Nicole McKenna

CMR 450 Box 1283, APO AE 09705 * Cell: 049 218 9768 * nicole.mckenna0626@gmail.com

VISION
As a lead learner, I will provide support and resources for all my colleagues to develop and maintain authentic relationships
with our students, so they feel loved, valued, and empowered to be life-long learners. I am committed to establishing positive
relationships with parents and community members to create a culture of shared collaboration and trust to enable a successful
education for all our students.

EDUCATION
North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
Master of School Administration, May 2020, GPA 4.0

Iona College, New Rochelle, New York

Bachelor of Science, May 2005, GPA: 3.39
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) Accredited
Major: Childhood Education
Dual Certification: Early Childhood/Childhood Education
Concentration: Mathematics

CERTIFICATION
North Carolina State Certification: School Administrator: Principal
North Carolina State Certification: Birth-Kindergarten, Elementary Education

EXPERIENCE
Child Development Center, US Army Garrison Benelux, SHAPE, Belgium
Supervisory Program Specialist- 40 hours/week, 12-month employee August 2020-Present
Responsible for supervising a minimum of 8 ratios of children 0 - 5 (ex, 80 preschoolers) in the Child Development Center.
Works in-ratio 50% of the time providing breaks for assigned staff, modeling appropriate behavior, and providing program
oversight and accountability during all hours of program operation. Prepares work schedules to meet ratio and group size
requirements. Monitors and analyzes adult/participant ratio sheets to ensure proper staffing. Ensures children are
appropriately supervised at all times. Works with trainer and supervisor to plan, coordinate and implement activities and
special events that meet the physical, social, emotional and cognitive needs of children. Responsible for maintaining good
morale among staff as well as developing parent participation and engagement activities

Innovation Academy at South Campus and West Smith Field Elementary, Smithfield, North Carolina
Principal Resident- 40 hours/week, 10-month employee August 2019-June 2020
Assume duties of school administrator, including conducting formal and informal teacher observations, facilitating
professional development, collecting, and analyzing student academic and behavioral data, assisting in the implementation of
school wide initiatives, and collaborating with other educational professionals to promote positive interactions with students
and families.

Polenta Elementary School, Garner, North Carolina

Kindergarten, English Dual Language Teacher, Second grade teacher-
40 hours/week, 10-month employee August 2014-June 2019
In my last educator role, I was a second grade general education teacher who created a positive cooperative learning
environment. Previously, I taught the English component of the Dual Language Spanish Immersion program, facilitated by
the Participate organization, to 40 kindergarten students. I consistently used data to plan group and individualized reading
and math activities based on children’s needs. I incorporated technology within the classroom environment and activities. I
was an active participant in the grade level Professional Learning Communities and also served as a coach of the NC Science
Olympiad during 2015-2017; placing First both school years.

Wiley International Magnet School Raleigh, North Carolina

Kindergarten Teacher-40 hours/week, 10-month employee January 2014-June 2014
Assumed teaching responsibility in the middle of the school year. I created a new classroom dynamic by promoting a positive
and safe environment. I planned and taught lessons in literacy, mathematics, social studies, and science and conducted group
reading and math activities based on children’s needs. I was an active participant in the grade Professional Learning
Community and developed Individualized Education Programs for students in reading and implemented appropriate
interventions to reach student goals.
 NICOLE MCKENNA PAGE 2

Livorno Unit School, US Army Garrison Livorno, Italy

First Grade Teacher-40 hours/week, 10-month employee September 2012- June 2013
Created a positive, cooperative learning environment for children of military families. I planned units and lessons in literacy,
mathematics, social studies, and science. I used student data to create groups in reading and math and activities based on
children’s needs. I also conducted various conferences and communicated daily with parents.

Child Development Center, US Army Garrison Livorno, Italy

Pre-Kindergarten Lead Teacher- 40 hours/week, 12-month employee July 2009-September 2012
Lead preschool teacher for an all-day kindergarten readiness program, Strong Beginnings, at a child development center that
was accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children CDC. I planned lessons and unit objectives
around weekly and monthly themes, using the Creative Curriculum for Educators. I assisted children in developing writing
and reading readiness skills while creating a safe and positive learning environment for military children. I also supervised
children on the playground and recreational areas and served them daily meals.

Child Development Center, West Point, New York

Assistant pre-school teacher- 20 hours/week, part time employee February 2007- November 2007
Assisted in teaching all-day pre-school while maintaining a developmentally appropriate and safe, learning environment. I
assisted in teaching children reading and writing readiness skills, supervised children on the playground, served daily meals
and communicated with parents and guardians daily.

Blessed Sacrament School, Bronx, NY

First grade teacher-40 hours/week, 10-month employee September 2005-June 2006
Planned and taught lessons and units in literacy, mathematics, social studies, science, and religion in a Catholic school.

HONORS
Awarded a fully paid fellowship with NC State University, Top Principal Preparatory Program in the United States (one
of only five to earn distinction from UCEA)

SPECIALIZED TRAININGS AND CONFERENCES

2020 NC Child Hunger Leaders Conference (No Kid Hungry NC), Chapel Hill, NC Spring 2020
Policy Institute-American Education Institute (AEI), Washington DC Summer 2019
CPI-Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training Summer 2019
Time Management Training Summer 2019
LGBTQ Training Summer 2019
Maxwell Training Spring 2019
Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment- Prevent Child Abuse NC Spring 2019
Digital Storytelling Training Fall 2018
Ron Clark Academy National Educator’s Conference, Atlanta, GA Fall 2018
Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Fall 2018
Race and Social Justice Training Fall 2018
Covey’s Speed of Trust Training Summer 2018
Restorative Justice Training Summer 2018
BB&T Training Summer 2018
Make it Stick Training Summer 2018
Teach Like a Champion Summer 2018
Flipped Classroom Training Summer 2018
Crucial Conversations Training Summer 2018

REFERENCES
Kelley Johnson, Principal of Innovation Academy, Johnston County Schools, NC, 919-934-6481, kelleyjohnson@johnston.k12.nc.us
Kristina Benson, Principal of Polenta Elementary School, JCS, NC, 919-989-6039, kristinabenson@johnston.k12.nc.us
Dr. Bonnie Fusarelli, Professor & Director of MSA Leadership Academies, NCSU, 919-631-2026, bonnie_fusarelli@ncsu.edu
Dr. Cathy Williams, Cohort Director of Johnston Principal Leadership Academy, 919-812-6703, ccwilli3@ncsu.edu
Dr. Michael Ward, Executive Coach, Former NC State Superintendent, 919-710-7317, meward@ncsu.edu