NICOLE JOHNSTON
Stephens City
Summary
Experienced in education leadership, dedicated to fostering collaborative environments and driving student success. Strong background in managing special education programs, staff mentoring, and supporting diverse student populations. Known for adaptability, reliability, and commitment to meeting the evolving needs of both students and faculty. Equipped with effective team management skills and strategic planning abilities. Ready to make a significant impact in any educational setting.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Principal
Frederick County Public Schools
06.2024 - Current
- Partnered with principal to administer school program in alignment with vision and goals, providing positive, high-expectation academic environment.
- Supported a positive school culture by addressing student behavior concerns promptly and effectively.
- Enhanced teacher effectiveness through regular classroom observations and feedback sessions.
- Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
- Established intervention programs for struggling students, improving overall academic achievement levels at the school.
- Built and maintained positive relationships with diverse stakeholders, such as parents, school volunteers and outside agencies.
- Monitored student behavior and enforced discipline policies.
- Improved school performance by developing and implementing data-driven instructional strategies.
- Analyzed standardized test results to identify areas of improvement in instruction methods and curriculum content.
- Trained teachers on effective teaching techniques, classroom management strategies, and behavior modification.
- Spearheaded professional development initiatives, fostering an environment of continuous growth for staff members.
- Coordinated special events such as parent-teacher conferences, open houses, and graduation ceremonies to promote a sense of community within the school.
- Supported special education department by developing programs and protocols for at-risk youth and students with special needs.
- Led school-wide initiatives focused on increasing attendance rates and reducing dropout numbers.
- Managed budget allocations for academic programs, ensuring responsible use of resources for maximum educational impact.
Senior Lead Teacher
Frederick County Public Schools
07.2023 - 05.2024
- Managed student discipline matters such as coordinating parent meetings to comply with district and legal policies.
- Contributed to the school improvement plan by participating in strategic planning sessions focused on increasing academic achievement rates across all grade levels.
- Advised principal on student attendance and behavior.
- Streamlined communication between administration and staff by implementing a consistent system for sharing information and updates.
- Worked closely with special education teams to ensure accommodations were implemented effectively, promoting equity in learning experiences for all students.
- Supported teachers in developing effective classroom management strategies, resulting in improved student behavior.
- Developed a comprehensive plan for addressing student attendance concerns, resulting in increased daily attendance rates and improved academic outcomes.
- Assisted Principal with budgetary decisions based on data analysis of resource allocation effectiveness within the school setting.
- Implemented initiatives aimed at closing achievement gaps among diverse student populations, such as targeted interventions or supplemental support services.
- Assisted in the development of school-wide policies and procedures to maintain a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.
- Assisted in supervising extracurricular activities and events.
- Reduced paperwork burden by efficiently managing documentation related to IEPs, assessments, and evaluations.
- Mentored new special education teachers, providing guidance on best practices and classroom management techniques.
- Streamlined processes for IEP development, ensuring timely completion and compliance with state regulations.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to assess students'' needs, develop interventions, and monitor progress for improved outcomes.
Teacher, Special Education
Frederick County Public Schools
07.2019 - 06.2023
- Developed and implemented lesson plans for students with high-functioning autism, emotional disability, dyslexia, and other physical and learning disabilities
- Collaborated with teachers to provide instructional support that leads to dramatic academic gains for students
- Differentiated activities and goals to meet student's individual needs and abilities
- Developed, supported implementation, and monitored progress on IEP
- Employed diverse techniques that promoted active learning, including individualized instruction, problem-solving assignments, and small-group work
- Exercised flexibility within the classroom by addressing students' needs through special accommodations
- Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Facilitated IEP meetings by using family-centered, strength-based approach.
- Supported general education teachers and administrators in implementing strategies to meet needs of students with IEPs.
- Managed caseloads effectively, ensuring timely evaluations, reevaluations, and annual reviews for all assigned students.
- Implemented behavior intervention plans designed to reduce disruptive behaviors while promoting positive learning experiences for all students.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
Remedial Teacher
Warren County Public Schools
08.2015 - 06.2019
- Designed lessons based on testing data to improve student's oral reading, reading comprehension, and vocabulary
- Collaboratively remediated struggling math students on Standard of Learning tests in their regular classroom setting, as well as addressed individual needs in a 'pull out' environment based on their current needs
- Observed and assessed student performance and kept thorough records of progress
- Conducted small group mini-lessons as well as one-on-one instruction
- Provided guidance and leadership to 6th Grade Mathematics teachers in the curriculum implementation, remediation implementation, and student assessment implementation
- Implemented redirection methods to address problematic issues
- Established a supportive learning environment that encouraged students to take risks and ask questions during lessons.
- Established strong rapport with students through empathetic listening and clear communication, fostering trust and open dialogue about academic challenges.
- Boosted standardized test scores for remedial students through focused preparation sessions and tailored test-taking strategies.
- Assessed student progress regularly using both formative and summative assessments, making data-driven adjustments to instruction as needed.
- Developed individualized learning plans for each student to address specific areas of need and foster improvement.
- Improved reading comprehension for struggling students by implementing targeted remedial instruction.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
Education
Certificate - Educational Leadership
James Madison University
05-2024
Masters of Education - Curriculum and Instruction with an Emphasis in Social and Emotional Learning
University of Virginia
08-2022
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education with a Minor in Mild Disabilities
George Mason University
Associate's Degree - Elementary Education
Laurel Ridge Community College
Skills
- Instructional leadership
- Parent engagement and communication
- Student achievement
- Data-driven instruction
- Restorative practices
- School improvement
- Standardized testing
- Teacher mentoring
- Special education
- Individual education plans IEPs
- Student support
- Discipline management
Leadership Roles
- Special Education Co-lead, 2020 - 2023
- Faculty Advisory Committee Member, 2020 - 2023
- Calendar Committee Representative, 2016 - 2019, 2023
- New Teacher Mentor, 2016 - 2023
- National Junior Honor Society Sponsor, 2016 - 2019
- PBIS Committee, 2016 - Current, PBIS Chair (2021 - 2023)
- Leadership/School Improvement Committee, 2016 - Current
- PTSO Teacher Sponsor, 2017 - 2019
Timeline
Assistant Principal
Frederick County Public Schools
06.2024 - Current
Senior Lead Teacher
Frederick County Public Schools
07.2023 - 05.2024
Teacher, Special Education
Frederick County Public Schools
07.2019 - 06.2023
Remedial Teacher
Warren County Public Schools
08.2015 - 06.2019
Certificate - Educational Leadership
James Madison University
Masters of Education - Curriculum and Instruction with an Emphasis in Social and Emotional Learning
University of Virginia
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education with a Minor in Mild Disabilities
George Mason University
Associate's Degree - Elementary Education
Laurel Ridge Community College
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