Lauded for her dedication to education administration and curriculum development for more than three decades, today, Jocelyne Gillespie is the superintendent of Cloudcroft Municipal Schools in New Mexico. Overseeing district operations, managing curriculum and instruction, supporting staff across all departments, drafting policies, fostering student achievement, and much more, she also leads community engagement initiatives to bolster relationships between the schools and local stakeholders.
Ms. Gillespie takes pride in having maintained a high standard of instruction throughout her teaching and administrative career. She has focused on preparing students for long-term success by ensuring they are well-equipped to pursue their goals. Among a litany of her major contributions, she spearheaded the implementation of the PSAT program at Cloudcroft, expanding testing opportunities for students in grades 6 through 12. Guided by her leadership, the school consistently achieved high pass rates in Advanced Placement literature and demonstrated remarkable performance on standardized tests, often surpassing state and national averages. Despite the challenges potentially posed by economic disadvantages among students, Ms. Gillespie diligently worked to address their needs, ensuring that every student had the opportunity to achieve academic success.
Prior to her appointment to superintendent in 2024, Ms. Gillespie was the principal of Cloudcroft High School, where she led faculty and staff for nearly five years in delivering rigorous academic programs and fostering a supportive learning environment. Her stint in this capacity was largely characterized by her commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in instructional practices. Before that, Ms. Gillespie was the assistant principal at Cloudcroft Municipal Schools, supporting operations and contributing to the development of effective educational strategies that strengthened student outcomes. Her entry to Cloudcroft Municipal Schools in 2015 was as a teacher. She was also the English Language Arts Department chair, playing a pivotal role in curriculum development and departmental leadership. Ms. Gillespie’s teaching career commenced in her hometown at Alamogordo Public Schools in New Mexico from 1996 to 2015, during which she developed expertise in classroom instruction and student engagement that would inform her later work as an administrator.
Possessing a strong academic background herself, Ms. Gillespie earned a master’s degree in teaching from Grand Canyon University, a bachelor’s degree in education from New Mexico State University, and an associate degree from New Mexico State University. She advanced her qualifications by obtaining an administrative license from Eastern New Mexico University. Her commitment to professional growth is reflected in her membership with the American Association of School Administrators. Further, she serves on the board of the Otero Federal Credit Union, contributing her expertise to support financial literacy and community development. In parallel with her profession, Ms. Gillespie volunteers with and donates to local and national organizations whose causes are close to her heart.
Honored with an NAACP Award and as a former Teacher of the Year, among other accolades during her career, Ms. Gillespie is grateful for her success. She credits the love and encouragement of her husband, Rand Gillespie, and her small-but-powerful, supportive professional network. She also attributes her own tenacity and resilience, viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. Inspired by the personal experience of feeling unprepared after high school, Ms. Gillespie entered the field of education with a mission to help students prepare for college, technical schools, or their chosen careers. This motivation led her from teaching into administration, in which she has had a broader impact on educational outcomes.
Outside of work, Ms. Gillespie cherishes time with her family and enjoys reading, working out, and hiking. Career-wise, she intends to continue as superintendent, growing her career and technical education, and providing high-quality instruction throughout the district.