Dr. Mark K. Nixon
Helena,AL
Summary
Transformational educational leader with 25+ years driving student success and institutional excellence. Creates equity-driven, inclusive environments that empower every learner to thrive. Leads high-impact teams, launches innovative retention programs, and builds powerful community and campus partnerships. Aligns initiatives with strategic goals, maximizes resources, and leverages data for measurable outcomes. Fierce advocate for student-centered learning, committed to unlocking potential and achieving lasting results.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal
Minor Community School / Jefferson County Schools
Birmingham, AL
07.2020 - 11.2025
- Provide instructional and operational leadership for a diverse student population, ensuring programs align with state and district standards.
- Supervise, evaluate, and support faculty and staff to enhance instructional quality and student achievement.
- Implement data-driven strategies and intervention programs that improve student performance and behavior.
- Foster collaborative partnerships with parents, staff, and community agencies to strengthen school culture and engagement.
- Ensure program accountability and compliance with district, state, and federal guidelines through continuous monitoring and evaluation.
Assistant Principal
McAdory Elementary School / Jefferson County Schools
McCalla, AL
10.2016 - 06.2020
- Supported the principal in daily program operations, instructional leadership, and staff supervision.
- Coordinated academic and behavioral intervention strategies to improve student outcomes.
- Facilitated professional development to strengthen teacher practice and increase student engagement.
- Promoted strong home-school connections through parent outreach and involvement initiatives.
- Monitored compliance with school, district, and federal policies.
Assistant Principal
Brighton Middle School / Jefferson County Schools
Bessemer, AL
10.2013 - 09.2016
- Assisted in school leadership with a focus on instructional programming and student achievement.
- Oversaw staff performance evaluations and supported faculty development.
- Coordinated student support services and ensured timely progress monitoring.
- Engaged families and community stakeholders to support school-wide goals.
- Maintained adherence to district policies and accountability measures.
Assistant Principal / Teacher/Interventionist
Erwin Intermediate School / Jefferson County Schools
Center Point, AL
07.2011 - 05.2013
- Provided administrative leadership to support instruction, curriculum planning, professional growth initiatives, and daily school operations.
- Directed student intervention strategies, including targeted instructional support, in-school behavioral programs, detention coordination, and character education lessons designed to improve student performance, behavior, and overall school culture.
- Assisted with teacher supervision, program monitoring, and compliance to ensure effective instructional practices and accountability.
- Designed and delivered academic interventions and character education lessons to strengthen learning outcomes and enhance the school environment.
- Coordinated in-school detention and behavioral interventions to reduce disruptions and maximize instructional time.
- Chaired the Problem-Solving Team (RtI), addressing student learning and behavior needs through data-driven strategies and individualized supports.
Sixth Grade Science Teacher
Huffman Middle School / Birmingham City Schools
Birmingham, AL
07.1999 - 05.2011
- Developed and delivered hands-on, inquiry-based science instruction aligned with state curriculum.
- Created student portfolios and assessments to track academic progress and support individualized learning.
- Mentored colleagues as Science Department Lead Teacher and facilitated department-wide instructional training.
- Sponsored Student Council and Academic Team, providing leadership and enrichment opportunities for students.
Fifth Grade Teacher
Norwood Elementary School / Birmingham City Schools
Birmingham, AL
08.1992 - 05.1999
- Designed and delivered engaging lessons aligned with district and state curriculum standards.
- Maintained comprehensive records to track and evaluate student progress.
- Served on leadership teams to support school improvement and instructional effectiveness.
- Actively engaged families in the academic and personal development of students.
Education
Ph.D. - Educational Leadership (K–12)
Samford University
Homewood, AL05-2019
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) -
University of Montevallo
Montevallo, AL05-2010
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership
University of Montevallo
Montevallo, AL05-2009
Master of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Alabama At Birmingham
Birmingham, AL05-1996
Type B Certificate - Elementary Education
University of Alabama At Birmingham
Birmingham, AL05-1992
Bachelor of Science - Psychology, Minor in Biology
University of Alabama At Birmingham
Birmingham, AL05-1988
Skills
- Program & Grant Management (Experienced)
- Academic Advising & Student Support (Expert)
- Student Retention & Success Strategies (Expert)
- Staff Supervision & Professional Development (Experienced)
- Data Management, Assessment & Compliance (Experienced)
- Early Intervention & Student Achievement Plans (Expert)
- Community & Campus Partnerships (Expert)
- Strategic Planning & Program Evaluation (Expert)
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Advocacy (Expert)
Community Involvement
- Assistant Director of Ministry, Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church
- Board of Directors, New Hope Credit Union (2000–2006), Board of Directors
- Shepherd’s Fold Ministry (2017–2019), Mentor
- King Initiative Male Mentor Program
- Member, Alabama Education Association
- Science Department Teacher Trainer - Birmingham Public Schools
- Member, Building-Based Leadership Team (Norwood Elementary School & Huffman Middle School)
- Member, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Timeline
Principal
Minor Community School / Jefferson County Schools
07.2020 - 11.2025
Assistant Principal
McAdory Elementary School / Jefferson County Schools
10.2016 - 06.2020
Assistant Principal
Brighton Middle School / Jefferson County Schools
10.2013 - 09.2016
Assistant Principal / Teacher/Interventionist
Erwin Intermediate School / Jefferson County Schools
07.2011 - 05.2013
Sixth Grade Science Teacher
Huffman Middle School / Birmingham City Schools
07.1999 - 05.2011
Fifth Grade Teacher
Norwood Elementary School / Birmingham City Schools
08.1992 - 05.1999
Ph.D. - Educational Leadership (K–12)
Samford University
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) -
University of Montevallo
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership
University of Montevallo
Master of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Alabama At Birmingham
Type B Certificate - Elementary Education
University of Alabama At Birmingham
Bachelor of Science - Psychology, Minor in Biology
University of Alabama At Birmingham