Candance Nielsen
Lakeview ,MI
Summary
Dynamic educational leader with 25 yeas of experience dedicated to fostering positive, collaborative relationships among students, families, staff, and community partners. Currently serving as an Assistant Principal, expertise includes roles as a Behavior Interventionist, Special Educator, and Department Head, providing a comprehensive understanding of instruction, behavior, and systems-level improvement. Proven success in leading student and staff leadership teams, facilitating MTSS initiatives for academic and behavioral growth, and conducting data analysis to identify trends and opportunities for improvement. Committed to equitable access to high-quality instruction through the design of professional development for educators and the promotion of post-secondary readiness and online learning opportunities for all students.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Principal and 504 Coordinator
Big Rapids Public Schools
08.2024 - Current
- Trained teachers on effective teaching techniques, classroom management strategies, and behavior modification.
- Partnered with principal to administer school program in alignment with vision and goals, providing positive, high-expectation academic environment.
- Built and maintained positive relationships with diverse stakeholders, such as parents, school volunteers and outside agencies.
- Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
- Established intervention programs for struggling students, improving overall academic achievement levels at the school.
- Developed comprehensive assessment systems to monitor student progress and inform instructional decisions.
- Analyzed standardized test results to identify areas of improvement in instruction methods and curriculum content.
- Improved student academic performance with targeted intervention programs for at-risk youths.
- Monitored and evaluated educational programs to maintain high-quality performance objectives and standards.
Behavior Interventionist 6-12
Morley Stanwood Community Schools
08.2023 - 08.2024
- Collaboratively lead and guided teachers on best practices for working with students exhibiting challenging behaviors.
- Maintained accurate records of student's goals, objectives, and intervention strategies used.
- Consulted with team members regularly regarding any changes made within current intervention plans.
- Assisted teachers in implementing evidence-based interventions for students who display challenging behaviors.
- Maintained regular communication with parents, guardians and caregivers
- Lead restorative practices between students and teachers
- Developed intervention plans based on established guidelines and individual needs.
Accommodated Testing Coordinator
Greenville Public Schools
08.2013 - 07.2023
- Responsible for coordinating and supporting students who test with accommodations.
- Trained staff on testing procedures and served as a support to building administration
- Member of building testing team and lead for accommodated testing rooms
- Maintained records, and submitted documentation to support accommodated testing
- Lead and planned professional development on state testing guidelines to the secondary testing teams.
Special Educator and Department Head
Greenville Public Schools
08.2009 - 07.2023
- Lead the team meetings with other professionals to develop appropriate educational plans for students with disabilities.
- Coordinated with core content teachers and departments to implement tiered instruction.
- Served as a co-lead on data collection to support tiered instruction and intervention in special education and general education classrooms.
- Created differentiated curriculum for high school math content
- Recruited qualified candidates to fill open positions
- Ensured compliance with special education laws, regulations, and state and federal guidelines
- Led team meetings and coordinated professional learning communities to support the development of effective professional development initiatives for both the team and new teachers
- Coordinated paraprofessional support plans for students inside general education and special education classrooms
- Constructed special education and inclusion teaching schedules each semester as part of the master schedule
Special Educator
Lakeview Community Schools
08.2006 - 08.2007
- Assessed, identified and provided specialized instruction to students with special needs.
- Collaborated with general education teachers to include students in classroom activities.
Education
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership/ Special Education Admin
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI05.2026
Master of Arts - Instruction And Curriculum
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT11-2024
Path To Leadership Endorsement - Education Administration
Michigan Association Secondary School Principal's
Lansing, MI06-2024
Bachelor of Arts - Education of The Learning Disabled
Aquinas College
Grand Rapids, MI05.2003
Skills
- 5D Teacher Evaluation Course with Field Experience
- Excellent Communicator with Team Lead Experience
- Reliable, team player and collaboration focused
- MICIP Co-Lead
- Reliable and Flexible
- Organization and Time Management
- School Improvement Collaborator and Department Chair Lead
- Budget Experience
- Virtual School Collaborator
- Special Education Compliance Trained
- Standards alignment
- Curriculum assessment
- Assessment tools
- Teaching strategies
Certification
- CPI Certified
- CPR Certified
- ALICE Trained
- 5D+ & Rater Reliability
- CSTAG-Level 2
Timeline
Assistant Principal and 504 Coordinator
Big Rapids Public Schools
08.2024 - Current
Behavior Interventionist 6-12
Morley Stanwood Community Schools
08.2023 - 08.2024
Accommodated Testing Coordinator
Greenville Public Schools
08.2013 - 07.2023
Special Educator and Department Head
Greenville Public Schools
08.2009 - 07.2023
Special Educator
Lakeview Community Schools
08.2006 - 08.2007
Master of Arts - Instruction And Curriculum
Western Governors University
Path To Leadership Endorsement - Education Administration
Michigan Association Secondary School Principal's
Bachelor of Arts - Education of The Learning Disabled
Aquinas College
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership/ Special Education Admin
Grand Valley State University