Neubauer Fellows Community

Nicole Patterson

Principal, William H. Ziegler Elementary School
School District of Philadelphia
2024 Neubauer Fellow
Sector
District
Grade Level
K-8
Student Enrollment
400
School/Org Neighborhood
Northeast Philadelphia
Education
M.S in Elementary Education, Campbell University
M.A. in Administration and Leadership w. focus on Urban Education Gwynedd Mercy College
BS in Elementary Education Grand Canyon University
"Being chosen to serve as a principal has been one of the most rewarding experiences as an educator. The role of a principal requires a growth mindset and many learning opportunities. Principals are able to have a positive impact on students, families, and staff, creating opportunities to empower the school's community to have access to career and college paths. Joining the Neubauer Fellowship will support my own learning and continue to build the strength of my school community and beyond."

Nicole Patterson has served as the principal of William H. Ziegler Elementary school in Northeast Philadelphia for 2 years. Prior to becoming the principal, Nicole served at Ziegler for 6 years as the Assistant Principal, Dean, and teacher establishing strong relationships with families, students and staff.

Finishing the first year Ziegler was able to move ELA PSSA scores from 19% proficiency to 24% and Math PSSA scores from 3% proficiency to 8%. The STAR data resembles similar growth, ELA increased by 10% and Math by 13% proficiency while also decreasing the intensive intervention students by more than 14% in both content areas. Ziegler focused on marginalized students and increased student proficiency in both EL and SpEd categories by 8% allowing them to be a school moving from 4 subgroup designations to 1.

With 15 years of experience as an educator, Nicole has worked in North Carolina, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. In Virginia, she received Teacher of the Year for Richmond. Nicole was born in Germany and spent most of her life in Panama until returning to North Carolina where she graduated from South View High School in Hope Mills. As a former ESOL student, she continues to build opportunities for all. At Ziegler, she recently received the Math award for over 65% of her students hitting the growth target on the STAR Assessment.

Since becoming the principal at Ziegler, Nicole continues to partner with Philadelphia community members. Ziegler is currently partnered with the Boys and Girls Club, CHOP, Vetri, Magna Prep, and PYB. Additionally, the local state representative’s office has been a great support in planning the new playground build.

Finally, Nicole has been a member of the Inspiring Leader Academy and the TNTP Philly Plus program
to help build her capacity as a leader and coach.

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