Nicole Kurz-McDowell
Middletown,DE
Summary
Educational leader focused on compliance, investigations, and continuous improvement across district systems. Brings experience in special education law, procedural safeguards, corrective action, Title IX referral procedures, and data analysis to support sound decisions. Develops guidance, coaches staff, and coordinates with legal, school, and community partners to strengthen services for students.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Supervisor of Special Services
Capital School District
Dover, DE
08.2023 - Current
- Lead districtwide special education programs serving students from birth through age 22, overseeing regulatory compliance, complex legal matters, and strategic improvement initiatives. Leverage data, collaborative partnerships, and regulatory expertise to strengthen accountability, resolve challenges, and drive meaningful organizational improvement.
- Direct districtwide implementation of federal and state special education laws, regulations, and procedural safeguards, advising administrators on complex compliance requirements
- Lead district responses to state complaints, due process proceedings, and mediation, collaborating with legal counsel to analyze allegations, review evidence, prepare documentation, and support resolution
- Develop districtwide procedures, guidance documents, and compliance protocols to strengthen consistency, accountability, and regulatory implementation
- Analyze state performance indicators, compliance data, evaluation timelines, and program outcomes to identify trends, address deficiencies, and drive continuous improvement
- Oversee compliance monitoring, identify implementation gaps, and coordinate corrective actions with school administrators and multidisciplinary teams
- Provided technical assistance to principals, coordinators, and specialists while designing and facilitating professional learning focused on regulatory requirements and effective practices, enhancing compliance and instructional support.
- Built strategic partnerships with DDOE, legal counsel, school leaders, universities, community agencies, and families to collaboratively address complex challenges and advance shared priorities, fostering community engagement and resource alignment.
- Complete Title IX investigator training with district legal counsel, participate in a Title IX investigation, and refer potential Title IX matters to the designated district coordinator
- Lead development of the approximately $2 million IDEA portion of the district's Consolidated Grant, aligning program priorities, budgets, and expenditures with federal requirements
- Directly supervise and evaluate 22 professionals across early childhood, behavioral support, assistive technology, and district coaching, strengthening staff capacity and program effectiveness
- Advanced equitable educational opportunities by overseeing inclusive practices, equitable services, specialized placements, and countywide programs, promoting access and success for diverse student populations.
- Assumed expanded district-level leadership responsibilities during organizational transitions, directing complex operational priorities, strengthening accountability, and ensuring continuity of services
Principal of Lake Forest East Elementary
Lake Forest School District
Frederica, DE
08.2021 - 08.2023
- Led schoolwide improvement initiatives that resulted in recognition as a Delaware Recognition School for Exceptional Student Performance, 2022–2023
- Led schoolwide operations, instructional improvement, personnel development, and student support systems, using data-driven decision-making and collaborative leadership to strengthen school performance, accountability, and equitable educational opportunities
- Directed school operations, implemented policies, ensured regulatory compliance, and managed personnel to align with district and state requirements
- Strengthened schoolwide systems for intervention and accountability through collaborative planning and continuous progress monitoring
- Analyzed student achievement, behavioral, attendance, and program data to identify trends, establish priorities, and implement targeted improvement strategies
- Designed and facilitated professional learning, coaching, and staff development to strengthen instructional practices and organizational effectiveness
- Collaborated with families, district leadership, community organizations, and multidisciplinary teams to address complex student needs and enhance educational opportunities
District Early Childhood Instructional Specialist
Caesar Rodney School District
Wyoming, DE
08.2019 - 08.2021
- Provided districtwide leadership in early childhood education, coordinating instructional improvement, professional learning, and community partnerships to strengthen program quality, equitable access, and transitions into public education
- Developed and implemented districtwide early childhood initiatives, procedures, and instructional supports to strengthen program consistency and effectiveness
- Analyzed student readiness, program, and instructional data to identify needs, guide improvement priorities, and evaluate outcomes
- Designed and facilitated professional learning and technical assistance for educators and community childcare providers to improve instructional practices and support early childhood development
- Established partnerships with Head Start, community organizations, military-connected programs, and families to broaden educational opportunities and coordinate services
- Coordinated interagency initiatives and transition processes to enhance communication, align resources, and support seamless entry for children into public schools
