Shari Nichols
Frankfort,IN
Summary
Special education professional prepared to support student success and growth in inclusive middle and high school environments. Expertise in developing individualized education plans and implementing evidence-based strategies. Effective team collaborator with focus on achieving positive student outcomes and adapting to changing educational demands.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Middle School Special Education Teacher
Community Schools of Frankfort
08.2004 - 06.2025
- Developed individualized education plans (IEPs) to meet diverse student needs.
- Implemented behavioral intervention strategies to enhance student engagement.
- Collaborated with teachers and support staff to create inclusive classroom environments.
- Adapted instructional materials for students with varying learning abilities.
- Monitored student progress and adjusted interventions based on assessment data.
- Provided training and mentorship to new special education staff members.
- Coordinated with parents and community resources to support student success.
Elementary Special Education Teacher
Lafayette Schol Corporation
01.1991 - 07.2004
- Developed individualized education plans tailored to diverse student needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance student learning experiences.
- Implemented behavior management strategies to improve classroom dynamics.
- Designed and adapted instructional materials for various learning styles.
- Provided mentorship and support to novice special education teachers.
- Advocated for resources and services to support students' educational goals.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations and maintaining consistency in enforcing rules.
- Supported the development of social skills among students by promoting group activities and cooperative learning opportunities.
Elementary Special Education Teacher
Indianapolis Public Schools
08.1989 - 12.1990
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
Education
Master of Science - Special Education
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN05-1996
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN08-1989
Skills
- IEP development
- Inclusion strategies
- Data collection
- Emotional disabilities support
- Math intervention
- Team collaboration
- Reading intervention
- Parent-teacher communication
- Transition development
- Individual education plans
Accomplishments
- Vast experience teaching in multiple settings including general education, resource, self-contained instruction in a separate facility, small-group RtI, and homebound instruction.
- Supported fellow teachers on the procedures for completing Individual Education Plans.
- Completed extensive professional development on IEP writing, PBIS, De-escalation training, Professional Learning Communities, Trauma-informed instruction, RtI, algebra instruction, teaching reading strategies, and instructing students with ADHD.
Certification
Licensed in Elementary Education Gr. K-6; 7/8 Non-departmental, Learning Disabilities K-12, Emotional Disabilities K-12.
Timeline
Middle School Special Education Teacher
Community Schools of Frankfort
08.2004 - 06.2025
Elementary Special Education Teacher
Lafayette Schol Corporation
01.1991 - 07.2004
Elementary Special Education Teacher
Indianapolis Public Schools
08.1989 - 12.1990
Master of Science - Special Education
Indiana University Indianapolis
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Indiana University Indianapolis