Instructional Coaches
Mrs. Courtney Speciale
Welcome to East Elementary, where learning is exciting and hands-on and instruction is intentional and targeted!
My name is Courtney Speciale and I am East Elementary's AMSTI Building Based Math Coach. The 2025-2026 school year will begin my eighteenth year in education and 5th year as math coach. I was hired at East Elementary in 2008 and taught both 3rd and 5th grades. I graduated from Athens State in 2008, The University of West Alabama in 2010 (M.Ed.), The University of West Alabama in 2014 with an Education Specialist degree (Ed.S.) in Elementary Education. and The University of West Alabama again in 2025 with a certification in instructional leadership. I have been married to my husband, Steve, for 12 years and we have two precious children.
I enjoy working with our wonderful classroom teachers and providing professional development opportunities, data analysis, and co-planning/coaching opportunities. Most importantly, I love being in multiple classrooms each day building relationships among teachers and students and continuing to have a positive impact on our students' educational journey!
Mrs. Crystal Robertson
My name is Crystal Robertson and I am the ARI Reading Specialist at East Elementary. My husband, Joey, and I live in Good Hope with our three beautiful girls: Lola, Jocie, and Halle. My twins Lola and Jocie are in the 8th grade this year. Halle is attending Wallace in the fall. I also have two fur babies, Sadie and Maggie. In my free time I enjoy reading and traveling. I'lI also never turn down the chance to try a new restaurant, especially if they serve sushi! I love attending Bearcat football games as well as watching the Cullman cheerleaders compete. Jocie cheers for CMS and my nephews are on the 9th grade football team.
This is my 23rd year in education. I have taught 1st grade for 22 years but also have experience in kindergarten, second, third, fifth grade, and STEM through summer camps, private tutoring, and internships. I hold a Bachelor's degree from Athens and my Master's and Educational Specialist degrees are from the University of Alabama. I am also a National Board Certified Teacher. I have wanted to be an instructional coach for many years and am so excited and blessed for the opportunity to work with the incredible faculty and staff at East Elementary!