Niel Higgins
Christiana,TN
Summary
An innovative educator with a skill set to implement educational strategies with technological resources. Proficient in curriculum design incorporating digital tools to enhance educational effectiveness. Focused on researching methods and platforms that can assist educators with instructional practices—motivated to provide opportunities for learners to achieve 21st-century skills through the utilization of technology. Passionate about educational technology, and believe to be a good fit in the position of the district-wide Technology Integration Coach
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Instructional Coach
Rutherford County Schools
Smyrna, United States
07.2021 - Current
- Educational technology integration
- Implemented course online course design strategies
- Laptop management
- Troubleshooting
- Data analysis
- Tech support
- Research
- Educator support
- Co-teacher
- One-on-one teacher professional development
- Lesson design
- Writing teacher
- Website management
- Videographer and video editor
- Photographer and graphic designer
- Grant writing committee
- Leadership team
- 3-12 test proctor
- Professional development presenter
- SEL program creator
- TVAAS claiming coordinator
- RTI Coordinator
- Trauma-Informed schools committee
- Esports coach
Writing Teacher
Rutherford County Schools
Rockvale, TN
10.2016 - 05.2021
- Developed innovative approaches to educational experiences through utilization of applicable digital platforms.
- Researched and incorporated effective technological resources as early adopter.
- Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.
- Led interesting and diverse group activities to engage students in course material.
- Utilized multimedia strategies and technology to convey information in fresh and interesting ways.
- Completed in-service and additional training to maintain professional growth.
- Kept classroom organized, clean, and safe for all students and visitors.
Professional Musician
Self-Employed
Pretoria, South Africa
08.2008 - 04.2015
- Incorporated numerous technology platforms to write, produce, record, and market music.
Music Teacher
St. Stithians College
Johannesburg, South Africa
01.2012 - 04.2014
- Utilized technological platforms that allowed students to write, perform, and learn music.
English as a Second Language Teacher
Fichardt Park Primary School
Bloemfontein, South Africa
01.2005 - 07.2008
- Integrated technology into the classroom as instructional tools.
- Utilized video production through camera usage and video editing to apply to my instructional practices.
- Planned and supervised class projects, field trips and visits by guest speakers.
- Prepared daily lesson plans for activities.
- Provided one-on-one attention to students, while maintaining overall focus on the entire group.
- Administered assessments and standardized tests to evaluate student progress.
- Created theme-based, story-driven summative assessments.
Education
Master of Education in Educational Technology - Digital Learning And Teaching
American College of Education
Indianapolis, IN03.2021
Bachelor of Education - English
University of The Free State
Bloemfontein, South Africa2004
Skills
- Innovative technology utilization
- Technology implementation
- Technology research
- Curriculum development
- Differentiated instruction
- Process improvement
- Problem solving
- Cross-curricular lesson design
- Cross-platform lesson design
- Professional development presenter
- Video recording and editing
- Photography and graphic design
- Basic programming/game design skills
- Strong organizational and planning skills
- Dependable and responsible
- Excellent written and verbal communication
Websites
Accomplishments
- Member of Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education.
Certification
- Newsela Certified Educator
- Minecraft: EE Certified Educator
Timeline
Instructional Coach
Rutherford County Schools
07.2021 - Current
Writing Teacher
Rutherford County Schools
10.2016 - 05.2021
Music Teacher
St. Stithians College
01.2012 - 04.2014
Professional Musician
Self-Employed
08.2008 - 04.2015
English as a Second Language Teacher
Fichardt Park Primary School
01.2005 - 07.2008
Master of Education in Educational Technology - Digital Learning And Teaching
American College of Education
Bachelor of Education - English
University of The Free State