Educator Journey and Social Impact Work

Master of Science In Education - Johns Hopkins

Nikki Abban is a writer, filmmaker, and educator driven by curiosity and a desire to find truth. With a Master of Science in Education from Johns Hopkins University, specializing in Secondary English Language Arts and Special Education, Nikki’s career is rooted in a commitment to using storytelling as a tool for social change and educational empowerment. In 2022, she was honored with the Johns Hopkins Student Excellence Award for her outstanding achievements in education.

Throughout her career, Nikki has worked in various educational settings, from Baltimore City Public Schools to international schools in Morocco and Ghana. She’s worked with students from diverse backgrounds, using her experience and creativity to bring lessons to life.

International Education - 2018 - 2019

In Morocco, Nikki served as a Youth Development Specialist with the Peace Corps, where she designed and facilitated English language programs for youth at Dar Chebab (a co-ed youth center) and Dar Taliba (Girls' Boarding School). Additionally, she taught yoga, Zumba, and English at the Neswi Women’s Center, helping to empower young women through both physical activity and education.

In Ghana, Nikki volunteered as an English and Drama Teacher at the Airport International School in Accra, where she taught students from diverse backgrounds, blending creative teaching methods with performance to make learning engaging and dynamic.

These international experiences have shaped Nikki’s approach to education, emphasizing cultural adaptability and fostering inclusive, student-centered learning environments.

Batlimore City Public Schools - 2020 - 2022

Nikki spent two transformative years teaching within Baltimore City Public Schools, first as a student teacher at KIPP Ujima and later as a full-time IB English teacher at Baltimore City College. At KIPP Ujima, she worked with 6th and 7th grade English Language Arts students, delivering lessons that emphasized critical thinking, reading comprehension, and creative expression. Nikki created an environment where students not only developed their academic skills but also gained confidence in their ability to engage with literature and express their ideas.

As a full-time teacher at Baltimore City College, Nikki taught IB English to 9th and 11th graders, refining her ability to teach a high-level curriculum while making it accessible and engaging for diverse learners. She focused on literary analysis, argumentation, and writing skills, helping students build strong analytical and communication abilities. Nikki was committed to providing personalized support for each student, ensuring they were equipped with the tools they needed to succeed in a rigorous academic setting.

Throughout both roles, Nikki collaborated closely with colleagues, school leaders, and families to create a supportive and challenging environment for her students. Her experience in Baltimore reinforced her dedication to fostering academic excellence and ensuring every student, regardless of background or learning style, received the support they needed to thrive.

In addition to her classroom teaching, Nikki has worked with the Sundance Institute, where she led the planning, programming, and outreach for the 2024 Sundance Film Festival Student Screening Program and the Filmmakers in the Classroom Program. These initiatives allowed her to engage with over 3,000 high school students across Utah, curating a selection of films to spark dialogue, inspire critical thinking, and deepen understanding of the power of storytelling.

As part of her role, Nikki also created a comprehensive educational guide to support teachers in before and after screenings. The purpose of the guide was to provide essential context for the films, offer discussion prompts to engage students, and promote critical thinking through independent cinema.

Idyllwild Arts and Future Aspirations in Arts Education

As the current Director of Resources (Learning Specialist) at Idyllwild Arts Academy, Nikki now leads eight academic support classes for 25 students with diverse learning differences, focusing on strengthening executive functioning, self-advocacy, and academic success. She works collaboratively with school leadership, faculty, and parents to provide holistic, individualized support tailored to each student's needs, with an emphasis on culturally relevant, differentiated instruction.

Looking ahead, Nikki is eager to transition into university-level arts education, particularly in film theory and analysis. She is in the process of developing a course that will explore Black cinema across the diaspora, examining shifting perceptions of Blackness and identifying key cinematic elements within the various sub-genres. Nikki is particularly interested in opportunities within film departments where she can bring this course to life, sharing her passion for critical analysis, storytelling, and cultural exploration.

In the long term, Nikki envisions merging her artistic background and education expertise to build community arts programs in both Ghana and the United States. Her goal is to create spaces where youth can engage in artistic expression, education, and cultural exchange, fostering a sense of belonging, empowerment, and community through the arts.

Read Nikki’s Full Education Philosophy