Nikole C. Lewis-Dickens
Chicago,IL
Summary
Passionate, transformative instructional leader dedicated to cultivating equitable, high-growth learning environments. Expert in aligning instructional practices with college and career readiness standards through data-driven leadership and teacher empowerment.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Principal
William H. Brown STEM Magnet School (CPS)
Chicago, IL
01.2022 - Current
- Facilitate data-driven, instructional-focused grade-level meetings to refine teaching practices.
- Implement a continuous improvement cycle integrating transparent planning, data review, and strategic adjustments.
- Oversee school-wide interim assessments, leading data analysis sessions to produce adaptive teaching plans.
- Monitor teacher growth plans using the CPS Framework for Teachers, utilizing mentoring and coaching to build self-efficacy.
- Direct the implementation of instructional strategies and interventions aligned with the school’s STEM-focused scope and sequence.
- 2026 Magnet School of Distinction & CPS STEM Demonstration School
Assistant Principal
Ludwig Beethoven Elementary School (CPS)
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Co-developed a comprehensive professional development plan focused on balanced grading and assessment equity.
- Achieved a $5,000 grant to enhance remote teaching practices by leading a collaborative teacher cohort.
- Integrated SEL programming (Second Step and Calm Classroom) to establish a safe foundation for student learning.
- Managed student "On-Track" performance by utilizing NWEA and screener data to create real-world learning experiences.
Acting Assistant Principal / ELA Educator
Luke O’Toole Elementary (CPS)
01.2002 - 01.2018
- Acting AP: Increased medical compliance from 69% to 94% and improved attendance by 14% through targeted incentives.
- Instructional Impact: Improved NWEA MAP Reading achievement from 30% to 48% in one year through best-practice implementation.
- Leadership Development: Selected as an Emerging Leader for New Leaders for New Schools (2016-2017).
Education
Doctoral Student - Reading, Language, and Literacy
National Louis University
Chicago, ILM.A. - Educational Leadership & Administration
Chicago State University
Chicago, ILM.A. - Reading
Saint Xavier University
Chicago, ILB.A. - Elementary Education
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, ILSkills
- Instructional leadership
- Parent engagement and communication
- Student achievement
- Data-driven instruction
Affiliations
- Vice President of Auxiliary 3, Chicago Principals & Administrators Association
- Member, National Coalition of 100 Black Women (Chicago Metropolitan Chapter)
Certification
- Certifications: Principal (Type 75), Reading Specialist (Type 10), Professional Educator License (Type 03), ESL (K-12), IB Middle Years Programme (MYP).
- Specialized Training: REACH Certified, MOI Certified (Instructional Empowerment).
- Honors: Cahn Distinguished Principal Ally (Cohort 2025-2027).
Timeline
Assistant Principal
William H. Brown STEM Magnet School (CPS)
01.2022 - Current
Assistant Principal
Ludwig Beethoven Elementary School (CPS)
01.2019 - 01.2022
Acting Assistant Principal / ELA Educator
Luke O’Toole Elementary (CPS)
01.2002 - 01.2018
M.A. - Educational Leadership & Administration
Chicago State University
M.A. - Reading
Saint Xavier University
B.A. - Elementary Education
University of Illinois at Chicago
Doctoral Student - Reading, Language, and Literacy
National Louis University