Nicole González

About Nicole González

I’m a bilingual middle school science teacher in Springfield, Massachusetts, and I lead with a warm demander approach: I build strong relationships, create a calm and joyful classroom culture, and hold students to high expectations—with the scaffolds, routines, and feedback they need to reach them. I believe students learn best when they feel safe, respected, and seen, and when success is clearly defined and consistently reinforced.In my classroom, science is hands-on, language-rich, and NGSS-aligned. I design inquiry-based units that prioritize modeling, investigations, and sensemaking, while intentionally integrating literacy so students learn to think, talk, read, and write like scientists. One of my biggest instructional focuses is CER writing and scientific argumentation. I teach students how to make a claim, select strong evidence, and explain their reasoning with clarity—because understanding grows when students can communicate their thinking.I’m a highly system-oriented, data-driven teacher. I use frequent formative checks (exit tickets, quick writes, targeted questioning, and mini tasks) to identify misconceptions early and respond with purposeful reteaching and small-group instruction. I’m also intentional about building student independence: I scaffold heavily at the start, teach the routine, and then gradually release responsibility so students can succeed without constant prompting.Equity and access are central to my work. I have extensive experience supporting multilingual learners and students with IEPs/504s in inclusive classrooms. I use WIDA-aligned language supports, sentence frames, vocabulary routines, chunked texts, visuals, and structured discussion so all students can engage with grade-level science.I prioritize strong partnerships with families through proactive, respectful communication. I’m fluent in English and Spanish, and I’m also conversational in Chinese, which has helped me connect with students and families across cultures.I hold an American Board International Science Teacher Certification and I’m completing an M.A.T. in Science (Grades 5–8), with Massachusetts licensure progress underway. I’m always refining my craft and collaborating with others—because my goal is simple: students leave my room more confident, more capable, and more prepared for what’s next.

Experience

1. Middle School Science Teacher (Grade 8)

   Springfield International Charter School

   Dec 2024 — Present · Springfield, MA, US

   Teach ~135 Grade 8 students/year across 5 sections (26–29 students each) in a full-inclusion urban setting with ~10% MLL and ~40% IEP/504, delivering rigorous, standards-aligned instruction with consistent accommodations and language supports.•Increased scientific writing performance through biweekly CER cycles (graphic organizers, sentence frames, modeling/exemplars, feedback loops, rubric conferences), raising average CER scores from ~12/25 to ~16/25 over the school year;~65% of students improved.•Sustained ~90–95% daily Do Now/Exit Ticket completion and used exit-ticket analysis (~60% Got it / 30% Almost / 10% Reteach) to plan next-day reteach and targeted supports.•Implemented a two-week grade/missing-work accountability tracker; 38/45 students completed missing assignments and stayed up-to-date through structured check-ins and individualized support.•Designed NGSS-aligned units using backward planning, prioritizing investigations, modeling, data analysis, and explanation writing across Earth & Space Systems and Human Impact standards.•Differentiated using STAR and WIDA Can Do (leveled texts, tiered vocabulary, multiple guided notes, chunking, sentence starters, read-aloud directions, flexible deadlines, preferential seating).•Provided tutoring twice weekly plus lunch support (~5–12 students/session), partnering with families to support grade recovery, concept mastery, and completion of missing work.•Served on an MCAS task force, analyzing Grade 8 science results and released items and delivering recommendations to strengthen constructed-response performance.

Education

• Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica

  Study Abroad

  2015 — 2016

• Birthing Gently

  Trained Birth Doula

  2014 — 2014

• University of Massachusetts, Amherst

  Bachelor's Degree

  2013 — 2017

• Framingham State College

  Undecided

  2013 — 2013

• High School of Commerce

  High School

  2009 — 2013

Skills

• Visio
• Government
• Nonprofits
• Teamwork
• Public Information
• Social Media
• College Applications
• Information Technology
• Doula Services
• Education
• Research
• Windows
• Twitter
• Writing
• Sharepoint
• Training
• Life Sciences
• Windows 7
• Outlook
• Microsoft Office
• Facebook
• Web Applications
• Community Outreach
• Event Planning
• Budgeting
• Social Networking
• Access
• Public Health
• Public Speaking
• Customer Service
• Microsoft Word
• Team Leadership
• Spanish
• Xp
• Fundraising
• Microsoft Outlook
• Leadership
• Data Analysis
• Powerpoint
• Microsoft Excel