NICODEMUS FORD has led and supported many award-winning schools and teacher reform efforts in both urban and rural communities across the United States. He partners closely and intentionally with students, families and school leaders to reimagine systems and classrooms where students can create lives of their design. With his background in teaching, school management, administration, consulting, research, and community activism, he has developed a deep and broad knowledge base and a skill set.
CURRENT WORK
Nicodemus’ current work focuses on enhancing student engagement, and system change locally, in California, across the country and internationally. In his local community of Sacramento, with the San Juan Unified School District, he helped launch the Networked Improvement Community, a professional learning community that reimagines schooling for students, particularly African Americans and students with disabilities.
In addition, he is leading a state-wide and international Restorative Justice Coalition, a Rural Professional Learning Community centered on cultivating joy, healing and transformation, and launching and co-directing a county-wide STEM initiative. He also leads healing and listening circles with elementary and middle school students in rural California where he facilitates discussions about personal identity, awareness and community using guided imagery and active imagination techniques. The restorative justice program he started in the county promotes healthy relationships and has improved teacher-student and peer-to-peer relationships.
STORY & BACKGROUND
When Nicodemus started in education, he taught in Detroit. As a founding teacher and pioneer of a high school, he developed programs to graduate inner-city youth through personalized learning and public exhibitions of learning. His work in Detroit was a catalyst for working nationally as a school coach and consultant to support districts across the country in successfully implementing innovative practices focused on school improvement, teacher effectiveness, civic engagement, and cultural competency.
He is a seasoned author and contributor to several publications including Good Food, and Strong Communities Promoting Social Justice through Local and Regional Food Communities, which highlights the important role that food can play in improving educational outcomes in communities impacted by poverty and other social challenges.
Nicodemus earned a degree in History from Wayne State University and a Master's in Education from Marygrove College in Detroit, Michigan. A gardener, he pursues permaculture farming and natural building techniques, and he lives with his family in sunny Sacramento, California, the traditional territory of the Nisenan people.
