CRYSTALLINE JONES
Nashville
Summary
Aspiring School Leader Fellowship Resume VISIONARY SCHOOL LEADER COMMITTED TO EQUITY, EXCELLENCE, AND COLLECTIVE IMPACT Relentless educator and transformational leader with over a decade of experience in driving student achievement, dismantling systemic barriers, and fostering inclusive school cultures. Deeply committed to ensuring all students—regardless of background, ability, or socioeconomic status—access a high-quality education. Adept at coaching teachers, managing school operations, and aligning vision with execution. Proven track record in student growth, adult development, family engagement, and sustainable leadership.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Middle School Principal
STEM Prep Academy
05.2019 - Current
- Raised overall student achievement through strategic instructional leadership, curriculum alignment, and data-driven decisions.
- Closed achievement gaps among subgroups (e.g., English learners, students with disabilities, economically disadvantaged students).
- High teacher retention rates (90%+), especially in high-turnover environments.
- Built a strong instructional coaching model that led to measurable improvements in teacher effectiveness.
- Developed internal teacher leaders and created pipelines to leadership roles.
- Maintained or improved a Level 5 TVAAS growth rating every year as a principal (if in Tennessee or similar metric in other states).
- Led turnaround efforts that raised the school’s state letter grade (e.g., from C to B).
- Successfully managed staffing shortages or budget constraints while maintaining high academic and cultural expectations.
- Designed and executed school-wide initiatives (e.g., test prep season, RTI systems, restorative practices) that moved the school forward.
- Created sustainable systems for progress monitoring, discipline, and data analysis.
- Managed school operations and budgeting efficiently, often creatively finding resources outside of funding constraints.
- Improved onboarding, staff accountability, and compliance through clear systems and transparent communication.
Dean of Students
STEM Prep Academy
06.2020 - 08.2022
- Reset adult culture during COVID-19 recovery, establishing consistent expectations and emotional safety
- Facilitated RTI behavior systems and progress monitoring aligned to student and staff needs
- Increased teacher confidence in discipline protocols through real-time coaching and professional development
- Decreased suspensions or exclusionary discipline practices while improving student behavior through positive culture systems.
- Fostered a safe, inclusive school climate that honors diversity and promotes belonging.
Dean of Culture (K-2)
East End Prep
07.2019 - 06.2020
- Achieved 91% decrease in repeat suspensions, with 86% of Tier 2 students returning to Tier 1 behavior expectations
- Coached staff on proactive behavior systems, RTI-B practices, and LiveSchool
- Built and executed a school-wide incentive program and hosted culturally affirming school-wide events
Instructional Coach
Teach For America – Nashville Summer Institute
05.2019 - 07.2019
- Delivered real-time coaching, modeled lessons, facilitated PDs on culture and data, and led teacher development plans
Science Teacher & Behavior Interventionist
KIPP Nashville & East End Prep
01.2014 - 01.2019
- Ranked Top 25 statewide for TVAAS growth out of over 15,000 teachers
- 88% of students scored proficient/advanced on TCAP Science
- Served as team lead, mentor, and curriculum writer
Science Teacher
P.D. Jackson Olin High School & Chapman Middle
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Taught Chemistry, Anatomy, Environmental Science, and Physical Science
- Led extracurricular programming and educational travel experiences
Education
M.Ed. - Educational Leadership
Lipscomb University
Nashville, TNBachelor of Arts - Telecommunications & Film: Broadcast News
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL01.2012
Skills
- Growth Mindset & Continuous Improvement
- Strategic Project Management & Vision Execution
- Data-Informed Decision Making
- Collective Teacher Efficacy & Staff Development
- Inclusive School Culture & Culturally Responsive Practices
- Parent and Community Partnerships
Certification
- Transitional Licensure
FELLOWSHIP ALIGNMENT
- Over 10 years of teaching and leadership experience in PK-12 settings.
- Demonstrated educator effectiveness through TVAAS, TEAM, and LOE ratings.
- Actively working toward educational equity as a visionary, mission-driven school leader.
- Eager to support TFA pre-service training and Corps Member development.
- Seeking continued development and mentorship through the Nashville Aspiring School Leader Fellowship to scale impact.
Awards
Nashville Black 40 Under 40 (2020), Nashville Emerging Leaders (NEL), Class of 2021, Creative Girls Rock Volunteer (5 years)
Timeline
Dean of Students
STEM Prep Academy
06.2020 - 08.2022
Dean of Culture (K-2)
East End Prep
07.2019 - 06.2020
Middle School Principal
STEM Prep Academy
05.2019 - Current
Instructional Coach
Teach For America – Nashville Summer Institute
05.2019 - 07.2019
Science Teacher & Behavior Interventionist
KIPP Nashville & East End Prep
01.2014 - 01.2019
Science Teacher
P.D. Jackson Olin High School & Chapman Middle
01.2012 - 01.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Telecommunications & Film: Broadcast News
The University of Alabama
M.Ed. - Educational Leadership
Lipscomb University
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