Hello! My name is Ms. Nicole and I am currently a Math and Literacy specialist for kindergarten through eighth grade at Pope Francis Global Academy in the city. I grew up in a south suburb of Chicago called Flossmoor. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Beloit College in Women’s Studies and Philosophy. Once I graduated I accepted a position with Upward Bound working with low-income and first-generation high school students preparing for and applying to college. 

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A central part of my teaching philosophy was developed during my Upward Bound work: everyone, regardless of background, language, country of origin, or neurodivergence deserves a quality education. I completed my first Master’s Degree at UT Austin in Women’s Studies and another at Indiana University in Elementary Education.  I taught preschool for 2 years while working on my second Masters. Shortly after, I moved to Madrid, Spain, and taught kindergarten and first grade at full English immersion schools. After living in Spain for three years, I moved to Bangkok, Thailand where I taught kindergarten, first and second grade. 

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I just moved back to Chicago three months ago and began working on my Ph.D. in literacy acquisition. I have also completed Orton Gillingham training through the Institute of Multi-Sensory Education, I use this program daily with my students K-4. Outside the classroom, I love to do yoga, snuggle with my animals, paint, and dance. I’m very excited to be working with JAM teaching. I cannot wait to meet you and your student!

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