- Supported strategic planning, program evaluation, and continuous improvement across district and community-based early childhood settings
Principal of Star Hill Elementary
Caesar Rodney School District
Dover, DE
08.2014 - 08.2019
- Led strategic improvement initiatives resulting in recognition as a Delaware Recognition School for Significant Improvement, 2018–2019
- Led schoolwide improvement, organizational operations, and staff development, using data-driven strategies and collaborative leadership to strengthen accountability, instructional quality, and student outcomes
- Directed school operations, supervised personnel, implemented policies, and ensured compliance with district and state requirements to maintain effective school functionality
- Strengthened schoolwide intervention and accountability systems and enhanced progress-monitoring processes to support sustained improvement in student performance
- Analyzed academic, behavioral, and school performance data to identify trends, establish improvement priorities, and evaluate effectiveness
- Designed and facilitated professional learning, coaching, and collaborative improvement efforts to strengthen educator effectiveness and student achievement
- Built partnerships with families, district leaders, and community stakeholders to address challenges, coordinate resources, and advance school priorities effectively
Assistant Principal of W.B. Simpson Elementary and Kent County Intensive Learning Center
Caesar Rodney School District
Camden, Wyoming
07.2012 - 08.2014
- Provided schoolwide instructional and operational leadership, strengthening accountability, staff effectiveness, and student support systems through data-driven decision-making, collaborative problem-solving, and consistent implementation of district and state requirements
- Analyzed student achievement, behavioral, and intervention data to identify trends, guide decisions, and strengthen school improvement initiatives
- Designed and facilitated professional learning, instructional coaching, and staff development to improve educator effectiveness and student outcomes
- Supported schoolwide operations, supervised personnel, implemented policies, and ensured regulatory compliance to maintain effective practices
- Collaborated with families, district administrators, and community stakeholders to address complex concerns, streamline services, and reinforce student support systems
- Coordinated special education services and multidisciplinary teams to uphold procedural safeguards and enhance equitable access to educational programs.
- Contributed to schoolwide improvement initiatives associated with recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School, 2011–2012
Resource Teacher (Administrative Leadership Position)
Henrico County Public Schools
Richmond, VA
07.2011 - 06.2012
- Led schoolwide instructional and administrative leadership initiatives, enhancing school improvement, professional learning, and data analysis to elevate instructional quality and student outcomes
- Coordinated with school administration to implement instructional priorities and district policies, driving effective school improvement initiatives
- Analyzed student achievement, assessment, and intervention data to identify trends, guide instructional decisions, and monitor progress
- Provided instructional coaching, technical assistance, and professional learning to strengthen educator effectiveness and implementation of evidence-based practices
- Coordinated multidisciplinary teams and student intervention processes to address learning needs and strengthen equitable access to instruction
- Facilitated schoolwide planning, program implementation, and progress monitoring to advance organizational goals and improve instructional effectiveness
- Partnered with administrators, teachers, families, and district personnel to resolve instructional challenges and strengthen student support systems
Reading Specialist (Title I) & Instructional Coach
Henrico County Public Schools
Richmond, VA
01.2008 - 01.2011
- Led literacy improvement initiatives in Title I schools, leveraging student performance data and targeted interventions to enhance instructional practices and create equitable educational opportunities
- Analyzed assessment, achievement, and intervention data to identify learning gaps, establish instructional priorities, and monitor student progress
- Designed and facilitated professional learning, instructional coaching, and collaborative data analysis to strengthen educator effectiveness
- Coordinated schoolwide literacy initiatives and evidence-based interventions, aligning instructional practices with district priorities and student needs
- Collaborated with administrators, teachers, families, and university partners to enhance instructional programs and remove barriers to student achievement
- Supported Title I program implementation and accountability requirements to ensure effective resource utilization and drive continuous improvement
Teacher (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
Henrico County Public Schools
Richmond, VA
01.2002 - 01.2008
- Delivered high-quality instruction in diverse elementary classrooms, leveraging assessment data, differentiated instruction, and collaborative problem-solving to enhance student achievement and promote equitable learning opportunities
- Implemented evidence-based instructional practices and targeted interventions to support students with diverse academic, linguistic, and developmental needs
- Analyzed student assessment and performance data to identify learning needs, differentiate instruction, and monitor academic growth
