Dr. Nicki Newton is an education consultant who works with schools and districts around the country on elementary math curriculum (including best practices, guided math and math centers) as well as curriculum mapping. She has taught elementary school, middle school, and graduate school. Having spent several years as a bilingual teacher and staff developer, she has an extensive background in Sheltered Instruction and English Language Learner Strategies. Dr. Nicki has worked with Heidi Hayes Jacobs in facilitating both the Curriculum Mapping and the Interdisciplinary Curriculum Institutes at Teachers College, Columbia University for several years. Dr. Newton has kept her hand in the academy by teaching graduate courses for CUNY, MCNY, Mercy College and Cambridge College. Her work teaching elementary curriculum, math methods and special education courses keeps her abreast of the latest educational theories. She has presented at several national and international conferences on education– including being an invited speaker for the NEA as well as working on a special interdisciplinary social studies curriculum project for the AFT.
Dr. Nicki has an Ed.M. and an Ed.D from the Department of Curriculum and Teaching at Teachers College, Columbia University specializing in Teacher Education and Curriculum Development. She uses her strong understanding of curriculum to address the differentiated needs of all students in her work with teachers and administrators. Dr. Nicki builds upon current curriculum research and theory to provide practical, realistic 21st century strategies in today’s classrooms. Dr. Newton is greatly interested in teaching and learning practices around the world and has researched education in Denmark, Guatemala and India.
Dr. Nicki is preparing for another 40 city tour with the Bureau of Educational Research in the spring to discuss how using Guided Math groups in elementary classrooms can help us reach and teach all students the New Math Common Core Standards. Moreover, she just finished a book on Guided Math which will be available in the Winter of 2013. The the book explores how to teach guided math within the context of a Math Workshop. Dr. Nicki tries to work inside the classroom every week because she loves working with students, teachers and administrators in “real time.”
She has created a variety of workshops which include understanding the new math common core; teaching math through picture books, poetry and songs; writing in math class; creating rich mathematical environments; developing a community of mathematical thinkers (routines and rituals that matter); and providing meaningful academic interventions. She has also been very instrumental in setting up study groups and math labsites (where teachers view and discuss lessons) in schools. She has done extensive work with bridging the home school connection by facilitating Family Math Nights, Family Math Carnivals, Math and Muffin Mornings, The Homework Club for Parents as well as a series of Test Prep Seminars for Parents.