Nicole Paulson
Rio Rancho
Summary
Experienced educator and curriculum specialist with over 9 years of experience in education, behavioral health, and public service. Proven ability to design, implement, and refine instructional materials tailored to diverse learners, including English Language Learners, and students with disabilities. Adept at stakeholder collaboration, cross-disciplinary instruction, and creating engaging content aligned to educational standards. Passionate about supporting technical training programs that advance national preparedness and community well-being.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Albuquerque Public Schools
Albuquerque
08.2019 - Current
- Designed and implemented differentiated curriculum aligned with state standards and student IEPs across multiple subjects: functional academics, math, health, and English Language Development (ELD).
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams, including instructional councils and IEP teams, to ensure curriculum met student needs and educational goals.
- Coached and mentored staff on instructional strategies and curriculum modifications.
- Participated in school-wide program development and led professional learning efforts.
- Adapted curriculum to remote delivery using tools such as Google Meet, Kami, PearDeck, and Screencastify during COVID-19 remote learning phase.
- Served as SPED representative on Instructional Council and coach of the Powerlifting Team.
- Mentor Teacher for UNM/CNM/APS/ATF SETT Residency Program, supporting first-year special education teachers.
- Founding Member of Ford NGL Grant Team for Cibola High School's Freshman Academies; participated in three concurrent professional development cohorts.
Behavioral Health Care Coordinator
Magellan Health / Presbyterian Health Services
Albuquerque
07.2017 - 07.2019
- Supported continuity of care for high-risk patients through resource connection, care planning, and follow-up.
- Developed client education strategies related to mental health, treatment adherence, and medication side effects.
- Collaborated across providers and agencies to support client outcomes and maintained accurate documentation within electronic medical records.
Claims Investigator / Eligibility Specialist
Crime Victims Reparation Commission
Albuquerque
03.2016 - 03.2017
- Evaluated eligibility of applicants under state statutes for crime victim compensation.
- Synthesized complex documentation into case summaries for adjudication.
- Worked with healthcare providers and law enforcement to obtain supporting documentation.
Permanency Planning Worker
Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD)
Albuquerque
03.2014 - 03.2016
- Managed caseload of children in foster care, including IEP participation and educational planning.
- Created and executed case plans for reunification or adoption.
- Facilitated multidisciplinary team meetings and coordinated with courts and service providers.
Education
MA - Adult Education and Training
American College of Education
07.2025
Alternative Licensure Program - Special Education
Central New Mexico Community College
01.2020
TESOL Certification -
Central New Mexico Community College
01.2020
BA - Criminology
University of New Mexico
01.2013
Skills
- Curriculum Design & Evaluation
- Instructional Methods & Adult Learning Theories
- Program Planning & Implementation
- Special Education & IEP Compliance
- ELL / TESOL Instruction
- Stakeholder Collaboration
- Behavioral Health & Crisis Intervention
- Technical Writing & Documentation
- Google & Microsoft Suite
- LMS Platforms
- Training Development & Delivery
- Mentorship & Teacher Development
- Collaboration skills
- Curriculum development
- Paraprofessional oversight
- Conflict resolution techniques
- Assistive technology
Certification
- New Mexico Level 3 Teaching License, #393561, Highly Qualified in Social Studies, English Language Arts, Health
- TESOL Endorsement
Professional Development
- Innovative Schools Summit, San Antonio, TX, 2022
- Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI), Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, 2018–2020
- ELD Cohort: Serving Multilingual Learners with Disabilities, 2022–2023
- Founding Member of Ford NGL Grant at Cibola High School, Freshman Academy Design and Implementation, 2023–2025
- Professional Learning Series Participant, Ford NGL PD Cohorts, 3x
Volunteer Experience
- Long-term volunteer for holiday toy drives, homeless outreach, and food pantries
- Supported Albuquerque Fire Department community events and mental health awareness initiatives
References
Kelly Love Dean of Students Cibola High School: 1-702-376-1047
Chelsea Hay Assistant Principle Cibola High School: 1-574-309-1231
Shaness Conley SETT Program Liaison: 1-505-463-2570
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Albuquerque Public Schools
08.2019 - Current
Behavioral Health Care Coordinator
Magellan Health / Presbyterian Health Services
07.2017 - 07.2019
Claims Investigator / Eligibility Specialist
Crime Victims Reparation Commission
03.2016 - 03.2017
Permanency Planning Worker
Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD)
03.2014 - 03.2016
MA - Adult Education and Training
American College of Education
Alternative Licensure Program - Special Education
Central New Mexico Community College
TESOL Certification -
Central New Mexico Community College
BA - Criminology
University of New Mexico
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