Nikia Dillard
Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Grades 6th-8th
Joined the Team in 2022
Nikia M. Dillard is the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Grades 6-8. As DCI, she coordinates the day to day operations of the middle school by setting schedules, overseeing curriculum, conducting professional developments that focus on best instructional practices, and providing support to staff and students to maintain the culture of the middle school team She also assist the principal with setting school-wide academic goals, and policies and procedures that align with the vision and mission of Akili.
Nikia has been an educator since 1999. She graduated from Cabrini High School, and received a B.A. in Mass Communications from Xavier University of Louisiana with a concentration in Print Journalism. After beginning her teaching career, she was chosen as a cohort in Southern University at New Orleans’ Fast Track Certification program, but later returned to Xavier University where she received her teacher certification and a Masters of Art in Teaching.
She began her career with the Orleans Parish School Board as a 2nd grade teacher and has taught all subjects in grades 2-5. Following Hurricane Katrina, Nikia began her journey as a Middle School teacher, specializing in Mathematics. She serviced the children and families of the lower 9th ward community for 10 years before moving to Jefferson Parish Schools, teaching Middle School math and science in 2017. During her tenure in Jefferson Parish, she taught Math, Science, and Social Studies; served as a Content Leader Fellow for 5th grade Math; and served as a member of her school’s Instructional Leadership Team. Over the years, she has been honored to touch the lives of hundreds of children. In 2013, she received a huge honor when one of her students’ parents nominated her for the 2013 Steve Harvey Hoodie Award Teacher of the Year.
Nikia is a native of New Orleans, and truly believes that education is her calling, and every step of her journey in education has been divinely designed. Her educational philosophy is that every child has the capacity to learn, and has a right to have access to education. Now as a member of the Akili family, she has returned to the 9th ward community and is committed to the growth and success of the students, in honor of the historical foundation of education upon which Akili Academy is built.