Today we’d like to introduce you to Tom Cronin. Them and their team share their story with us below:
For the last two years, I have served as the Executive Director of GREEN Charter Schools. In my short time at GREEN, I improved the organizational structure, provided a clear vision, and ensured public trust. GREEN is on a new and fascinating trajectory and will continue to grow and serve a growing population of young families. Before coming to South Carolina, I was an adjunct professor in Educational Leadership at CCSU, an Executive Consultant, and the Director of Admissions, Recruitment, and Outreach for the Connecticut State Department of Education’s (CSDE) Career and Technical High School System. At the CSDE, I was charged with solving equity and access challenges during the admissions process. Before that, I served twelve years as the Director of Education at EASTCONN, a public regional educational service center, overseeing all K-12 regular and special education schools, programs, and services. During my tenure, I built two magnet high schools from the ground up; Arts at the Capitol Theatre (ACT) and Quinebaug Middle College (QMC). In addition, I built the Autism Program, Psychological and Behavioral Services, Assistive Technology Services, Investigative Services, and Food Services. I helped transform the clinical day treatment program to serve regional needs better. I have lent my voice to many other state and regional educational conversations.
I bring many varied perspectives to this new role at GREEN Charter Schools. Beyond my time at the CSDE and EASTCONN, I have served as the Bolton Superintendent of Schools. I created a win-win regional partnership with another school district to tuition students into Bolton High School. Before that, I served as the Assistant Principal and Principal of Tolland Middle School, a Connecticut Association of Schools Middle School of the Year. I began my career teaching special education in West Hartford and Colchester, Connecticut. I earned a Bachelor of Arts from SUNY Plattsburgh and advanced degrees from UCONN, including a Master’s in Educational Psychology, a Sixth Year Diploma in Intermediate Administration, and advanced certification in Executive Leadership.
I am a consummate collaborator and tireless in developing high-quality, cost-effective solutions to serve students and any expressed educational need. Join me in conversation and I will convince you of my commitment to student success and building high-quality, productive, professional relationships. I am thrilled and humbled to join GREEN and invest in this work. I like to say, “Anything I can do to help students and staff achieve their personal and professional dreams and aspirations is time well spent.”
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My ascension to this place in my career is even more remarkable when considering what it took to get here. I am the youngest of eight children, often living without heat or hot water and frequently scrounging for food. My formative years were spent changing schools, fighting in bad neighborhoods, and sleeping in closets or bathtubs. Early in life, my time in school provided the most security. At school, I ate, was warm, and was safe. As life stabilized as I entered high school, I began to demonstrate a capability I didn’t know I had and earned my way to college. I am a tireless learner, always seeking to synthesize ideas and see connections across topics or time. Now that I lead schools, I am grateful for the insight I’ve gained living through so many obstacles, as it keeps me grounded and aware of the impact challenges have on my students and staff. Throughout my career, I have stood in the gap for any stakeholder unwilling to quit. As I say, “Don’t be persuaded by circumstances, they will bend to the vision you inflict on them.” Throughout my career, I grew into a public entrepreneur, growing schools and programs from scratch to serve students of any ability.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The Global Renewable Energy Education Network (GREEN) will prepare students in STEM to creatively and responsibly impact our complex world in renewable energy, sustainability, and conservation efforts. GREEN Charter Schools is a free public charter school system for all students in South Carolina. At GREEN Charter Schools, every student is empowered to pursue their dreams and equipped to impact the world for the better.
Pricing:
- Free
Contact Info:
- Website: www.scgreencharter.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/green_charter_schools/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087637969596
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/greencharterschools/
