Nikia Waithe
Stone Mountain,GA
Summary
Dedicated and experienced educator with over a decade of experience in early childhood education, including ten years in a dual language immersion program. Skilled in fostering inclusive and creative learning environments that celebrate diversity and promote bilingual proficiency. Proficient in project-based learning frameworks and Workshop teaching models, such as Reading/Writing Workshop and Math Workshop, to enhance student engagement and achievement. Collaborative team player with a solid understanding of differentiating instruction to meet the individual needs of students. Committed to promoting high-quality education and inspiring students to become lifelong learners equipped to make a positive impact in the world.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
English Department Lead (K-2)
Da Vinci International School
08.2016 - Current
- Collaborated with departmental faculty to differentiate instruction and improve student outcomes.
- Coordinated with language program leads to enhance cross-disciplinary planning and educational outcomes.
- Managed department budget effectively, allocating funds strategically for textbooks, technology upgrades, and other essential resources.
- Enhanced curriculum quality by implementing innovative teaching strategies and interdisciplinary approaches.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of relevant pedagogical research findings to inform teaching methods within the English Department consistently.
- Observed, coached and mentored instructional staff to promote warm, structured and responsive classroom culture.
- Mentored new teachers within the department, providing guidance on best practices and classroom management techniques.
- Served as a liaison between English Department faculty members and administration, advocating for necessary changes or improvements within the department.
- Improved policies and procedures to maximize student safety and campus security.
- Implemented technology integration and maintained open communication with parents to support student success.
- Led multicultural classrooms in a trilingual setting, fostering inclusive and creative learning environments.
- Developed and implemented English curricula aligned with American core standards and French Ministry of Education requirements.
Lead English Classroom Teacher
Da Vinci International School
08.2014 - Current
- Evaluated students' progress in academic subjects and English language acquisition/proficiency through one-on-one assessments
- Interfaced with French-and-Spanish program lead teachers to streamline planned activities and optimize educational outcomes
- Introduced and bolstered an expanding range of language arts skills- listening, speaking, reading, and writing- in spiral review form with respect to French learning cycles
- Specialized in English Literacy instruction in a bilingual setting
- Implemented Project Zero's 'thinking routines' to encourage curiosity, creativity, auditory, and open inquiry in the classroom
- Employed kinesthetic, auditory, and visual approaches to accommodate all learning styles
- Integrated performing arts into class activities and routines daily, including music, dance, mime, puppetry, and theatre
- Paired with French-program lead teachers to design, implement, and guide bilingual long-term projects.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Planned and implemented different daily activities to enhance overall development and growth of every student.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Communicated frequently with parents about student growth and progress, recommending at-home reinforcement to support struggling students.
- Worked one-on-one with students and student teachers to increase overall classroom success.
- Devised targeted language acquisition activities for ESL/ELL students
- Designed, planned and implemented math, reading, writing and social skills lessons for small groups of varying skill levels based on Common Core State Standards
- Maintained open communication with parents through weekly newsletter, email, and face-to-face interactions
- Coached learners in developing agency, curiosity, resilience, and grit
- Integrated technology into the classroom through tablets, interactive white boards and chrome books.
Lead Teacher Summer School (Rising 5th)
Horizons At Atlanta International School
06.2023 - 07.2023
- Facilitated academic, social, and emotional learning in a diverse classroom environment.
- Implemented culturally enriched curriculum to promote global awareness and appreciation.
- Integrated hands-on activities and experiential learning opportunities to engage students.
- Provided reading, math, STEM, and writing instruction using innovative teaching strategies to build problem-solving skills among students.
- Fostered a sense of community responsibility through service-learning projects.
- Emphasized the importance of physical fitness and health in daily activities.
- Encouraged a lifelong interest in learning through interactive and dynamic lessons.
Grade 1/2 Classroom Teacher
David Patterson Elementary School
01.2007 - 01.2012
- Lead general education class of 21-26 multicultural learners
- Assessed students' reading levels using DIBELS and Fountas and Pinnell leveled passages (running records)
- Used proven behavior modification techniques to guide learners toward self-monitoring and self-regulation in appropriate behaviors
- Devised and implemented targeted math, science, reading, art, and multi-sensory learning centers
- Expanded learners' range of learning through whole group, small group (including cooperative study), and individual instruction
- Instructed guided reading lessons to model questioning, clarifying, and problem-solving techniques
- Created Individual Education Programs and generated quarterly report cards
- Encouraged and supported parental involvement through classroom assistance programs and school volunteer opportunities
- After school remediation.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
Education
MASTER OF EDUCATION/SPECIAL EDUCATION, EARLY CHILDHOOD BIRTH- GRADE 2 -
Toro College
NEW YORK, NY03.2007
Bachelor of Arts -
Adelphi University
Garden City, NY05.2002
Skills
- Instructional Leadership
- Multisensory Curriculum Development
- Differentiated Instruction
- Individualized Behavioral Plans
- Arts Integration
- Guided Reading
- Technology Integration
- ELL/ESL Education
- IEP Goals
- K-3 Curriculum Design
- Seesaw
- Google Classroom
- Classroom Management
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Lesson development
- Educational leadership
- Training and mentoring
- Project-based learning
Certification
- NEW YORK, Professional Teacher
- GEORGIA, Professional Teacher (Applied)
Affiliations
Giwayen Mata- Dance, Vocal, and Percussion Ensemble
Professional Development
- IMSE COMPREHENSIVE ORTON-GILLINGHAM TRAINING, Institute for Multi-Sensory Education, 09/01/16
- PROJECT ZERO PERSPECTIVES: THINK, CREATE, INNOVATE, Harvard Graduate School of Education, 05/01/15
Training
- BUILDING A BILINGUAL ELEMENTARY CURRICULUM, Da Vinci International School, Atlanta, GA, 2016
- THE BILINGUAL LEARNER, Da Vinci International School, Atlanta, GA, 2015
- THINKING AND LEARNING IN A BILINGUAL CLASSROOM, Da Vinci International School, Atlanta, GA, 2014
Timeline
Lead Teacher Summer School (Rising 5th)
Horizons At Atlanta International School
06.2023 - 07.2023
English Department Lead (K-2)
Da Vinci International School
08.2016 - Current
Lead English Classroom Teacher
Da Vinci International School
08.2014 - Current
Grade 1/2 Classroom Teacher
David Patterson Elementary School
01.2007 - 01.2012
MASTER OF EDUCATION/SPECIAL EDUCATION, EARLY CHILDHOOD BIRTH- GRADE 2 -
Toro College
Bachelor of Arts -
Adelphi University
- NEW YORK, Professional Teacher
- GEORGIA, Professional Teacher (Applied)
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