Karen Cross

Dr. Karen Cross is a Clinical Assistant Professor and Program Director of the Graduate Certificate Program for Elementary Education at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is affiliated with the Department of Reading and Elementary Education within the College of Education. Her roles include teaching courses on lesson planning, instructional delivery, and classroom management, while collaborating with local school districts to support practical educational initiatives.

Education:

• Ed.D in Educational Leadership, University of North Carolina at Greensboro (2009)
• Ed.S in Educational Leadership, University of North Carolina at Greensboro (2007)
• M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction, Virginia Tech (1997)
• B.S. in Elementary Education (K-6), Winston-Salem State University (1993)

Research Focus: Dr. Cross prioritizes New Teacher Support, Mentoring, and enhancing Early Literacy Skills for children. Her work emphasizes practical strategies for educators to address diverse learning needs and improve classroom effectiveness. She integrates curricula for elementary learners and explores methods to evaluate educational outcomes rigorously.

Community & Teaching: She coordinates mentorship programs at Greater Galilee Baptist Church and teaches courses such as Child Development and Instructional Design for Elementary Learners, Foundations of Education, and Measuring Learning in Elementary Curricula. Her recent publications (e.g., 2016's *A Special Place for Alex*) reflect her engagement with educational challenges in elementary settings.

Advising & Grants: While no specific grants or student advisement records are noted, her role as a Program Director indicates leadership in educational development. She actively advises through her teaching and community roles.