- Coordinated with administrators, specialists, and families to implement student supports and remove barriers to learning
- Participated in school improvement initiatives, professional learning communities, and curriculum development to strengthen instructional effectiveness
- Maintained accurate student records and assessment documentation, ensuring compliance with school and district communication standards
Research Associate & Lab Manager/Undergraduate Researcher
University of Delaware
Newark, Delaware
06.1997 - 06.2001
- Progressed from Undergraduate Researcher (1997–1999) to Research Associate and Laboratory Manager (1999–2001), conducting developmental and neuropsychological research involving young children. Contributed to studies examining early language development, cognitive functioning, visual-spatial processing, and learning differences in children with Williams syndrome
- Conducted developmental assessments and analyzed research data to support studies on early language development and cognitive functioning
- Collaborated with faculty and research teams to support data analysis, interpretation, and preparation of research findings
- Managed laboratory operations and maintained equipment and materials to ensure effective research implementation
- Maintained research records, monitored data quality, and implemented established protocols to ensure accuracy and consistency
- Coordinated participant scheduling and family communication to facilitate smooth research activities across multiple projects
Education
Director of Special Education Certification - SEAL, Special Education Administrator Leadership Program
University of Delaware Center for Disabilities Studies and Delaware Academy of School Leadership
Newark, DE01-2027
Certificate - K-12 Special Education
Wilmington University
New Castle, Delaware12-2023
Post-Master's Certificate - Educational Leadership and Administration
The George Washington University
Hampton Roads Center, Newport News, Virginia08-2011
Education Specialist - Reading
University of Virginia
Richmond, VA08-2006
Master of Education - Elementary Education, Curriculum, and Instruction
The College of William and Mary
Williamsburg, Virginia07-2002
Bachelor of Arts - Neuroscience, Interdisciplinary major between psychology and biology, Minor: Cognitive Science
University of Delaware
Newark, Delaware05-1999
Skills
Strategic Educational Leadership & Systems Improvement
Title IX Investigator Training, Investigations & Referral Procedures
Federal & State Education Law, Regulatory Compliance & Procedural Safeguards
Educational Policy Implementation, Regulatory Interpretation & Procedural Development
Administrative Investigations, State Complaints & Due Process
Compliance Monitoring, Corrective Action & Accountability
Data Analysis, Regulatory Reporting & Continuous Improvement
Professional Learning, Technical Assistance & Stakeholder Collaboration
Selected Recognition & Grants
- Delaware Recognition School; Exceptional Student Performance (2022–2023), Lake Forest East Elementary School; Led schoolwide improvement initiatives contributing to recognition for student achievement
- Delaware Recognition School; Significant Improvement (2018–2019), Star Hill Elementary School; Led data-driven school improvement efforts resulting in statewide recognition
- National Blue Ribbon School (2011–2012), W.B. Simpson Elementary School; Contributed to school leadership and improvement initiatives associated with national recognition
- IDEA Consolidated Grant Leadership (2023–Present), Capital School District — Lead development of approximately $2 million in federal IDEA funding, aligning needs assessment, program priorities, budgets, and compliance requirements
- Dollar General Literacy Foundation Grant (2020); Secured grant funding to support literacy initiatives and expand instructional resources
- Virginia Staff Development Council Professional Learning Team Award (2010) — Recognized for collaborative professional learning and educator development
Peer-Reviewed Publications
- Landau, L., Hoffman, E., & Kurz, N. (2006). Object recognition with severe spatial deficits in Williams syndrome: Sparing and breakdown. Cognition, 100(3), 483–510
- Georgopoulos, M., Georgopoulos, A., Kurz, N., & Landau, L. (2004). Figure copying in Williams syndrome and normal subjects. Experimental Brain Research, 157(2), 137–146
- Kurz-McDowell, N., & Hannafin, R. (2004). Beliefs about learning, instruction, and technology among elementary school teachers. Journal of Computing in Teacher Education, 20(3), 97–105
Custom
- Egic Educational Leadership & Systems Improvement
- Title IX Investigator Training, Investigations & Referral Procedures
- Ral & State Education Law, Regulatory Compliance & Procedural Safeguards
- Educational Policy Implementation, Regulator Interpretation & Procedural Development
- Ministrative Investigations, State Complaints & Due Process
- Compliance Monitoring, Corrective Action & Accountability
- Data Analysis, Regulatory Reporting & Continuous Improvement
- Professional Learning, Technical Assistance & Stakeholder Collaboration
Selected Statewide & Professional Leadership
- DOE / National Early Childhood Technical Assistance (ECTA) Center Initiative (2025–Present) — Collaborate on statewide efforts to strengthen early childhood inclusion, regulatory implementation, and systems improvement
- University of Delaware SPARQ Community Advisory Board (2026–Present) — Partner with UD, DDOE, and DHSS on research examining family access to early childhood services, resources, and supports
