About Me
J. Craig Cantrell
Educational Leader • Instructional Coach • Arts Advocate
J. Craig Cantrell is a dedicated and visionary educational leader with over 20 years of experience in public education. He is recognized for his commitment to instructional excellence, teacher empowerment, and strategic school improvement.
As the founding Director of Bands and Fine Arts Department Chair at Cherokee Bluff High School in Flowery Branch, Georgia, Mr. Cantrell has built award-winning programs from the ground up while serving as a key member of the School Leadership and School Improvement Teams. His leadership has helped shape a culture of academic rigor, creativity, and student-centered learning.
District-Level Leadership
In his role as an Instrumental Music Lead Teacher for Hall County Schools, Mr. Cantrell provides district-wide support through:
- Instructional coaching and curriculum alignment
- Professional learning initiatives focused on teacher leadership
- Advocacy for equitable access to fine arts education
He is passionate about empowering teachers as change agents and cultivating systems where students and staff thrive.
Awards & Recognition
- Teacher of the Year – East Hall High (2007) & Cherokee Bluff High (2018)
- Three-time STAR Teacher
- Citation of Excellence – National Band Association (3x)
- Member – Who's Who Among American Teachers
- Member – Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity
Leadership & Impact
Mr. Cantrell has successfully supervised faculty, managed complex budgets and facility operations, and aligned instructional goals with school and district improvement plans. His combined classroom and leadership experience equips him to lead in diverse educational settings using curriculum design, assessment strategies, and data-informed decision-making.
He is also a sought-after speaker and clinician on topics such as teacher leadership, school culture, and program development.
Advocacy in the Arts
Mr. Cantrell continues to advocate for student creativity and expression. He:
- Directs multiple instrumental ensembles
- Teaches AP Music Theory and Musicianship
- Serves as Artistic Director and Conductor of the Northwinds Symphonic Band
- Has led student performances at GMEA In-Service Conference, UGA JanFest, University of Alabama Honor Band Clinic, and SEUS at Troy University, with national appearances in Washington, D.C., New York, Dallas, and Philadelphia
Education & Credentials
- B.M. in Music Education – Kennesaw State University
- B.M.E., M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership, Ed.S. in Educational Leadership – Thomas University
- Ed.D. in Educational Leadership – Liberty University (in progress)
- Graduate – Hall County Schools Growing Administrative Leaders Program
- Certified in Educational Leadership (Tier I), Teacher Leadership, and P-12 Music Education
Professional Affiliations
- National Association for Music Education (NAfME)
- Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) – Vice Chair, District 14
- National Band Association (NBA)
- World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE)
Personal
Mr. Cantrell resides in Flowery Branch, Georgia, with his wife, Dr. Michelle Cantrell, and their children, Tyler and Julia. His leadership philosophy is grounded in service, curiosity, and accountability—believing that every student deserves a champion, and every teacher deserves a leader who listens, inspires, and leads with integrity.