Nisah H Brinson
Decatur,GA
Summary
Educator and instructional leader with 20+ years of experience supporting teachers, building strong school communities, and creating systems that help students thrive academically and personally. My background includes teaching, coaching, curriculum leadership, and professional learning, with a strong focus on culturally affirming instruction and meaningful family partnership. I’m passionate about helping schools move from vision to action and creating environments where students, educators, and families feel valued, challenged, and supported.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
DIRECTOR OF ACADEMICS
Cirrus Academy
Macon, GA
04.2025 - Current
- Created and integrated instructional systems throughout the school to ensure uniformity and elevate student achievement.
- Designed and implemented structured teacher coaching cycles, focusing on goal-setting, observation, and continuous progress monitoring.
- Facilitated the rollout of K–8 literacy curriculum, ensuring alignment with evidence-based reading strategies.
- Established comprehensive data-driven instruction protocols, facilitating collaborative data meetings and focused action planning.
- Crafted and managed comprehensive professional development calendar focusing on instructional priorities and fostering staff growth.
EDUCATION CONSULTANT - YOUTH PROGRAMMER
Atlanta Unbound Academy
Atlanta, GA
01.2021 - 01.2025
- Guided ELA instructional leaders in advancing pedagogical skills and leadership behaviors essential for effective teacher development.
- Championed professional development for ELA educators, resulting in a 40% increase in teacher confidence.
Drove improvements in standards and curricula implementation by 30%.
Achieved a transition of ELA proficiency into the 'green' status through effective support initiatives. - Evaluated student learning outcomes and teacher leader skill development to enhance educational program effectiveness.
- Established strong partnerships with school leaders to foster collaboration and coherence among stakeholder groups.
- Facilitated a comprehensive program for K-8 students to cultivate leadership abilities and communication skills, utilizing pre- and post-program evaluations for effectiveness.
PRINCIPAL
La Cima Elementary Charter School
Brooklyn, NY
07.2016 - 07.2019
- Achieved a 25% increase in standardized test scores through effective coaching of K-5 ELA content leads. Elevated third to fifth grade ELA state test scores by 10 points within one academic year.
- Facilitated engaging in-person professional learning experiences by creating content that addresses the unique needs of a diverse audience of 75+ teachers and educational leaders.
- Developed and launched 'Courageous Conversations,' a professional development series focused on promoting equity and fostering anti-racist behavior among staff.
- Facilitated meaningful conversations on equity and anti-racism to enhance understanding and foster a culture of inclusivity.
- Implemented structured goals for professional learning cycles, fostering significant advancements in teaching effectiveness and student achievement.
- Executed exemplar facilitation techniques, fostering increased participant satisfaction and strengthening the integration of learned concepts within classroom environments.
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL/DEAN OF INSTRUCTION
La Cima Elementary Charter School
Brooklyn, NY
07.2012 - 07.2016
- Implemented structured learning walks and data review sessions, leading to measurable improvements in student assessment outcomes.
- Developed curriculum units utilizing backward design methodologies to improve standard alignment.
- Analyzed daily lesson plans and offered insights to elevate quality and adherence to educational benchmarks.
- Coordinated efforts with families, teachers, and counselors to establish and apply tailored behavior intervention plans.
SECOND GRADE TEACHER
La Cima Elementary Charter School
Brooklyn, NY
07.2011 - 07.2012
- Coordinated efforts among second grade educators to establish and achieve grade-level objectives focused on optimizing student outcomes and teaching quality.
- Nurtured strong partnerships with parents by maintaining open lines of communication, contributing to enhanced student success and overall well-being.
- Designed and implemented a vibrant classroom atmosphere to inspire curiosity and promote a love of learning in second-grade students.
- Worked alongside peers and administrators to develop and execute cohesive teaching strategies, ensuring alignment with educational goals.
FIRST GRADE TEACHER
Achievement First East New York
Brooklyn, NY
07.2007 - 07.2011
- Facilitated collaboration and alignment with school-wide goals as grade team lead, mentoring colleagues to drive educational excellence.
- Created and facilitated innovative hands-on experiences within summer enrichment program, promoting curiosity and academic development among students.
- Promoted values of respect and kindness to create a nurturing atmosphere conducive to learning for all students.
- Analyzed and integrated best practices in reading instruction, fostering student literacy development and assisting colleagues in optimizing instructional approaches.
9TH -12TH GRADE ENGLISH TEACHER
Fujisawa High School
Fujisawa, Japan
01.2003 - 01.2005
- Designed and delivered interactive English lessons to enhance language skills and foster cultural understanding among students while building strong relationships with staff.
- Implemented programs to enrich the school community through cross-cultural awareness and inclusive practices.
- Collaborated with faculty to design interdisciplinary projects that integrated English language learning with other subjects.
Education
Master of Science - Curriculum and Teaching
Columbia Teachers College
New York01-2011
Bachelor of Arts - Child Development / Elementary Education
Spelman College
Atlanta05-2003
Skills
- Developing Critical Thinkers
- Culture Building
- Effective communication
- Relationship building
- Empowering Learners
- Building Emotionally Intelligent Teams
- Establishing Professional Learning Communities
- Culturally Responsive Pedagogy
- Teamwork and collaboration
Accomplishments
- Founding and leading initiatives through The Brinson Academy and Voices for Action, empowering underserved youth through public speaking, leadership, and social action.
- Earned the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) designation through Toastmasters International in recognition of advanced leadership, communication, mentorship, and service.
- Successfully progressed through multiple educational leadership roles including Teacher, Dean of Curriculum & Instruction, Assistant Principal, Principal, and Director of Academics.
- Known for cultivating trust, motivating teams, and fostering meaningful growth among students, staff, and school communities through relationship-centered leadership.
Certification
- Board Chairwoman Excelsior Village Academies, Atlanta, GA 2023-Present
- Toastmasters International Area Director/Member/Club Mentor ALPHA 289 - Atlanta, Georgia 2019-Present
Timeline
DIRECTOR OF ACADEMICS
Cirrus Academy
04.2025 - Current
EDUCATION CONSULTANT - YOUTH PROGRAMMER
Atlanta Unbound Academy
01.2021 - 01.2025
PRINCIPAL
La Cima Elementary Charter School
07.2016 - 07.2019
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL/DEAN OF INSTRUCTION
La Cima Elementary Charter School
07.2012 - 07.2016
SECOND GRADE TEACHER
La Cima Elementary Charter School
07.2011 - 07.2012
FIRST GRADE TEACHER
Achievement First East New York
07.2007 - 07.2011
9TH -12TH GRADE ENGLISH TEACHER
Fujisawa High School
01.2003 - 01.2005
Master of Science - Curriculum and Teaching
Columbia Teachers College
Bachelor of Arts - Child Development / Elementary Education
Spelman College