Dr. Jennifer Nichols
Oak Lawn,IL
Summary
A proven leader with over two decades of experience in education, culminating in a doctorate in Educational Leadership, who has demonstrated the ability to lead comprehensive curriculum reforms, manage multi-million dollar budgets, and drive significant improvements in student achievement on a district-wide scale.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Curriculum and English Language Services
Orland School District 135
07.2022 - Current
- Drove significant academic growth in ELA and math proficiency on the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) from 2022 to 2024: 25% growth in ELA proficiency and 9% growth in math proficiency.
- Demonstrated instructional impact through a significant increase in NWEA MAP achievement, culminating in spring 2025 average reading and math percentiles of the 81st percentile and 86th percentile, respectively.
- Organized and led administrative data meetings to assess strengths and areas of need, and developed action plans for improved student achievement.
- Planned and led professional development for teachers in all content areas.
- Successfully implemented new curricular resources and curriculum maps, with an emphasis on Illinois Learning Standards and backwards design.
- Developed and implemented a literacy needs assessment and curriculum review process aligned with the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan.
- Planned and managed Federal Title grants, and the District curriculum budget.
- Collaborated on planning for staffing needs, recruiting, and hiring.
- Presented at monthly School Board meetings and Board Advisory meetings on district data, curricular updates, and state curriculum mandates.
- Lead Administrator for the Teaching and Learning Board Advisory Committee.
- Observed and evaluated the building principals.
- Implemented English language classes for bilingual parents in coordination with Governors State University.
- The District Complaint Manager investigated and reported on formal staff complaints.
- Served as McKinney Vento Liaison, partnering with families to identify and remove barriers to education, while connecting them with critical resources.
Assistant Director of Curriculum and Assessments
Orland School District 135
07.2018 - 06.2022
- Developed and implemented professional development and management procedures for the new teacher mentor program.
- Coordinated an MTSS committee to evaluate and update the District's MTSS systems, resulting in an MTSS District Handbook.
- Developed MTSS action plans and a problem-solving team process for all schools.
- Collaborated with reading and math interventionists to strengthen the intervention delivery model.
- Managed all district academic, SEL assessments, and state assessments.
Center School Principal
Orland School District 135
07.2014 - 06.2018
- Developed and implemented professional development based on building and district goals and initiatives.
- Led data meetings with staff to analyze student data and plan for student needs, resulting in continuous student growth.
- Organized a community outreach program to provide summer reading support and strengthen home-school connections with a low-income population of students, which included weekly site visits with students to read and complete thematic projects.
- Developed connections with teacher volunteers, students, and community members.
- Collaborated with teachers to improve bidirectional parent communication.
- Evaluated all certified and support staff members.
Jerling Junior High Assistant Principal
Orland School District 135
07.2012 - 06.2014
- Provided targeted instructional leadership for teachers.
- Completed thorough evaluations of tenured and non-tenured staff members.
- Managed student discipline and the referral process for behavior supports.
Conrady Junior High Dean of Student
North Palos School District 117
08.2010 - 06.2012
District Reading Coach
North Palos School District 117
08.2008 - 06.2010
Conrady Junior High Reading Specialist
North Palos School District 117
08.2005 - 06.2008
Elementary School Teacher
Chicago Public Schools
08.2000 - 06.2003
- 4th grade teacher
- 1st grade teacher
Education
Doctorate of Educational Leadership -
University of St. Francis
Joliet, IL08.2023
English Language Learner Program -
University of St. Francis
Joliet, IL11.2017
Master of Science - Educational Administration
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL05.2009
Master of Arts - Reading
St. Xavier University
Chicago, IL05.2005
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
St. Xavier University
Chicago, IL05.1999
Skills
- Presenter at the Raising Student Achievement Conference in 2021 and 2022
- Inspra Distinguished Service Award recipient 2018 and 2020
- Published in IL ASCD, October 2022, balancing both sides of the MTSS triangle
- Golden Apple principal nominee
Certification
- License number: 1794846
- Superintendent EC - Age 22
- General Administrative K-12
- Reading Specialist K-12
- Elementary Education K-9
- English Language Learners K-12
References
- John Bryk, Superintendent, Orland School District 135, 708-364-3305, jbryk@orland135.org
- Dave Snyder, Associate Superintendent, Orland School District 135, 708-364-3319, dsnyder@orland135.org
- Suzanne Owens, Director of Human Resources, Orland School District 135, 708-364-3308, sowens@orland135.org
Timeline
Director of Curriculum and English Language Services
Orland School District 135
07.2022 - Current
Assistant Director of Curriculum and Assessments
Orland School District 135
07.2018 - 06.2022
Center School Principal
Orland School District 135
07.2014 - 06.2018
Jerling Junior High Assistant Principal
Orland School District 135
07.2012 - 06.2014
Conrady Junior High Dean of Student
North Palos School District 117
08.2010 - 06.2012
District Reading Coach
North Palos School District 117
08.2008 - 06.2010
Conrady Junior High Reading Specialist
North Palos School District 117
08.2005 - 06.2008
Elementary School Teacher
Chicago Public Schools
08.2000 - 06.2003
Doctorate of Educational Leadership -
University of St. Francis
English Language Learner Program -
University of St. Francis
Master of Science - Educational Administration
Northern Illinois University
Master of Arts - Reading
St. Xavier University
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
St. Xavier University
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