Ms. Cynthia Brictson
Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction
April 2009 - Present
Prior to accepting the position of Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, Ms. Brictson served for four years as principal of Roberta T. Smith Elementary School, a theme based technology school. She previously held positions in Staff Development for a Cluster of K-12 schools in Clayton County, GA, served as Director of Teaching and Learning for West Metro Education School District in Minnesota, Coordinator ofCurriculum and Instruction, and Graduation Standards Staff Development for K-12 in the St. Louis Park School District in Minnesota. Ms. Brictson began her career in K-12 education as a middle school teacher in St. Louis Park, Minnesota.
While in St. Louis Park, Ms. Brictson was awarded in excess of $500,000 in grant funding for the St. Louis Park School District and the West Metro Education District. The grants supported programs for International Baccalaureate High School training, Diversity Integration for High School, Equity in Gifted Education Assessments, International Baccalaureate training for Middle and Primary Years, Arts In The Schools, and Teacher Mentorship Programs. She was recently awarded a PTA Parent Involvement Grant in 2006 to create a Parent Center at Smith Elementary.
During her leadership at Smith Elementary School, the school was awarded the Title I Distinguished School, and made AYP three of four year’s she served as principal. In addition, she has implemented a technology themed school with data driven curriculum and instruction. The Learning Academy is a unique differentiated Staff Development Model that was collaboratively developed to cultivate and foster technology use. Professional Learning classes are taught by staff members to increase internal experts in all the components and software utilized in 21st Century classrooms. The Saturday School Initiative tutors students in Kindergarten through Fifth grade, offers parenting classes, and provides enrichment through cultural field trips. GEMS, Girls Empowered with Morals and Self-esteem, Gentleman of Quality, Smith Sensations Step and Dance Team, Girl Scout Troop # 3805, a coed gymnastics squad, and boys hop team were established to nurture leadership and character. An annual Technology Night, Multicultural Night, Awards Night, Smith All School Talent Show, and Black History student assemblies were established to showcase student learning. It has now become tradition for Smith Elementary to win the most awards in the County for the Hear Our Voice writing and performance competition and the top fund raising awards for the Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.
Ms. Brictson is active in her school community organizations, supporting the Calvary Homeless Shelter and volunteering at Camp Calvin in the therapeutic equestrian program designed for children with disabilities. Community Partnerships include the Principal’s A Honor Roll Lunch sponsored by Truett’s and Fort Gillem for the CRCT Boot Camp. Smith Elementary was also recognized by the Total Grace Church of Rex, Georgia for their service to the children in the community.
Ms. Brictson has been a speaker and presenter at national and local conferences, most recently at the National School Board Association, for Classrooms Configured to Motivate and Challenge the 21st Century Learner. Ms. Brictson studied race relations and cultural competence with Gary Howard, was a member of the Glen Singleton National Staff Development Council Cohort on Courageous Conversations, and has worked with the National Urban Alliance on the Minneapolis WMEP/NUA Literacy Initiative.
Ms. Brictson holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree from the University of Minnesota. Her Educational Administrators License was also completed at the University of Minnesota. She is the mother of two adult sons.