Superintendent's Message: Academic Excellence with Support Staff

The Grenada School District has earned an “A” rating, a testament to the district’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence. This achievement is a source of immense pride for the district, as it reflects not only the hard work of students and teachers, but also the dedication of parents, community partners, school support staff, and school administrators.

The academic success we’ve achieved in our district is the result of the combined efforts of everyone involved. It truly takes all of us—students, parents, teachers, assistants, support staff, administrators at both the school level and Central Office, as well as our community partners—to accomplish the enormous success we’ve experienced.

A key group contributing to this success is the district’s Instructional Specialists and Lead Teachers. These individuals play an essential role in supporting teachers and students, helping to improve academic performance through a variety of initiatives, including lesson development, professional development opportunities, and targeted interventions. 

The Role of Instructional Specialists and Lead Teachers

Grenada’s Instructional Specialists are unique in that they take on dual roles—serving both as coaches and specialists. As coaches, they work closely with teachers, providing direct support through lesson modeling, feedback, and coaching to enhance teaching practices. As specialists, they focus on curriculum development, creating assessments, leading professional development sessions, and aligning instruction with district standards. This dual role allows specialists to provide comprehensive and integrated support to both teachers and students across the district.

In addition to the vital contributions of Instructional Specialists, our Lead Teachers play an equally critical role in ensuring the success of the district’s educational goals. These highly dedicated educators work closely with our specialists and fellow teachers to stay updated on any changes in the curriculum, ensuring that every teacher has the necessary tools to succeed. Lead Teachers also assist in lesson planning and may even model lessons in classrooms when teachers need additional support in teaching certain standards.

Beyond their collaborative work with specialists, Lead Teachers often go the extra mile by helping to prepare essential test-taking materials, worksheets, and resources that support students’ learning. Most Lead Teachers also manage their own classrooms, balancing the responsibility of their students alongside their leadership roles. Their ability to effectively support their colleagues while maintaining their own classroom responsibilities is invaluable. Lead Teachers have truly been a driving force behind the district’s academic excellence, helping to foster a culture of high expectations and achievement.

As Erica Conley, lead teacher for Grenada Elementary’s 3rd through 5th grades, shared, “A lead teacher is not just a guide in academics but someone that fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and growth within a learning community. The goal is to inspire both students and fellow educators to achieve their fullest potential.”

Evolving Role of Specialists

Since the adoption of the Mississippi College and Career Readiness Standards in 2013, the role of specialists has evolved. Initially, specialists focused on introducing teachers to the new standards and developing instructional units. As new materials became available, the focus shifted to providing classroom support, helping teachers implement effective instructional practices, and shaping remediation and enrichment plans.

As the district continues to refine its approach, specialists are now being “dispatched” to specific grade levels and teachers to provide targeted support, especially for teachers new to the district or new to the profession. This targeted approach ensures that teachers receive the personalized support they need to succeed, ultimately benefiting students by improving the overall quality of instruction.

Passion Drives Success

Pam Briscoe, a Senior ELA Specialist in the district, shared her insights on the role of a specialist. “To be a specialist, you need two things—hustle and heart,” Briscoe said. “The daily demands are high, often moving between multiple schools and serving different grade levels, so you must work efficiently and effectively. More than anything, you must love what you do. Passion fuels you—passion for literacy, passion for teachers, passion for students, passion for community, and passion for the profession. It’s that passion that keeps you going, no matter the challenges.”

The district’s success is a reflection of the dedication and passion of its educators, including Instructional Specialists and Lead Teachers, who continually strive to improve teaching practices and student outcomes. Their efforts have been integral to the district’s academic achievements and the overall success of Grenada’s students.

Looking Ahead

As Grenada continues to maintain its “A” district rating, the role of Instructional Specialists and Lead Teachers will remain crucial in driving continued success. Their ability to provide targeted support, foster a love of learning, and improve teaching practices will ensure that the district remains a model of academic excellence in the state.