Lisa Cassidy
Easley,SC
Summary
Dynamic, student-centered secondary education leader with extensive experience in district-level planning, school leadership, instructional services, and system-wide improvement. Demonstrated success in turnaround leadership, professional development design, cross-department collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and cultivating positive school and community relationships. Energetic, engaging communicator committed to ensuring innovation, alignment, and excellence across secondary programs.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Principal
Liberty Middle School
07.2017 - Current
- Led a previously identified district "at-risk" school from an average report card rating to an Excellent rating
- Led successful school turnaround, improving climate, culture, and community perception.
- Coordinate and deliver secondary-level professional development aligned with district instructional goals.
- Utilize data to evaluate programs, monitor standards alignment, and develop actionable improvement plans.
- Collaborate with the Associate Superintendent of Academic Services and secondary principals to create optimal learning environments.
- Strengthen school-community engagement through strategic communication and a strong social media presence.
- Partner with the Pickens County Career & Technology Center to design innovative opportunities for 8th-grade students.
- Support K–12 vertical alignment efforts with Liberty Area principals, including key transitions from 5th to 6th and 8th to 9th grade.
- Direct all school operations including budget, safety, discipline, personnel management, and strategic planning.
- Led school through COVID-19 response, ensuring instructional continuity and student support.
Director of Planning and Development
Anderson School District One
07.2013 - 07.2017
- Coordinated districtwide professional development, needs assessments, and strategic planning.
- Directed federal programs including Title I, II, and Perkins; managed grants up to $1.4M.
- Led curriculum and instructional service projects and collaborated with Special Services and district leadership.
- Managed district data collection, OCR reporting, and technology proficiency recertification.
- Wrote presentations and speeches for the superintendent; facilitated communication across departments.
- Supported school improvement councils and districtwide voter registration initiatives.
Instructional Assistant Principal
Palmetto Middle School
07.2009 - 07.2013
- Served as instructional leader supporting teachers, reviewing lessons, and conducting evaluations.
- Coordinated master schedules, testing, drills, events, substitutes, discipline, and special education processes.
- Led faculty meetings, managed schoolwide instructional initiatives, and collaborated with district leadership.
Superintendency Internship
Anderson School District One
04.2012 - 05.2013
- Assisted with personnel processes, district policy review, budget meetings, and board meetings.
- Participated in Common Core training and professional development planning.
- Led research studies to inform district decision-making, including performance analyses and technology impacts.
- Created district community relations plans and improvement plans for staff.
Instructional Assistant Principal
Cedar Grove Elementary School
07.2005 - 06.2009
- Served as instructional leader supporting teachers, reviewing lessons, and conducting evaluations.
- Coordinated master schedules, testing, drills, events, substitutes, discipline, and special education processes.
- Led faculty meetings, managed schoolwide instructional initiatives, and collaborated with district leadership.
Language Arts/Social Studies Teacher (6th & 7th)
Palmetto Middle School
01.1999 - 01.2005
- Developed standards-aligned curriculum, facilitated cross-curricular units, sponsored student organizations, coordinated academic events, and supported student teachers.
Education
Doctor of Education - Curriculum and Instruction
University of South Carolina
01.2018
Educational Specialist - Educational Leadership
Furman University
01.2013
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership
Furman University
01.2002
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education & Psychology
Bethany College
01.1998
Skills
- Secondary Instructional Leadership & Alignment (SCTS 40, Standards, Assessment)
- Data-Driven Decision-Making & Program Evaluation
- Professional Development Design & Facilitation
- Collaboration Across Schools, District Departments, Special Services, ML Programs
- Innovation in Instructional Initiatives & Student Programming
- MTSS Implementation Support & Stakeholder Communication
- Transition Planning (5th → 6th and 8th → 9th)
- Partnership Development (PCCTC & Secondary Schools)
- Curriculum Planning, Implementation, and Resource Evaluation
- Community Outreach & Representation at District/Community Events
Affiliations
- Liberty Lions Club (Vice President)
- SCHSL Middle School Task Force Member
- Reviewer, Palmetto Administrator
- SCASA Member
- Former Member: National Association of Federal Education Program Administrators; SC Association of Title I Administrators
Certification
- South Carolina Certificate #196609
- Elementary
- Elementary Principal
- Elementary Supervisor
- Middle Level Language Arts
- Superintendent
Timeline
Principal
Liberty Middle School
07.2017 - Current
Director of Planning and Development
Anderson School District One
07.2013 - 07.2017
Superintendency Internship
Anderson School District One
04.2012 - 05.2013
Instructional Assistant Principal
Palmetto Middle School
07.2009 - 07.2013
Instructional Assistant Principal
Cedar Grove Elementary School
07.2005 - 06.2009
Language Arts/Social Studies Teacher (6th & 7th)
Palmetto Middle School
01.1999 - 01.2005
Educational Specialist - Educational Leadership
Furman University
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership
Furman University
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education & Psychology
Bethany College
Doctor of Education - Curriculum and Instruction
University of South Carolina
Additional Instructional Roles
- Bridges to a Brighter Future (Furman University)
- WINGS Program (Furman University)
- Computer/Library Teacher (Catholic Central School)