Bridget Hughes
The Woodlands,TX
Summary
Accomplished educational leader with extensive experience in Structured literacy curriculum development and staff training and mentorship. Skilled in data-driven decision-making and effective communication, dedicated to improving instructional practices and student outcomes across diverse learning environments.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of NILD/ACE Program
The Woodlands Christian Academy
07.2022 - Current
- Establish individualized and small-group services for students with dyslexia and learning disabilities integrating language, cognition, and literacy development in both English and Spanish.
- Supervise ACE/NILD educational therapists implementing structured literacy reading intervention for students with dyslexia and different learning differences.
- Develop and implement process and program improvements to enhance efficiency across departments.
- Mentor staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development in the areas of structured literacy, math, and executive functions.
- Develop annual budgets for ACE program to inform strategic planning and decision-making initiatives.
NILD Instruct
National Institute for Learning Development
06.1997 - Current
- Co-developed and implemented NILD revised structured literacy materials to enhance learning outcomes for students with dyslexia and learning differences integrating language, cognition, and literacy development.
- Facilitate professional development workshops and webinars for NILD educational therapists in the United States and abroad to improve instructional techniques with new literacy materials and engagement strategies.
- Developed PowerPoints and other curriculum (course knowledge surveys, monthly job-embedded topics regarding reading, phonological awareness, etc.) for the different NILD coursework.
- Mentor newly trained instructors, providing guidance on course design and NILD educational therapy practices.
- Analyze student performance data to inform instructional adjustments and improve educational effectiveness.
- From 2020-2022, I served as NILD's Program Operations coordinator, as well as the Discovery Program Coordinator, assisting with the implementation aspects of specialized educational programs designed for students with learning differences, coordinating program activities, ensuring adherence to the program's quality standards, and supporting DP therapists.
- Continue to teach NILD Courses and workshops throughout the school year and summers.
Director of NILD/CAS Program
First Baptist Academcy
06.2015 - 06.2020
- Led curriculum development initiatives to enhance educational programs and student outcomes for students with dyslexia and/or other learning differences.
- Directed staff professional development to improve teaching effectiveness and instructional strategies.
- Oversaw budget management, ensuring financial resources aligned with strategic goals of the program at the academy.
- Implemented community engagement strategies to foster partnerships and support for school initiatives.
- Coordinated annual assessments to monitor student progress and inform instructional adjustments for students with dyslexia and other learning differences. .
- Cultivated a collaborative culture among faculty to promote innovative teaching practices and shared goals.
- Developed high-performing team by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
Director of NILD Learning Center
Cypress Christian School
08.2008 - 06.2015
- Directed strategic initiatives to enhance Learning Center educational programs and outreach efforts for all school divisions.
- Led faculty development workshops to improve instructional practices for students with dyslexia and other learning differences.
- Developed high-performing NILD Learning Center teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Managed budget effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
NILD Discovery Director
Houston Christian School
06.1997 - 06.2007
- Developed and implemented NILD Discovery Program to enhance programs for students with dyslexia and other learning differences..
- Served on the Leadership Team to assist with development of school policies to improve teacher instructional practices and knowledge to promote student success for all students, but especially for students with dyslexia and/or other learning differences.
- Streamlined administrative processes, increasing operational efficiency across departments.
- Fostered collaboration among classroom teachers to align their curriculum to meet the needs of students of students with dyslexia and/or other learning differences.
- Evaluated academic performance of Discovery staff to drive continuous improvement in student outcomes.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
Director of Discovery
Grace Christian School
06.1993 - 06.1997
- Implemented and directed NILD programs for K-8th.
- Assisted administrator develop two additional special needs program.
- Diagnosed, assessed, and determined student's eligibility into NILD/Discovery program .
- Implemented program and learning difference needs with classroom teachers.
- Promoted community awareness of NILD program.
- ACSI seminar speaker at Dallas, TX ACSI Convention promoting structured literacy program for students with dyslexia, as well as the development of language and thinking tools.
Education
Master of Science - Special Education
Prairie View A&M University
Prairie View, TX06-2001
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education And Generic Special Education
Texas A&M
Texarkana, TX05-1976
Skills
- Strategic planning
- Team management
- Staff Development
- Decision-making
- Organization development
- Curriculum development
- Parent, Student, Teacher collaboration
Accomplishments
In 2024, received the NILD Lifetime Achievement Award for the work accomplished through the NILD program over the past 30 plus years.
NILD established the Bridget Hughes Lifelong Scholarship Fund which provides financial assistance for educators to receive specialized training in supporting students with learning differences. It honors Bridget Hughes by enabling teachers to gain evidence-based strategies for student success, often supported by donations during NILD conferences.
Keynote Speaker for NILD Conference November 2024: Enriching NILD Techniques to Cultivate Executive Functions and the Language of Thinking: A Strategic Approach to Cognitive Development.
Grace Mutzabaugh Awarded to Bridget Hughes in 2012 for providing excellence in service and leadership in the NILD organization, and for inspiring and helping other NILD educational therapists.
Certification
NILD Professionally Certified Educational Therappist
Lifetime Texas Teacher Certification
Elementary Education and Generic Special Education
K-8
Timeline
Director of NILD/ACE Program
The Woodlands Christian Academy
07.2022 - Current
Director of NILD/CAS Program
First Baptist Academcy
06.2015 - 06.2020
Director of NILD Learning Center
Cypress Christian School
08.2008 - 06.2015
NILD Instruct
National Institute for Learning Development
06.1997 - Current
NILD Discovery Director
Houston Christian School
06.1997 - 06.2007
Director of Discovery
Grace Christian School
06.1993 - 06.1997
Master of Science - Special Education
Prairie View A&M University
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education And Generic Special Education
Texas A&M
Lifetime Achievement Award from NILD
The NILD Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to me on November 1st, 2024, in recognition of a lifetime of service and dedication to transforming the thinking and learning of students with learning differences. NILD noted my contribution to them and my tireless commitment of equipping other educators with the skills and knowledge to enhance students' thinking and learning, with a new standard of excellence.
NILD stated that through my leadership, countless educators have been inspired and empowered, students have been enriched, and students' lives have been transformed. This work beautifully mirrors a part of NILD's emblem intertwining cognition, perception, emotion, and academic. NILD leadership believes that this work has also empowered students to think critically, embrace learning with depth, and face challenge with courage. By teaching them not just WHAT to think, but HOW to think, my work has opened the door to their greatest possibility, cultivating confident and independent learners. NILD also stated that in every sense, this award embodies the mission of NILD by reaping a lifetime of impact that will continue for generations to come.
I am truly humbled and honored by this award. I’m deeply grateful to my mentors and to my incredible colleagues who have worked alongside me throughout all these years.