Nikkia Tolbert
Virginia Beach,Virginia
Summary
Experienced with creating and implementing curriculum that fosters holistic child development. Utilizes leadership to inspire and guide teaching staff, ensuring cohesive and effective educational environment. Knowledge of state regulations and best practices, ensuring compliance and quality in preschool operations.
Dedicated Trauma Informed Specialist with years of experience providing compassionate care and leadership to children and adults. Recognized for creating safe, inclusive spaces that promote growth, healing, education and healthy connections at every level.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR
Global Christian (Homeschool CO-OP)
Virginia Beach, VA
09.2023 - Current
- As the Preschool Director, I lead a team of two teachers in the fundamental development of 16 preschool students. I develop the curriculum, the schedule, and plan the daily activities to promote a healthy, safe, fun, and nurturing learning environment. I established programs which assist in the development of the student’s social, cognitive, and conflict resolution skills. I communicate with parents to ascertain any challenges or special requirements for the student to ensure every child is included in the daily activities. I institute any special instructions from the parents to ensure the student gets the most out of the learning experience and classroom setting to ensure the students are equipped for entrance into their elementary learning years. I also provide feedback to the parents about their student to ensure we are all working together for the betterment of the student and discussing their developmental progress. I train the teachers in all aspects of the program and student interaction as well as the latest state requirements. I also maintain the office files and records, prepare reports in compliance with state policies, conduct records review and resolve discrepancies
- Hourly Wage: $15.75
- Part-Time
Trauma Informed Specialist
Hearts Full of Grace, Inc
Virginia Beach, VA
01.2015 - Current
- Develop and deliver workshops, seminars, and training sessions on trauma awareness and resilience building,
- Assist organizations in embedding Trauma Informed Approaches in their policies, procedures, and daily operations.
- Assess the effectiveness of of implemented strategies and make data-driven recommendations for improvement.
- Facilitate "Community Conversations" that focus on promoting self-awareness, self-care, and emotional wellness.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
HEARTS FULL OF GRACE (NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION)
Virginia Beach, VA
11.2009 - Current
- I created the organization to provide impactful programs to promote youth literacy and development. Through community partnership we support the youth who are in unhoused situations by providing the additional learning support to ensure their current circumstance does not become a hurdle to their leaning process.
HOME SCHOOL TEACHER
Seed and Harvest (Homeschool)
Virginia Beach, VA
06.2020 - 08.2023
- During the pandemic, I utilized my teaching background and experience to homeschool my three children. I developed curriculum, schedules, and activities to ensure they were able to continue their learning process as well as implemented more studies to help prepare them for life experiences such as home economics, home repair, auto repair, wage earning, taxes, savings, and bill paying. When the state finally allowed for in-person learning, I was contacted by multiple parents requesting to have their student enroll in my homeschool program. I enrolled four additional students and implemented more social, problem solving, conflict resolution activities. I tracked the student’s progress and kept the parents informed. Those additional four students along with one of my own children were well prepared for their college entrance exams and are now all thriving in college.
- Hourly Wage: $25.00
- Full-Time
TEACHER (SOCIAL STUDIES)
Barry Robinson Center
Virginia Beach, VA
08.2018 - 03.2020
- As a teacher, I was responsible for teaching students with a history of trauma by delivering engaging and relatable lessons to keep the class focus on the material and create a climate that promoted respect and self-discipline. Due to the many different trauma levels in the students, I tailored my teaching method to ensure all students were able to learn, participate, and feel heard and included. I provided an environment conducive to intellectual, social, physical, and emotional development of individuals to ensure the success of every student. I maintained appropriate records and followed the required procedures and practices outlined by school and state policies. I kept open communications with the students, parents, and fellow staff members on student development to ensure the students were meeting the appropriate milestones. I kept students on task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies. I taught on various topics in the subject such as history, government, civics to name a few to ensure students were prepared for higher education as well as standardized tests. I also collaborated with colleagues to develop and implement innovative teaching strategies to keep the students engaged and prepared.
