Nokomis Tilford
Columbia,MO
Summary
Committed Assistant Principal with background in educational leadership and staff development. Managed academic programs, facilitated school-wide initiatives, and fostered positive learning environments. Strengths include strategic planning, team collaboration, and communication skills. Significant contributions to previous work include enhancing student performance and improving teacher effectiveness through innovative strategies and leadership.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Principal
Hickman High School
Columbia, MO
08.2023 - Current
- Provide instructional and operational leadership to support a safe, inclusive, and high-achieving school environment
- Lead student discipline and behavior interventions using restorative practices, de-escalation strategies, and equitable decision-making
- Supervise and support staff through observation, feedback, coaching, and professional learning aligned to school improvement goals
- Facilitated professional development for teachers, administrators, and counselors on AVID strategies and best practices, improving instructional effectiveness.
- Collaborated with counselors, teachers, and support teams to implement MTSS/RTI systems, enhancing support for academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.
- Manage school operations including scheduling, supervision, safety procedures, and daily problem-solving
- Partner with families, district leadership, and community stakeholders to support student success and uphold district policies
- Oversaw hiring, training, and policy enforcement in school human resources, ensuring alignment with district standards.
- Coordinated training sessions for educators to enhance student engagement strategies.
MO Options Coordinator
Columbia Public Schools
Columbia, MO
08.2021 - 08.2023
- Coordinated MO Options programming for students behind in graduation credits, enhancing access to educational opportunities district-wide
- Identified and enrolled eligible students through data analysis and collaboration with counselors and administration
- Managed student placement and scheduling while monitoring progress in alternative diploma and credit recovery pathways to support successful completion
- Collaborated with counseling, special education, and student support teams to develop equitable, individualized plans that addressed diverse student needs
- Oversaw implementation of online learning platforms (e.g., Edgenuity, Aztec), ensuring fidelity, pacing, and completion
Learning Specialist
Hickman High School
Columbia, MO
09.2018 - 09.2021
- Engaged students in rigorous academic learning through targeted instruction, intervention, and support, fostering a culture of academic excellence
- Collaborated with teachers, administrators, and support staff to implement instructional plans and interventions for at-risk students
- Managed student behavior and implemented classroom and schoolwide behavior expectations to maintain safe, supportive learning environments
- Calmly responded to students exhibiting escalated or aggressive behaviors, utilizing de-escalation and restorative practices to restore a positive classroom environment
- Maintained strict confidentiality of student and employee information while supporting sensitive academic and behavioral needs
- Led initiatives beyond the classroom by chairing Leadership Council, facilitating faculty professional development, co-chairing Student Support Team (RTI/MTSS), training additional districts in MTSS/RTI implementation, and serving as Substitute Dean of Students
Student Teacher
Our Lady of Lourdes Interparish School
Columbia, MO
01.2017 - 03.2017
- Seventh & Eighth-grade writing teacher
- Designed engaging lesson plans for diverse student needs.
- Planned developmentally appropriate lessons to meet weekly learning objectives and enhance student engagement
- Assisted students in applying effective writing techniques to improve their composition skills and confidence
- Implemented positive classroom management strategies
- Implemented classroom management strategies to maintain a positive learning environment.
- Organized materials for thematic units to facilitate interdisciplinary learning and foster student interest
- Collaborated with fellow teachers to align curriculum and instructional methods.
- Assessed student progress through regular evaluations and feedback sessions.
Assistant Director
Child Learning & Development Center
Columbia, MO
03.2009 - 08.2012
Customer Services, Licensed Agent
Shelter Insurance
Columbia, MO
06.2004 - 03.2009
Education
Ed. Specialist - Educational Leadership, Administration & Policy
Northwest Missouri State University
Maryville, MO08-2023
M.Ed. - Special
Northwest Missouri State University
Maryville, MO08-2021
B.S. - English, Secondary Ed.
Columbia College
Columbia, MO04-2019
Skills
- Instructional leadership
- School leadership
- Student discipline
- Restorative practices
- MTSS implementation
- RTI strategies
- Student support systems
- Alternative education
- Credit recovery
- Data-driven decisions
- Compliance management
- Infinite Campus proficiency
- Edgenuity platform
- Schoology LMS
- Canvas LMS
- Google Workspace for Education
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Clear Touch board technology
- Collaboration skills
- Communication skills
- Staff coaching
- Professional development
- Family engagement
- Community engagement
- Cross-functional leadership
- De-escalation techniques
- Conflict resolution
- Problem solving
- Clear Touch board technology
Certification
- State of MO Teaching Certificate
- Special Education Certification
- State of MO K-12 Administrative Certification
- Safe Crisis Management
- Heartsaver First Aid & AED (infant, child & Adult)
- Class E License
Awards
- Columbia Fund for Academic Excellence Outstanding First Year Teacher
- Columbia College President's Society Keynote Speaker
- Columbia Public School Board Educator of the Month
- Assistance League of Mid-MO Assisting Women Scholarship Recipient
- Barnhouse Memorial Scholarship Recipient
- Columbia College Alumni Association Scholarship Recipient
- The Crossing Church Leader Track Graduate
Involvement
- Leadership Council Co-Chair
- Student Support Team Co-Chair
- AVID Site Team Leader
- Designed & implemented new RTI/MTSS model
- Delivered professional development to St. Charles district on RTI/MTSS model
- Designed & facilitated faculty professional development
Timeline
Assistant Principal
Hickman High School
08.2023 - Current
MO Options Coordinator
Columbia Public Schools
08.2021 - 08.2023
Learning Specialist
Hickman High School
09.2018 - 09.2021
Student Teacher
Our Lady of Lourdes Interparish School
01.2017 - 03.2017
Assistant Director
Child Learning & Development Center
03.2009 - 08.2012
Customer Services, Licensed Agent
Shelter Insurance
06.2004 - 03.2009
Ed. Specialist - Educational Leadership, Administration & Policy
Northwest Missouri State University
M.Ed. - Special
Northwest Missouri State University
B.S. - English, Secondary Ed.
Columbia College