June 14, 2021 

Dr. Shazzma Crooks has been named Executive Director of Special Education for Greenville ISD.

Dr. Crooks comes to GISD from Frisco ISD where she served for five years as the special education coordinator at the district level. Prior to her post with Frisco ISD, Dr. Crooks served Fulton County Schools in Atlanta, GA as an assistant principal at Benjamin Banneker High School for two years and the district’s special education coordinator for four years. Before entering administration, Dr. Crooks taught in or served in campus based special education leadership roles for 13 years.

“Doing what’s best for kids is what drives me,” Dr. Crooks said. “I am super excited about being a part of the Greenville family and continuing the legacy of excellence that has already been started.”

 GISD Deputy Superintendent Sharon Boothe said Dr. Crooks’ experience and ability to bring people together is an ideal fit for the district. 

“Dr. Shazzma Crooks brings a myriad of experiences that will positively impact our students, programs, and staff,” Boothe said. “She has an amazing talent to bring large teams together, through her collaborative style that includes a keen ear for listening.”

Dr. Crooks started her career in education as a teacher of students with intellectual disabilities and emotional behavior disorders. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in interrelated special education and intellectual disabilities from Albany State University and a doctorate in leadership in education administration from Capella University.

She has been married for 22 years and has two children. Her daughter will be a freshman in college this fall, while her son will be a freshman in high school. Dr. Crooks is the director of education for her church and is active with the Collin County Systems of Care which supports students with mental health needs. In her free time, she enjoys mentoring, international travel, reading and spending time with family and friends.