Nicole R. Israel Named Director of Elementary Education for Atlantic City Public Schools
Former Sovereign Avenue School principal and longtime district educator rises through the ranks after more than a decade of leadership in Atlantic City schools.
ATLANTIC CITY — Atlantic City Public Schools has appointed Nicole R. Israel as its new Director of Elementary Education, continuing a career journey that has seen her rise through the ranks of the district over the past 14 years.
Israel most recently served as principal of Sovereign Avenue School, where she was recognized for her commitment to instructional leadership, student achievement, and creating a positive school culture. Her appointment reflects a career built on classroom experience, literacy leadership, district administration, and school-based leadership.
"Nicole Israel's professional journey embodies the talent, dedication, and leadership that exist within our district," said Superintendent of Schools, Dr. La'Quetta S. Small. "She has consistently demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence and student success, and we are excited to see the impact she will make in this new role supporting our elementary schools."
Israel joined Atlantic City Public Schools in 2012 after serving as a Reading Together Coordinator for Prince George's County Public Schools in Maryland, where she coordinated and monitored an after-school tutoring program for English language learners and used assessment data to support student progress. Prior to that, she taught third and sixth grades in Prince George's County.
Her Atlantic City career began at Richmond Avenue School, where she taught fourth and fifth grades from 2012 to 2014. During that time, she implemented literacy instruction aligned with Common Core State Standards, analyzed student assessment data, and helped support academic growth through small-group instruction and collaborative teacher leadership.
Israel later served as Intermediate Literacy Coach for grades 3 through 6 at Uptown School Complex. In that role, she coached teachers, developed professional learning opportunities, analyzed instructional data, and coordinated parent involvement initiatives to strengthen student literacy outcomes.
In 2016, she was appointed District Title I Coordinator, where she worked with school and community stakeholders to design, implement, and monitor federally funded programs while overseeing parental engagement initiatives throughout the district.
Her leadership responsibilities expanded in 2019 when she became a vice principal. Three years later, in 2022, she was named principal, serving as the chief instructional leader and operational strategist for her school. In that position, she oversaw curriculum implementation, school operations, budgeting, staffing, safety planning, and professional development while fostering strong partnerships with families and the community.
“I’m excited to continue the work of the district by first supporting the superintendent and all of the district initiatives in order to move our students forward,” said Israel. “I also plan to make sure the teachers and staff have the tools and resources they need to be successful.”
Israel's educational background reflects her commitment to both teaching and leadership. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education from Howard University in Washington, D.C. She later earned a Master of Educational Leadership from Stockton University, where she also completed certifications for principal, supervisor, and certificate of eligibility programs.
Throughout her career, Israel has been recognized for excellence in education. Among her honors are the 2010 Minority Educator of the Year Award in Prince George's County, the 2023 Nuestro Pueblo Award from the Hispanic Association of Atlantic County, and the 2024-25 Principal of the Year Award for Atlantic City Public Schools.
“I’m looking forward to getting into the buildings and continuing to build relationships with all stakeholders,” Israel said.
As Director of Elementary Education, Israel will work closely with school leaders, teachers, and district administrators to support curriculum, instruction, student achievement, and professional learning across Atlantic City Public Schools' elementary schools.
Her appointment represents both a continuation of the district's commitment to developing internal leadership and a testament to the opportunities available for educators who dedicate their careers to serving Atlantic City students.
Israel officially began her new role this summer as the district prepares for the 2026-27 school year.
"I am honored to continue serving the students, families, and staff of Atlantic City Public Schools in this new capacity," Israel said. "Throughout my career, I have been passionate about supporting teaching and learning, and I look forward to working alongside our outstanding educators to ensure every elementary student receives the high-quality education they deserve."
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