"My academic and professional journey reflects a deep passion for service in education. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Wiley College, famously known as the "Home of the Great Debaters," located in Marshall, TX. After graduating in December 2000, I began an eight-year teaching career with the Dallas Independent School District (DISD). Toward the end of my time with DISD, I dedicated my efforts to supporting students with persistent behavioral challenges. While serving in the South Oak Cliff Feeder Pattern, my collaborative efforts contributed to significant double-digit gains across all subjects and subgroups on state assessments. Through teamwork with instructional coaches, administrators, teachers, and other stakeholders, the entire feeder pattern achieved state standards. Notably, within one year, my campus progressed from ranking 33rd to 4th in its comparison group for Index 2 (Student Growth).

I transitioned to the Cedar Hill Independent School District as an Instructional Coach within their Mentor Program. This role was particularly rewarding, as it allowed me to collaborate with teachers to foster productive and less stressful classroom environments. I utilized many counseling strategies in this role, having earned my Master of Education in Counseling from Texas A&M University-Commerce. During this time, I also became a District Presenter, delivering professional development sessions for elementary and high school educators.

I bring approximately eight years of experience in online tutoring, specializing in personalized learning. My approach focuses on tailoring lessons to match each student’s unique learning style while incorporating interactive activities that foster engagement and enhance comprehension. As an educator deeply committed to student success, I, JValencia Cross, am excited about the opportunity to continue making a meaningful and positive impact in the lives of students." less...