Michelle Hickox
Elementary School Educator
Farmington
Summary
Dynamic educator with extensive experience at Farmington Municipal Schools, adept at implementing data-driven instructional strategies and fostering collaborative learning environments. Proven track record in enhancing student performance through culturally responsive practices and effective parent-teacher communication. Skilled in motivating students and mentoring peers, ensuring a positive and inclusive classroom atmosphere.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
4th Grade Lead Teacher
Farmington Municipal Schools
08.2024 - Current
- Planned and implemented different daily activities to enhance overall development and growth of every student.
- Used data-driven decision-making processes to analyze student performance trends and adjust instructional practices accordingly, leading to improved outcomes.
- Facilitated peer-to-peer learning opportunities within the classroom environment increasing collaboration among students and deepening understanding of material.
- Established positive relationships with parents through regular communication regarding student progress, collaborating on strategies for academic success at home and school.
- Served as a member of the school''s leadership team, participating in strategic planning efforts aimed at continuous improvement initiatives.
- Communicated frequently with parents about student growth and progress, recommending at-home reinforcement to support struggling students.
- Incorporated culturally responsive teaching practices into curriculum design and delivery models promoting inclusivity within the educational setting.
- Provided targeted intervention for struggling students by creating individualized support plans and collaborating with support staff to ensure success.
3rd Grade Elementary Teacher
Farmington Municipal Schools
08.2021 - 05.2024
- Implemented differentiated instruction techniques to accommodate diverse learning styles and needs within the classroom.
- Established and maintained highly structured classroom culture where students demonstrated respect, responsibility and dedication to studies.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively through consistent expectations, clear rules, and appropriate consequences for undesirable actions.
- Contributed to a positive school culture by actively participating in faculty meetings, committees, and special events throughout the year.
- Created classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate to development and skill level of students.
Kindergarten Teacher
Farmington Municipal Schools
08.2019 - 05.2021
- Improved student reading skills by implementing phonics-based instruction and guided reading activities.
- Collaborated with colleagues to share resources, brainstorm ideas, and problem-solve challenges faced in the classroom environment.
- Promoted learning through play with engaging activities, games and lessons.
- Promoted a positive learning environment with the use of collaborative group work and hands-on activities.
- Built positive relationships with students and families for safe, trusted learning support.
Kindergarten Assistant
Farmington Municipal Schools
08.2013 - 05.2019
- Monitored student classroom and outdoors activities to promote student safety.
- Contributed to a positive school climate by participating in staff meetings, professional development workshops, and parent-teacher conferences.
- Boosted children''s social and emotional development through positive reinforcement and consistent encouragement.
- Played games with students to increase understanding of subjects.
- Assisted in maintaining a safe, nurturing environment that promoted curiosity, exploration, and growth for all students.
Title Assistant
Farmington Municipal Schools
08.2011 - 08.2013
- Promoted love of reading and literacy to all students.
- Collaborated with classroom teachers to design tailored interventions for individual student needs, resulting in improved reading abilities.
- Supported the development of phonemic awareness and decoding skills through targeted activities, promoting fluent reading in struggling learners.
- Implemented multi-sensory teaching techniques to engage various learning styles, increasing overall comprehension levels among students.
- Employed visuals consistent with needs and capabilities of students.
Recess Monitor
Farmington Municipal Schools
08.2010 - 05.2011
- Implemented conflict resolution techniques when necessary, teaching students valuable problem-solving skills in the process.
- Assisted in the development of school-wide behavior management strategies, contributing to a more harmonious atmosphere during recess periods.
- Coordinated fun events and special activities for students during recess, boosting overall morale and satisfaction.
- Established clear expectations for conduct during recess time through consistent reinforcement of rules and guidelines.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Western New Mexico University
Silver City, NM 05.2001 -
Associate of Science - Elementary Education
San Juan College
Farmington, NM 05.2001 -
Skills
Student motivation
Peer mentoring
Parent-teacher communication
Instructional strategies
Collaborative learning
Cultural sensitivity
Certification
Phonemic AwarenessTraining -45+ Hours
Timeline
Phonemic AwarenessTraining -45+ Hours
12-2024
4th Grade Lead Teacher
Farmington Municipal Schools
08.2024 - Current
3rd Grade Elementary Teacher
Farmington Municipal Schools
08.2021 - 05.2024
Kindergarten Teacher
Farmington Municipal Schools
08.2019 - 05.2021
Kindergarten Assistant
Farmington Municipal Schools
08.2013 - 05.2019
Title Assistant
Farmington Municipal Schools
08.2011 - 08.2013
Recess Monitor
Farmington Municipal Schools
08.2010 - 05.2011
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Western New Mexico University
05.2001 -
Associate of Science - Elementary Education
San Juan College
05.2001 -
Lexia LETRS Certified
Literacy Professional Development – LETRS through Lexia Learning
Completed comprehensive training grounded in the Science of Reading, focused on structured literacy, phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Developed expertise in evidence-based reading instruction, assessment-driven differentiation, and targeted interventions for diverse learners, including students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties. Applied learning directly to classroom practice through explicit instruction, data-informed small groups, and multi-tiered supports (Tier 1–3).