- Watching my three children grow into the amazing adults they are becoming
- Cheering our youngest, Lydia, on in all her sports endures
- Volunteering with youth sports programs as an assistant coach in main sports, high school volleyball, basketball and softball Junior High sports
- Traveling with my husband
- Reading
Crystal Nikki Combs
Bradleyville,MO
Summary
Certified in early childhood education, elementary education, and mild to moderate special education, with a Masters in Special Reading. Strong educational background. Expertise in Administration and Special Education Director roles with over 15 years of experience in developing and implementing highly effective teaching programs. Skilled at creating tailored educational initiatives for diverse learners.
Fun fact: I have taught every single grade level in the school system from Pre-Kindergarten to Twelfth Grade.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Third Grade Teacher
Chadwick School District
Chadwick, MO
08.2022 - Current
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on educational trends and best practices, enhancing overall teaching effectiveness.
- Assessed student understanding regularly using various formative assessment techniques, adjusting instruction accordingly for optimal results.
- Planned lessons according to district standards to cover requirements and prepare for standardized tests.
- Assessed student progress by administering tests and evaluating results.
- Collaborated with colleagues to share best practices, resulting in a more cohesive instructional approach across grade level teams.
- Established strong parent-teacher relationships to ensure open lines of communication regarding student progress and needs.
- Served as a mentor for new teachers, providing guidance on curriculum planning, classroom management techniques, and effective teaching strategies.
- Led after-school tutoring sessions for students requiring additional support, increasing academic achievement across all subjects.
- Created lesson plans to correlate with state curriculum standards and devised educational programs to meet educational objectives.
- Maintained knowledge of school curricula, standards and policies to correctly prepare students for higher grade levels.
Process Coordinator
Springfield Public Schools
Springfield
12.2021 - 06.2022
- I worked with three elementary schools in SPS; Bowerman, Mark Twain and Sunshine
- Preparation of weekly agendas for Special Education staff
- Maintained weekly contact with my staff via email, being in the schools, and zoom
- Have had the opportunity to see many styles of teaching in the regular education and special education setting within the schools
- Monitored compliance of the Special Education Program
- Worked on a team of extremely talented Process Coordinators (20 plus)
- Maintained calendars for multiple meetings, teachers, and students
- The opportunity to grow as a professional while at SPS through Professional Development, participating in various meetings and classes
- Received a the SPS Grow Up Award
Special Education Educator
Bradleyville School District
Bradleyville
08.2015 - 06.2021
- Taught classes of 25+ special education students in an educational year
- Developed new research-based teaching strategies, raising student engagement
- Raised student test scores in Math and English through creating new, student-interest-centered lesson plans and revised curriculum for career readiness
- Collaborated with parents, colleagues, and school administrators to address educational and disciplinary problems
- Lowered disciplinary incidents and helped reach several students to graduation and not dropping out
- Have been a co-teacher in multiple subjects with multiple colleagues
- Given many presentations on co-teaching, special education, reading and multiple learners strategies, and current law requirements and changes to special education
Various Roles
Bradleyville School District
Bradleyville, USA
01.2011 - 06.2021
- First Grade
- Junior High ELA (partial year after loss of a colleague)
- Sixth Grade
- Pre-K Director/Teacher-MPP Preschool Grant
- Special Education Process Coordinator and Teacher 7-12
Elementary Special Education
Forsyth School District/Tri-Lakes Co-Op
Forsyth, USA
01.2014 - 12.2015
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- With-in the classroom we had 4 para-professionals. I collaborated and gave weekly assignments to along with providing feedback on teaching strengths and needs improvement moments for those paras.
Title I/Reading Coach
Chadwick School District
Chadwick, USA
01.2011 - 12.2013
- Part-time assignment and then fulltime First Grade
- Implemented research-based strategies for teaching phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension skills effectively.
- Assisted in the development of school-wide literacy initiatives, contributing to improved overall reading performance.
- Participated in professional development opportunities focused on emerging trends and best practices in literacy instruction.
- Coordinated special events designed to raise awareness around the importance of strong literacy skills within the broader community.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education/Early Childhood Education
Drury University
Springfield, Mo12.2009
Master's Degree - Special Reading
Drury University
Springfield, Mo05.2011
Specialist - School Administration K-12/Special Education Director Certification
Lindenwood University
St Charles, Mo08.2015
Skills
- Organization
- Communication
- Interpersonal skills
- Creativity
- Detail-oriented paperwork for IEPs
- Functional and Life Skills Curriculum
- Working with autistic children
- Physical and mental disabilities
- Speech and hearing impairments
- Reading First
- eMINTS training
Accomplishments
- Reached out to community to gather donations of materials and supplies for needy students.
- Commended for exceptional teaching and support to students.
- Earned "NHS Teacher of The Year at CHadwick School District" in 2024.
Certification
State of Missouri Teacher Certification
- Elementary Education Certification - Missouri Department of Education.
- Reading Specialist Certification - Missouri Department of Education.
- Early Childhood Education Certification - Missouri Department of Education.
- Special Education Certification - Missouri Department of Education.
- Specialist Degree- Administration
- Special Education Director
Awards
Teacher of the Year, 05/01/24, 2023-2024 school year
Activities
- Coached various sports- High School Volleyball, Junior High Volleyball, Pee-wee Basketball, Junior High Basketball, Traveling Teams Basketball, Dance, Cheer and Softball.
- Various class and club sponsorships (Senior, Sophomore, and Junior classes, Beta Club, STUCO, 8th grade classes trips to Jefferson City, Homecoming sponsor, Prom sponsor and various others).
- Volunteered for FFA, FCCLA, and various sports.
- Volunteer work in the community and school district.
Interests
Timeline
Third Grade Teacher
Chadwick School District
08.2022 - Current
Process Coordinator
Springfield Public Schools
12.2021 - 06.2022
Special Education Educator
Bradleyville School District
08.2015 - 06.2021
Elementary Special Education
Forsyth School District/Tri-Lakes Co-Op
01.2014 - 12.2015
Various Roles
Bradleyville School District
01.2011 - 06.2021
Title I/Reading Coach
Chadwick School District
01.2011 - 12.2013
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education/Early Childhood Education
Drury University
Master's Degree - Special Reading
Drury University
Specialist - School Administration K-12/Special Education Director Certification
Lindenwood University