Nicole McGraw
Smyrna,GA
Summary
Experienced and dedicated special education professional with over 15 years of expertise in fostering inclusive learning environments and supporting students with diverse needs. Proven ability to implement effective instructional strategies, develop individualized plans, and collaborate with stakeholders to drive student growth and achievement. Skilled in behavior management, curriculum development, and data-driven decision-making to meet educational goals. Aspiring educational leader with a passion for empowering teams, promoting equity, and leveraging strategic vision to enhance student outcomes and school success. Known for unwavering integrity, compassion, and a commitment to creating positive, supportive learning communities.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Cobb County Schools
07.2024 - Current
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
Special Education Lead Teacher
Sutton Middle School
08.2023 - 06.2024
- Company Overview: Atlanta Public Schools
- Models and supports special education instructional staff in organizing, identifying, and implementing curriculum including Common Core Curriculum and the adapted curriculum
- Supports quality in-person classroom instruction and its improvement in all settings through monitoring, observing, model teaching and coaching; assists teachers in improving classroom management and climate through the implementation of effective instructional methods
- Reviews and ensures that all students with disabilities are receiving effective instruction in the Least Restrictive Environment; assists school staff in organizing curriculum and utilizing strategies for students with disabilities
- Assigns and/or conducts in-person staff meetings to develop IEPs, as required within assigned school(s)/cluster; attends all appropriate IEP meetings (i.e., Promotion/Retention, Amendments, Eligibility Redetermination, Initial Eligibility meetings); participates in the SST process to facilitate referrals to special education and coordinates eligibility meetings
- Reviews, monitors, and meets timelines for IEPs, referrals, initial eligibilities, and re-evaluations; monitors Full Time Equivalent (FTE) counts and the Student Record (SR) process during the school year
- Performs other duties as assigned by an appropriate administrator or their representative
- Utilizes coaching cycle of support (DSE Walk 6-12) electronic classroom observation platform to cultivate the use of effective co-teaching practices
- Established positive relationships with parents through regular communication regarding student progress, collaborating on strategies for academic success at home and school.
- Developed and implemented differentiated instruction strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles, resulting in increased student engagement and success.
- Planned and implemented different daily activities to enhance overall development and growth of every student.
Building Administrator
Saturday Success Academy
10.2023 - 05.2024
- Company Overview: Sutton Middle School
- Supports development of Principal’s school-wide vision and takes an active role in investing and mobilizing teachers to achieve the collective goals of the school; owns the implementation of select school priorities in support of the school-wide vision
- Demonstrated ability to hire diverse highly effective teachers and school staff for Saturday Success Academy
- Manages daily school operations (e.g
- Arrival/dismissal, breakfast/snacks, emergency drill, and SEL/STEM)
- Allocate and manage financial resources in alignment with school priorities and APS financial policies and procedures
- Sutton Middle School
- Saturday Success Academy for ELA and Math increased 1+ year growth NWEA MAP 2023-24
- Aligned with school’s CIP; Subgroups will increase on the ELA GMAS EOG by 3%
- Aligned with school’s CIP; Subgroups will increase on the Math GMAS EOG by 3%
- SWD Fall Math MAP Growth 16%; Winter Growth 18%
- SWD Fall Reading MAP Growth 24%; Winter Growth 25%
Special Education Teacher
Sutton Middle School
08.2022 - 07.2023
- Company Overview: Atlanta Public Schools
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
Special Education Teacher
Dobbs Elementary School
02.2021 - 07.2022
- Company Overview: Atlanta Public Schools
- Prepared and executed lesson plans and developed IEPs based on student capabilities, progress, and needs
- Applied positive behavior strategies and cultivated parental participation to socialize students, decrease outbursts, provide a constructive learning environment, and monitor daily progress of student’s behavior
- Facilitated learning for 20+ students ranging from kindergarten to 5th grade that fosters a 21st century learning environment that integrates a culture of mutual respect, high standards, and technological innovation
- Atlanta Public Schools
Special Education Teacher
Randolph Elementary School
07.2019 - 12.2020
- Company Overview: Fulton County Public Schools
- Achieved academic goals by increasing test scores by 2+ grade levels
- Presented Effective Teaching Methods and Curriculum Creation at Thriving 30 Educational Seminar, with over 60 attendees
- SEC Department Chair of Special Education
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
Education
Tier 1 Educational Leadership certification program -
University of West Georgia
Carrollton05.2024
Master of Education - Special Education and Teaching
University of West Georgia
Carrollton, GA12.2014
Applied Studies and Organizational Leadership -
Mercer University
Atlanta, GA05.2002
Skills
- Differentiated instruction
- Classroom management
- Relationship building
- Co-teaching experience
- Lesson planning
- Collaborative teamwork
- Data management
- Inclusion strategies
- De-escalation techniques
- Instructional strategies
- Behavior intervention plans
- Literacy intervention
Certification
- Georgia Educator Certificate Level 6, #823334
- Educational Leadership Tier I, 05/01/24
- Teacher Leader Endorsement
- Reading Endorsement
- SP ED Social Science Cognitive Level, P-8
- SP ED Reading Cognitive Level, P-8
- SP ED Language Arts Level, P-8
- SP ED Math Cognitive Level, P-8
- SP General Curriculum, P-12 Consultative
Leadership Experience
- Atlanta Public Schools Aspiring Leadership and Development Program, 2023-2024
- Shadowing Assistant Principal, 2023 - 2024
- Special Education Lead Teacher, 2023 - 2024
- Teacher Recruitment Ambassador, 2022 - 2024
- Special Education (SEC) Compliance Chair, 2019 - 2020
- APS Teacher Leader Endorsement, 2018 - 2019
- 8th Grade Level Chair, 2016 - 2017
Affiliations
- State Advisory Panel Members
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Cobb County Schools
07.2024 - Current
Building Administrator
Saturday Success Academy
10.2023 - 05.2024
Special Education Lead Teacher
Sutton Middle School
08.2023 - 06.2024
Special Education Teacher
Sutton Middle School
08.2022 - 07.2023
Special Education Teacher
Dobbs Elementary School
02.2021 - 07.2022
Special Education Teacher
Randolph Elementary School
07.2019 - 12.2020
Tier 1 Educational Leadership certification program -
University of West Georgia
Master of Education - Special Education and Teaching
University of West Georgia
Applied Studies and Organizational Leadership -
Mercer University
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