Nikki Bettcher Erickson
Summary
Accomplished educational professional with a solid leadership approach, and passion for student learning. Organized problem-solver, skilled at approaching educational issues and devising just, forward-thinking resolutions to promote student advancement.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Autism Spectrum Disorders Consultant
NOVA Education Consultants
01.2023 - Current
- Conducts observations for students in grades 1-8 with an autism spectrum disorder or suspected autism spectrum disorder.
- Serves as an autism consultant for evaluations and individualized education plan meetings.
- Serves as a consultant for proposed applied behavior analysis plans for positive behavior supports in the classroom.
Special Education Training Coordinator, Educator
M.A.C.C.R.A.Y. School District
01.2021 - Current
- IEP manager for a caseload of 25+ students.
- Facilitates virtual, in-person, and blended learning sessions.
- Creates district-specific introductory special education training for paraprofessionals and general education teachers.
- Works district-wide at implementing approaches to foster special education inclusion.
- Creates confidentiality training curriculum for special education staff district-wide.
- CAPP artist grant co-applicant (grant awarded 2023 to our district).
- Integrates theater into 8th-12th grade special education literacy and social skills program.
- Implements transition skills, money literacy, and business entrepreneurship through school special education token economy.
- Conducts multiple functional behavior assessments for a variety of behaviors and grade levels.
- Member of the Student Assistance Team and the child study team for new and recurring special education evaluations.
- Integrates project-based and experiential learning into the mainstream curriculum.
- Compiled training handbook and related course materials.
Artistic Director
Spotlight Theatre Workshop
01.1998 - Current
- Involved in over 150 theatre productions through directing, performance, choreography, producing, fundraising/grant writing, script work, and makeup design.
- Works globally, locally, and virtually as a theatre for autism artist and consultant.
- Writes original musicals for youth in grades 1-9.
- Develops strong relationships with community partners, fostering support for the organization's mission and goals.
- Writes and receives grant funding to bring more art and theatre opportunities to children in rural areas.
- Implements educational outreach programs that engage local communities in art appreciation and participation.
Special Education Coordinator and Advisor
Technical Academies Of Minnesota
01.2019 - 01.2021
- IEP manager for an average of 18 students in an innovative project-based learning setting.
- Special Education Coordinator and Transition Services Coordinator.
- Conducted and wrote special education evaluations and initial evaluations for special education students or students qualifying for special education services.
- Wrote and implemented positive behavior support plans for students on the autism spectrum and students with emotional behavior disorders.
- Served as arts contact arts grant writer and facilitator.
Special Education Advisor
New Century Academy
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Created a curriculum that utilized experiential learning and/or fused the arts with all standards for at-risk youth for the Shelter Care - Greater Minnesota Family Services classroom.
- Implemented interventions in math, organizational skills, reading, writing, comprehension, social skills, and coping strategies.
- Supervised and collaborated with therapy staff with consistency in an innovative environment.
- IEP manager for up to 45 students within the academic year in a project-based learning setting.
- Implemented positive behavior support plans for at-risk youth.
- Created student-run work skills cleaning and recycling crew.
Online Curriculum Content Developer and Educator
VELVI
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Developed educational materials for VELVI India's Applied Theatre for Autism certification program.
- Collaborated with the team and met with students as needed as they prepared to receive their certification in Applied Theatre for Autism in Madurai, India.
Education
Doctor of Education - Educational Leadership
Minnesota State University Moorhead
Moorhead, Minnesota05.2025
Specialist in Education - Educational Leadership
Minnesota State University Moorhead
Moorhead, MN05.2022
Master of Science - Special Education
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND05.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Communication and Theatre
Concordia College
Moorhead, MN05.2000
Skills
- Best Practices Implementation
- Team Leadership & Development
- Relationship Building
- Cultural Awareness
- Interpersonal Skills
- Problem-Solving
- Organizational Development
- Problem-solving abilities
- Quantitative skills
- Change Management
Websites
Certification
- Special Education: Autism Spectrum Disorders (K-12) Minnesota, Tier 4
- Administrative License: Director of Special Education, Minnesota
- File Folder 420156
References
- Dr. Melissa Bodin, Assistant Principal, BOLD School District, 320-262-1039, melissabodin@gmail.com
- Jane Groen, Special Education Coordinator and Speech Language Pathologist, MACCRAY School District, 320-212-6032, groenj@maccray.k12.mn.us
- Judd Wheatley, High School Principal, MACCRAY School District, 320-241-5885, wheatleyj@maccray.k12.mn.us
Affiliations
- Alpha Psi Omega Theatre Scholar
- Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) Chapter BI-EN
Accomplishments
Designed and implemented comprehensive special education training programs via virtual, hybrid, and in-person formats. Leveraged innovative instructional strategies, data, and technology to create impactful learning experiences for educators, and educational support professionals, resulting in improved student outcomes and increased inclusivity within educational settings. Recognized for effective, energetic, and adaptable leadership style.
Timeline
Autism Spectrum Disorders Consultant
NOVA Education Consultants
01.2023 - Current
Special Education Training Coordinator, Educator
M.A.C.C.R.A.Y. School District
01.2021 - Current
Special Education Coordinator and Advisor
Technical Academies Of Minnesota
01.2019 - 01.2021
Special Education Advisor
New Century Academy
01.2016 - 01.2019
Online Curriculum Content Developer and Educator
VELVI
01.2013 - 01.2015
Artistic Director
Spotlight Theatre Workshop
01.1998 - Current
Doctor of Education - Educational Leadership
Minnesota State University Moorhead
Specialist in Education - Educational Leadership
Minnesota State University Moorhead
Master of Science - Special Education
University of North Dakota
Bachelor of Arts - Communication and Theatre
Concordia College
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