- Delaware Early Childhood Council, Data & Policy and Workforce Subcommittees (2019–2021) — Contributed to statewide discussions on educational policy, data, program quality, access, and workforce development
- DDOE Early Childhood Critical Attributes Workgroup (2021) — Participated in developing components of Delaware's redesigned educator evaluation framework
- DDOE Significant Disproportionality Stakeholder Group (2016–2017) — Contributed to statewide discussions addressing educational equity, disproportionate identification, and student outcomes
- SEAL Independent Action Research, University of Delaware (2025–Present) — Conduct research examining early childhood inclusion, family-centered transitions, and coordination of services across agencies
- Administrative Mentoring (2014–Present) — Mentor principals, assistant principals, and administrative interns across multiple districts
- Capital School District Principal Pipeline Committee (2024–2026) — Contributed to leadership development and administrator succession planning
- Teacher Contract Negotiation Committee, Caesar Rodney School District (2016) — Participated in district-level labor negotiations and collaborative problem-solving
Professional Learning Leadership & Selected Presentations
- Districtwide Professional Learning Presenter & Facilitator, Capital, Lake Forest, Caesar Rodney, and Henrico County Public Schools — Designed and delivered professional learning for educators and administrators on regulatory compliance, instructional leadership, data analysis, school improvement, inclusive practices, and continuous improvement
- Facilitator, Monthly Special Services Professional Learning Communities, Capital School District (2024–Present) — Lead ongoing professional learning focused on compliance, evaluation procedures, inclusive education, instructional practices, and continuous improvement
- Presenter, Special Education Leadership for Building Administrators: Compliance, Instruction, and Student Outcomes, Capital School District (2025)
- Presenter and Facilitator, Summer Administrative Leadership Retreat, Lake Forest School District (2022) — Instructional leadership, strategic planning, data analysis, school improvement, and district priorities
- Presenter, Science of Reading: Evidence-Based Literacy Practices and Implications for Instruction, Lake Forest School District (2022–2023)
- Presenter, Number Sense Development: Building Mathematical Understanding Through High-Quality Instruction, Lake Forest School District (2022–2023)
- Presenter, Digital Choice Boards, Caesar Rodney School District, Districtwide Professional Development (2021)
- Presenter, Give It a SWIRL: Strategies and More for English Learners, Caesar Rodney School District, Districtwide Professional Development (2020)
- Presenter, Aligning Disabilities and Instruction, Caesar Rodney School District, Districtwide Professional Development (2017)
- Co-Presenter, Co-Teaching in the Inclusion Classroom, Caesar Rodney School District, Districtwide Professional Development (2017)
- Presenter, Word Study, W.B. Simpson Elementary School, Caesar Rodney School District (2018)
- Guest Lecturer, Virginia Union University (2012) — Vocabulary and Concept Development; Content Area Texts; Linking Literacy Assessment and Instruction
- Facilitator, Countywide Word Study Professional Learning, Henrico County Public Schools, in partnership with the University of Virginia
- Presenter, Innovative Vocabulary Strategies: A Cross-Content Project, Virginia State Reading Association Conference (2012)
- Presenter, Integration of Fluency and Literacy Across the Content Areas, Fairfield Middle School, Henrico County Public Schools (2011)
- Presenter, Innovative Strategies to Increase Vocabulary Knowledge, Henrico Education Foundation Literacy Forum (2010)
- Presenter, Word Study Workshop for Elementary Teachers, Henrico County Public Schools (2007)
- Presenter, Word Study and Early Literacy Strategies for Families, Jacob L. Adams Elementary School (2006)
- Research Presenter, American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting (2004) — Beliefs About Learning, Instruction, and Technology Among Elementary School Teachers, co-presented with R. D. Hannafin
Timeline
Supervisor of Special Services
Capital School District
08.2023 - Current
Principal of Lake Forest East Elementary
Lake Forest School District
08.2021 - 08.2023
District Early Childhood Instructional Specialist
Caesar Rodney School District
08.2019 - 08.2021
Principal of Star Hill Elementary
Caesar Rodney School District
08.2014 - 08.2019
Assistant Principal of W.B. Simpson Elementary and Kent County Intensive Learning Center
Caesar Rodney School District
07.2012 - 08.2014
Resource Teacher (Administrative Leadership Position)
Henrico County Public Schools
07.2011 - 06.2012
Reading Specialist (Title I) & Instructional Coach
Henrico County Public Schools
01.2008 - 01.2011
Teacher (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
Henrico County Public Schools
01.2002 - 01.2008
Research Associate & Lab Manager/Undergraduate Researcher
University of Delaware
06.1997 - 06.2001
Director of Special Education Certification - SEAL, Special Education Administrator Leadership Program
University of Delaware Center for Disabilities Studies and Delaware Academy of School Leadership
Certificate - K-12 Special Education
Wilmington University
Post-Master's Certificate - Educational Leadership and Administration
The George Washington University
Education Specialist - Reading
University of Virginia
Master of Education - Elementary Education, Curriculum, and Instruction
The College of William and Mary
Bachelor of Arts - Neuroscience, Interdisciplinary major between psychology and biology, Minor: Cognitive Science
University of Delaware