I graduated from Washington University with a master's degree in Information Management and a master's degree from UMSL in Education Administration. In addition, I completed my Ph.D. in teaching and learning processes, also at UMSL. Currently, I am enrolled in the CAEL advanced leadership program at Harvard University. In 2001, I was employed by Saint Louis Public Schools as a computer teacher and later as an academic instructional coach. I was the 2006 Saint Louis Public School "Teacher of the Year" and Emerson Electric "Teaching for Excellence" recipient. The "Global Classroom Initiative" and "Virtual Professional Learning Community," are two research studies that I designed and implemented and which I presented at various national and international conferences. Additionally, I was involved at the FIRST Lego League State Championship as a judge, a calling that makes me admire students' creativity, innovativeness, and passion for scientific inquiry. Besides academics, my great passion consists of traveling, art, nature, and cultural exploration. Recently I published a book chapter in the "Handbook of Research: The Global Empowerment of Educators and Student Learning Through Action Research" (2021). This research was presented at several international conferences. 

 Email:  svetlana.nikic@slps.org

Mission

SLPS Academic Instructional Coaches (AICs) develop teachers who can serve the whole child, create equitable classrooms and schools, and provide students with learning experiences so they will graduate and be college and career-ready.

WHAT IS AN AIC?

Each Title I school has an Academic Instructional Coach (AIC).  They function in an academic support role, as a member of your school leadership team.   School Leadership Teams are made up of the Principal, the Assistant Principal (if your school has one, which is based on enrollment numbers), and the AIC.  The team works together to ensure a high-quality education for every single SLPS child.

 AICs are NOT evaluative; they are a support role!

 What Role does the AIC play in my life?

AICs are regular visitors to your classroom.  If you are NOT a teacher on the STL Plan, they will provide you with feedback on their observation and engage in a coaching cycle if you determine that is the next step.

 AICs are a keeper of data and goals for you, your students, and your school.  They coach around data, provide professional development around data and lead Data Team Meetings.

•  What if I have a Consultant Teacher?

Your AIC is a TEAMMATE with your CT.  Your CT provides all feedback to you, so you don’t have to try to balance too much feedback and possibly even conflicting feedback.  Your CT role IS THE PRIMARY COACHING ROLE in your first year.  Once you graduate from the plan, you will transition to working entirely with your AIC. 

 What academic support can my AIC provide?

• Lesson planning and Resources
• Instructional Strategies
• Standard, Objective, & Lesson Alignment
• Coaching Cycles
• Modeling
• Mentoring
• Class and Student Trackers
• Student Motivation and Engagement
• Brainstorming/Collaboration
• Data Analysis and Trends
• Testing Support 
• Class Resources
• Quality Feedback 
• Non-evaluative Observations
• Thought partnership on ideas

What non-academic support can my AIC provide?

• Building schedules
• Protocols and procedures specific to your school site
• Assessment Support (especially district and state)
• A shoulder to cry on when times are tough (and they will get tough) to help you get through to the times when times are beautiful (and they will be beautiful).

“There is no such thing as a stupid question. Meaning- if you aren’t sure, please ask! We have many answers but not all and if we don’t know, then we can find out.”

 “We are great listeners. If you need to talk about anything just come by. We will talk, listen, laugh and cry, if needed, together.”