Affective Needs

Nicole Dell - Affective Needs

Hi! I’m Nicole Dell, and I’m so excited to be starting my third year at Soaring Hawk Elementary. This is my 14th year teaching special education, and I love helping students grow both academically and socially-emotionally. My passion is creating a classroom where every child feels safe, supported, and celebrated.

My career in education spans 18 years. I began by volunteering in classrooms and supporting struggling readers, which led me to work as a substitute teacher. During that time, I found myself drawn to special education—it truly felt like it had found me. I later worked as a paraprofessional for four years, experiences that gave me a strong foundation for meeting diverse student needs. I experienced that same synergy when I began teaching students with Affective Needs. Working with a team to bring out the best in students and celebrate their strengths is a joy like no other.

I earned my Master of Arts in Special Education from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and my Bachelor of Science in Social Science from Florida State University. I also hold a certificate in the Neurosequential Model in Education (NME) and am credentialed in Orton-Gillingham multi-sensory instruction.

Outside of school, I’m married and a proud mom of two—my daughter Jasmine (who has two wonderful kids of her own!) and my son Joseph, who lives in Austin, TX. Fun fact: I’m also a twin! In my free time, I enjoy cooking new recipes, spending time with friends, and getting outdoors for a walk or run on the trail near my home.

I feel grateful every day to do this work and can’t wait to continue building strong connections with students and families here at Soaring Hawk!