- Hourly Wage: $33.00
- Full-Time
PRESCHOOL TEACHER
Glenwood Elementary School (YMCA-Early Discoveries)
Virginia Beach, VA
08.2008 - 06.2018
- As the preschool teacher, I supervised indoor and outdoor play, providing guidance and instruction in accordance with the safety regulations. I developed schedules, lesson plans and activities which helped develop social skills such as making friends and conflict resolution, build self-help and school readiness skills, and helped the students learn about the environment surrounding them. I ensured the incorporated plans and activities observed the needs of the individual students in the program. I ensured the activities and events met the physical, emotional, and social need of the students as well as incorporated special instructions provided by parents or school. I included programs that promoted safety, fitness, health, respect, and good behavior. I interacted with the students in all activities to ensure maximum participation and help develop unity in the classroom. I provided instructions by singing, dancing, drawing, counting to help the students develop their fine motor skills to count, write, spell, learn letter on sight, and read in preparation for their entrance into the elementary learning years. I kept open communication with the parents on the development of their child therefore, I keep thorough records on the student’s progression. I was also responsible for setting up displays and bulletins for activities and inventorying all supplies and ensuring the supplies were accounted for at the end of each class.
- Hourly Wage: $25.00
- Full-Time
SOCIAL STUDIES/LANGUAGE ARTS TEACHER
Norfolk Public Schools
Norfolk, VA
08.1999 - 06.2008
- I was responsible for delivering lessons that educated students on various aspects of social science including geography, economics, history, social science and civics. I utilized the schools lesson plans and also added my personal teaching style to ensure complete engagement, participation, and understanding of the material. I also created additional comprehensive lesson plans to bolster the plans set by the state standards. I utilized lectures, discussion group activities, multimedia, trivia, and field trips to keep the students engaged and eager to learn. I provided open communication with parents on student progress therefore, I kept detailed records on each student to ensure I relayed proper information to give praise and or discuss areas of concerns. I provided individual support for students required additional needs to promote academic success. Through my interactive teaching style I was able to maintain a positive learning environment for all students. I utilized tests, quizzes, trivia, and presentations to ensure the students were grasping the information being taught.
- Hourly Wage: $22.00
- Full-Time
Education
BS - English and History Education
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA08.1999
Skills
- Over 20 years of teaching experience at various grade levels
- Knowledge of child and youth development principles
- Ability to implement developmentally appropriate child and youth principles and practices
- Provide high quality direct care and education for children and youth
- Promote and foster effective working relationships
- Works cooperatively as a team member
- Great verbal communicator to provide program information
- Ability to adapt to changing situations
- Self-starter and ability to multitask
- Works well with or without supervision
- Vast knowledge of computer hardware, software, and applications
- Child development expertise
Accomplishments
Achieved the US Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, 2023
Certification
- Certified Trauma Informed Care Specialist
- Certified Mental Health First Aider
- Certified Life Coach
- Certified Mental Health Coach
- Certified Mobility Mentor
- Certified EMPath Trainer
Training
- Computer applications
- Microsoft Office
- Basic First Aid
- Mental Health Coach
- Mental Health First Aider
- Emotional Wellness Coach
- Trauma Informed Care Specialist
Awards
Presidents’ Volunteer Service Award, People Taking Action (Humanitarian Award).
Timeline
PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR
Global Christian (Homeschool CO-OP)
09.2023 - Current
HOME SCHOOL TEACHER
Seed and Harvest (Homeschool)
06.2020 - 08.2023
TEACHER (SOCIAL STUDIES)
Barry Robinson Center
08.2018 - 03.2020
Trauma Informed Specialist
Hearts Full of Grace, Inc
01.2015 - Current
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
HEARTS FULL OF GRACE (NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION)
11.2009 - Current
PRESCHOOL TEACHER
Glenwood Elementary School (YMCA-Early Discoveries)
08.2008 - 06.2018
SOCIAL STUDIES/LANGUAGE ARTS TEACHER
Norfolk Public Schools
08.1999 - 06.2008
BS - English and History Education
Old Dominion University