The Barrow County School System will welcome Instructional Specialists for the elementary and secondary grade levels starting with the 2026–2027 school year, strengthening districtwide instructional support and student achievement efforts.

Instructional Specialists serve as instructional leaders who align district goals with classroom practice through curriculum development, professional learning, assessment analysis, and the implementation of evidence‑based strategies.

As Secondary Instructional Specialist, Amy Cronic will bring 21 years of experience as an English teacher and instructional leader, most recently at Apalachee High School. She has served as ELA department head, led schoolwide literacy initiatives, and collaborated with the Georgia Department of Education on ELA assessment development. Ms. Cronic holds a Tier I Leadership Certification and is completing an endorsement in Teacher Support and Coaching.

“I’m so grateful for this opportunity to support the work of wonderful teachers throughout BCSS,” said Ms. Cronic.

As an Elementary Instructional Specialist, Dr. Melissa Kurtz will bring over 25 years of education experience. Her background includes instructional coaching, ESOL instruction, bilingual family engagement, and district‑level leadership. Most recently, she has served as Winder Elementary School’s Instructional Coach. Melissa holds a Ph.D. in Educational Theory and Practice, a Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction, Tier I Leadership Certification, and endorsements in Instructional Coaching and ESOL.

“I am overjoyed to partner with the dedicated teachers and leaders who make Barrow County schools places where students love learning and teachers love teaching,” said Dr. Kurtz.

The district is excited to for both instructional leaders to use their expertise to best support BCSS teachers and students.