​Lakota to pilot new alternative high school program

Q&A with Nicole Isaacs, assistant principal.

Contact this contributing writer at lisa.knodel@gmail.com.

Lakota Local Schools is launching a new alternative high school pilot program, Lakota Career Readiness Academy this school year.

Led by Nicole Isaacs, the program is designed to meet the needs of at-risk students who are seeking alternative options to the traditional classroom setting. The career-ready program, which is self-paced and designed to increase student achievement and graduation rates, is offered primarily online with some direct instruction in small groups or one-on-one.

It is operated out of Lakota West’s main campus, but students from both East and West will be eligible to participate.

Isaacs joins the district with eight years of experience in nontraditional, alternative education. Prior to serving as the associate principal for Fairfield City Schools’ Butler Tech secondary programs, she was assistant principal at Butler Tech’s D. Russel Lee technical school. She also oversaw Dayton’s Nicholas Liberty Schools, an alternative school for grades 5 through 12, and was the lead teacher at Hamilton City Schools’ HOPE Alternative School.

The Today’s Pulse found out more about Isaacs.

Q: What was your educational journey?

A: I earned my Master's degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Cincinnati and my Bachelor's degree in Integrated Social Studies Education from Miami University. I also grew up in the Butler county area, graduating from Fairfield High School.

Q: Why did you become an educator?

A: I became a teacher to truly impact the lives of students. I saw the difference that education made on my life and the lives of those around me and wanted to help students find their passion through education.

Q: What do you enjoy most about the profession?

A: I truly enjoy the people. I love working with students, teachers, community members and other stakeholders. It is such a privilege to work with young adults. I love to see them succeed and be proud of their accomplishments. I am so excited about joining the Lakota team and look forward to meeting all the amazing people in Lakota and working with the amazing kids at the new alternative school.

Q: What is the biggest challenge facing educators today?

A: As educators, it is imperative that we continue to find ways to engage students and get them excited about learning. There can be so many distractions. It is our job to show students there are other things out there and help them find their passion for learning and to continue on the path to be lifelong learners.

Q: What is your philosophy of education?

A: I am a firm believer that every student is capable. Every student can find success. Failure is not an option. We must be creative and adaptive as educators and keep student success in the forefront of what we do on a daily basis.

Q: What is a favorite memory from your career?

A: Throughout my career I have many memories that I treasure as an educator. Some of my favorites include the many graduation ceremonies that I have attended and participated in. There is no greater joy than seeing a student who struggled to graduate for whatever the reason, walk across that stage and be so proud of themselves. I love seeing the pride and feeling of accomplishment in their eyes and their parent's eyes as they receive their diploma, as I know what it has taken to make this moment happen for so many.

Q: What are some of your hobbies?

A: I enjoy spending time with my family. We love camping and riding roller coasters at Kings Island. I also enjoy coaching my daughter's softball team.

Q: What is something people may not know about you?

A: I love roller skating and can skate pretty well.

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