Nykela R. Nixon
Chicago,IL
Summary
Dynamic Pre-K to 1st Grade educator with a proven track record at James Wadsworth STEM, excelling in curriculum planning and fostering social-emotional development. Leveraged patience, empathy, and innovative teaching methods to enhance academic growth and emotional well-being. Mentored teachers and engaged in continuous professional development, embodying a collaborative spirit and commitment to early childhood education excellence. Creative and energetic Early Childhood Education professional devoted to offering diverse activity plans and experiential learning opportunities to enhance individual development. Friendly, supportive and motivated with strong desire to promote student potential. Offering 31 years of experience with passion for building strong rapport with faculty, students and caregivers.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Pre-K Teacher
James Wadsworth STEM
08.2016 - Current
- Gave one-on-one attention to children while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
- Promoted physical, academic, and social development by implementing diverse classroom and outside activities.
- Educated students in foundational concepts such as shapes, numbers, and letters.
- Mentor Teacher to students from Roosevelt University as a Kindergarten teacher
- Promoted social-emotional development with interactive lessons on empathy, conflict resolution, and self-regulation techniques.
- Fostered a love of learning among students by maintaining an energetic teaching style and incorporating creative, interactive elements into lessons.
- Developed innovative activities to engage young children in learning process.
- Consulted with parents to build and maintain positive support networks and support continuing education strategies.
- Participated in ongoing professional learning opportunities to remain current on best practices in early childhood education.
- Established strong relationships with parents through regular communication, enhancing family involvement in the educational process.
1st Grade Teacher
James Wadsworth STEM School
08.2013 - 06.2016
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning styles, ensuring all students made progress towards academic goals.
- Utilized data-driven instruction to identify areas of need for individual students and adjust teaching methods accordingly.
- Assessed student progress regularly using formative assessments and modified instruction accordingly for optimal growth.
- Established strong relationships with parents through effective communication about their child''s academic progress and social-emotional development.
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
Kindergarten Teacher
Alexandre Dumas Tech Academy
08.2008 - 06.2013
- Built positive relationships with students and families for safe, trusted learning support.
- Enhanced classroom management by establishing clear expectations, rules, and routines.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Collaborated with colleagues to share resources, brainstorm ideas, and problem-solve challenges faced in the classroom environment.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to meet the diverse learning needs of all students.
PreK and Kindergarten Teacher
Mary Mapes Dodge Elementary
08.2003 - 08.2008
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
R. Nathaniel Dett School
08.1994 - 06.2003
- Improved student engagement by incorporating hands-on activities and visual aids into lessons.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Actively participated in professional development workshops to stay current on educational trends and improve teaching techniques.
- Designed assessments that measured student progress towards meeting curriculum goals, informing future instructional decisions.
- Served as a mentor for new teachers, sharing best practices and offering guidance in classroom management techniques.
Education
Master of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Governors State University
Park Forest, IL05.2000
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, IL05.1993
Skills
- Early Childhood Education
- Patience and Empathy
- Music and Movement
- Curriculum Planning
- Progress Reporting
- Child Supervision
- Special Needs Support
- Classroom Management Techniques
- Collaborative and Team-Oriented
- Promoting Social and Emotional Development
- Coaching and Mentoring Teachers
Certification
National Board Certification in Early Childhood in 2004
Timeline
Pre-K Teacher
James Wadsworth STEM
08.2016 - Current
1st Grade Teacher
James Wadsworth STEM School
08.2013 - 06.2016
Kindergarten Teacher
Alexandre Dumas Tech Academy
08.2008 - 06.2013
PreK and Kindergarten Teacher
Mary Mapes Dodge Elementary
08.2003 - 08.2008
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
R. Nathaniel Dett School
08.1994 - 06.2003
Master of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Governors State University
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
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