Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Professional Philosophy
Core Competencies
Timeline
Generic

NICOLE D. STOKES

Madison

Summary

Dynamic educational leader with a proven track record at Julius R. Scruggs Child Development Center, excelling in curriculum development and strategic planning. Spearheaded innovative data-driven instruction initiatives, enhancing academic performance while fostering community partnerships. Adept in budget development and student mentoring, committed to maintaining high standards of educational excellence.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

HEAD OF SCHOOL

Julius R. Scruggs Child Development Center and Academy
Huntsville
01.2023 - Current
  • Lead comprehensive PreK-5th grade Christian private school operations, managing faculty, curriculum, and federal programs while maintaining academic excellence and spiritual development.
  • Successfully managed transition through 58% federal funding reduction while maintaining program quality
  • Implemented comprehensive data tracking system using MAP Growth and STAR assessments
  • Developed "Game On! Dream Team" sports-themed professional development program
  • Created innovative parent engagement initiatives including "Curriculum and Cones" nights
  • Established systematic intervention programs for reading and mathematics support
  • Teach 4th/5th grade Bible and 3rd-5th grade mathematics while maintaining administrative duties
  • Additional Leadership Roles: Women's Ministry Speaker

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ADULT & CONTINUING EDUCATION

Oakwood University
Huntsville
05.2021 - 01.2022
  • Managed adult education and continuing education programs at HBCU institution, overseeing curriculum development, student support services, and program expansion initiatives.
  • Directed adult degree completion and continuing education programs for non-traditional students
  • Developed partnerships with community organizations for workforce development
  • Managed program budgets and grant compliance requirements
  • Coordinated professional development workshops and certificate programs

FOUNDING KINDERGARTEN TEACHER → DIRECTOR OF CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION

Leadership Preparatory Charter School
Memphis
07.2015 - 07.2019
  • Progressed from founding Kindergarten ELA teacher to Grade Level Chair, culminating in Director of Curriculum and Instruction role. Led curriculum development, teacher training, and instructional excellence initiatives across K-8 charter school.
  • Implemented data-driven instruction protocols resulting in significant academic growth
  • Led professional development sessions for faculty on best instructional practices
  • Developed comprehensive curriculum maps and pacing guides for all grade levels
  • Promoted to Director of Curriculum and Instruction, overseeing K-8 academic programs
  • Advanced from Kindergarten ELA Teacher to Grade Level Chair within first two years
  • Founding teacher who helped establish school culture and academic systems from inception

STUDENT MENTOR - EDUCATION PROGRAM

Western Governors University
Remote
10.2013 - 05.2015
  • Provided academic coaching and support to education students in online competency-based degree programs, guiding them through coursework, student teaching, and licensure requirements.
  • Collaborated with course instructors to address student learning challenges
  • Guided students through Praxis exam preparation and student teaching placements
  • Achieved 92% student retention rate through proactive support and intervention
  • Mentored 60-80 education students through accelerated online degree programs

TEACHER, GRADES 5-8, 1ST AND 2ND

Alcy SDA Junior Academy
Memphis
01.2009 - 12.2013
  • Increased state testing scores through targeted math intervention strategies
  • Successfully integrated Reading and Writing Workshop across curriculum
  • Pioneered technology integration using iPads and SmartBoard technology
  • Served as School Choir Director and Safety Committee Secretary

CENTER DIRECTOR

Bright Ideas Enrichment Center
Memphis
01.2008 - 12.2009
  • Managed all aspects of early childhood education center operations
  • Recruited, interviewed, and trained teaching and support staff
  • Ensured compliance with state and local childcare regulations

TEACHER, PRE-K THROUGH 8TH GRADE

Avondale SDA School
Chattanooga
01.2007 - 12.2008
  • Developed hands-on, manipulative-based mathematics program
  • Created engaging science curriculum with laboratory experiments
  • Maintained Head Start Performance Standards compliance

Education

Master of Arts - Education

Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
12.2025

Master of Business Administration -

Southern Adventist University
Collegedale, TN
01.2007

Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration

Oakwood University
Huntsville, AL
01.2005

Skills

  • Leadership & Administration
  • School Operations Management
  • Federal Programs Administration
  • Budget Development
  • Strategic Planning
  • Curriculum Development
  • Data-Driven Instruction
  • Assessment Systems
  • Technology Integration
  • Title I Management
  • MAP Growth Analysis
  • Abeka Curriculum
  • Ministry Leadership
  • Project management
  • Data analysis
  • Student mentoring
  • Classroom instruction
  • Adult education
  • Program evaluation
  • Community partnerships

Certification

  • Tennessee Teaching License (Previous)
  • Elementary Education Methods (2012)
  • Teaching & Learning Professional (2010)
  • Reading & Writing Workshop (2012)
  • Federal Programs Management Training
  • School Safety & Emergency Response

Professional Philosophy

  • Every child possesses limitless potential. As educators, our mission is to create environments where students can discover their God-given talents, develop strong academic foundations, and grow into confident leaders who will positively impact their communities.
  • One Team...One Dream - Building Educational Excellence Through Unity and Purpose

Core Competencies

School Operations Management, Federal Programs Administration, Budget Development, Strategic Planning, Curriculum Development, Data-Driven Instruction, Assessment Systems, Technology Integration, Title I Management, MAP Growth Analysis, Abeka Curriculum, Ministry Leadership

Timeline

HEAD OF SCHOOL

Julius R. Scruggs Child Development Center and Academy
01.2023 - Current

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ADULT & CONTINUING EDUCATION

Oakwood University
05.2021 - 01.2022

FOUNDING KINDERGARTEN TEACHER → DIRECTOR OF CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION

Leadership Preparatory Charter School
07.2015 - 07.2019

STUDENT MENTOR - EDUCATION PROGRAM

Western Governors University
10.2013 - 05.2015

TEACHER, GRADES 5-8, 1ST AND 2ND

Alcy SDA Junior Academy
01.2009 - 12.2013

CENTER DIRECTOR

Bright Ideas Enrichment Center
01.2008 - 12.2009

TEACHER, PRE-K THROUGH 8TH GRADE

Avondale SDA School
01.2007 - 12.2008

Master of Arts - Education

Liberty University

Master of Business Administration -

Southern Adventist University

Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration

Oakwood University