recommendations.
- Support school leaders in staffing, training, modeling and accountability on Response to Intervention plans, IEPs, 504s and ELs
- Supervise campus compliance manager to ensure special education compliance on child-find, initial referrals, annual and triennial reviews
- Supervise related service providers at the campus level to ensure service delivery and timely evaluations
- Chair complex MDT meetings and review student data and develop plans to ensure that students with IEPs are making academic progress
- Model data review and planning for specific students to train school teams on using available dashboards.
- Confer with educators to rebalance classes, increase resource utilization and integrate new technology.
- Coach educators to identify current classroom concerns and diversify instructional strategies.
High School Dean of Student Support
KIPP Massachusetts
Lynn, MA
07.2019 - 07.2020
- Manage IEP, 504, SST, FBA/BIP's, and attendance to support struggling students and students with special needs
- Manage and coach a team of learning specialist to ensure struggling students and students with special needs are provided with appropriate accommodations and instructional supports
- Responsible for monitoring compliance according to IDEA to ensure all students receive a free and appropriate public education
- Design school wide systems of support and intervention
- Provide professional development to all campus staff regarding high yield instructional strategies and interventions
- Special
- Optimize student educational strategies with clear advice on course choices, progression and career options.
- Strengthen department operations by aligning processes to capitalize on new educational trends.
Special Education Services Facilitator
Frisco ISD
Frisco, TX
08.2017 - 08.2019
- Coach and observe special education teachers at 16 campuses to improve teaching techniques.
- Lead and manage child study teams to develop high yield interventions to support students academically and socially.
- Use video feedback and observations to develop improvement plans for teachers
- Model interventions and MTSS supports
- Facilitated IEP meetings by using family-centered, strength-based approach.
- Interpret and analyze academic data to maintain student development and retention.
- Coordinate with outside state agencies to acquire services for special needs children.
Middle School Educational Diagnostician
Frisco ISD
Frisco, TX
07.2016 - 07.2017
- Select and administer assessments and observations to evaluate the intellectual and adaptive functioning of referred students and to determine student eligibility for special education services according to federal and state regulations
- Conduct or participate in the Admissions, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee to assist with appropriate placement and development of Individual Education Plans (IEP) for students according to district procedures
- Develop Full and Individual Evaluation reports
- Assist school personnel in identification and understanding of students with disabilities.
- Offer informative workshops for educators, school leaders and faculty members.
Self-Contained Special Education Teacher
Frisco ISD
McKinney, TX
08.2014 - 08.2016
- Serve on Campus Improvement Team
- Implement workshop model classroom format
- Participate in Professional Learning Communities collaborative lesson planning
- Drove student learning by establishing clear classroom plans and group objectives, as well as actionable strategies to achieve each goal.
- Use learning stations to help students develop communication skills and build relationships.
- Modify general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Deliver effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Cultivate connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Assist struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
4th Grade Teacher
Dallas/Frisco ISD
Dallas, TX
08.2005 - 08.2014
- Serve the on Campus Improvement Team
- Use explicit and systematic assessments to drive instruction
- Develop curriculum and implement instructional activities
- Build rapport with parents and students
- Create a safe, secure, inviting classroom environment 4
- Establish and enforced rules of behavior to drive social development and maintain positive interactions.
- Build positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
- Help students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking and communication.
Education
Masters of Education - Educational Administration
Stephen F. Austin University
Nacogdoches, TX 08.2012 - 12.2014
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies
Texas Woman's University
Denton, TX 08.2001 - 05.2005
Skills
Academic Advising
undefinedAccomplishments
Author of a fiction picture book, To The Moon, about Josie Justice a clever and whimsical scholar whose quest for knowledge is the catalyst for many adventures.
Affiliations
Member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc since March 2002
Additional Information
TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY CERTIFICATIONS
Educational Diagnostician
Grades (EC-12)
Principal
Grades (EC-12)
Special Education
Grades (EC-12)
Physical Education
Grades (EC-12)
English Language Arts and Reading/Social Studies
Grades (4-8)
Generalist
Grades (EC-4)
English as a Second Language Supplemental
Grades (EC-12)
Timeline
Campus Director of Student Support Services
KIPP DC
08.2020 - Current
High School Dean of Student Support
KIPP Massachusetts
07.2019 - 07.2020
Special Education Services Facilitator
Frisco ISD
08.2017 - 08.2019
Middle School Educational Diagnostician
Frisco ISD
07.2016 - 07.2017
Self-Contained Special Education Teacher
Frisco ISD
08.2014 - 08.2016
Masters of Education - Educational Administration
Stephen F. Austin University
08.2012 - 12.2014
4th Grade Teacher
Dallas/Frisco ISD
08.2005 - 08.2014
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies
Texas Woman's University
08.2001 - 05.2005
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