Teaching & Learning
The Reynolds School District Teaching & Learning Department provides support and services that ensure all students are engaged in relevant, meaningful, and rigorous learning. Our focus on equitable practices, standards-based curriculum, and student-centered classroom environments is designed to close the achievement gap and align to the district’s mission.
We design curriculum and instruction that ensures best practices and are aligned with the four core beliefs of the Reynolds School District:
- We believe that all students, families, and staff deserve a safe and secure learning environment. We commit to providing physical and emotional safety across the Reynolds community.
- We believe that equitable practices allow everyone within the Reynolds community to thrive. We commit to using equity as a foundation in all decision-making processes in order to eliminate inequities.
- We believe that high-quality first-time instruction will eliminate the achievement gap. We commit to setting high expectations and providing intentional professional development to instructional leaders.
- We believe that the heart of a high-performing organization is its people. We commit to becoming an inclusive and positive organizational culture.
Meeting the learning needs of a diverse group of students requires a variety of programs, tools, and instructional approaches. Reynolds School District offers many programs and systems to support the academic, social-emotional, and physical needs of individual students.
Our Department
April Olson Director of Elementary Teaching & Learning 
April has worked in education for 28 years as a classroom teacher, TOSA, assistant principal, principal, and district director. She has extensive experience in program planning, budget management, and data-based decision making. She is passionate about early literacy and that all students should read on grade level by third grade. In her role as Directory of Elementary Teaching & Learning for Reynolds School District, April oversees federal programs, including Title I, state grants and programs, including the Student Success Act and Early Literacy Initiative, Talented and Gifted, early learning and support for elementary curriculum, instruction, and innovation.
Christie Rivera Curriculum and Instruction Coordinator
I have been intimately involved with Reynolds School District for the past 20+ years in a variety of different roles including teacher, specialist, and administrator, but most recently as one of RSD's Instructional Coaches. I have had the opportunity to learn from many of my colleagues who have played a huge role in shaping my career and who have invested in growing my understanding of the learning trajectories specifically pertaining to literacy. My greatest strengths include collaborative leadership, strategic planning, empowering educators to develop their leadership and instructional skills, planning and structuring literacy-based interventions, coordination and leadership in community and pedagogical programs, and identification/implementation of organizational programs. I seek to bring evidence-based practices into classrooms by working with and supporting both teachers and administrators with the goal of increasing student achievement, improving student academic outcomes, and building teacher capacity. As a Reynolds alum, I have a deep desire to grow our students so that they have the necessary skills that they need to be successful individuals contributing to the future of our world.
Office 503-661-7200 #3406
Nicole Brandes
K-12 Math TOSA
Nicole Brandes has taught in the Reynolds School District for 23 years holding various teaching and leadership roles at Reynolds Middle School, HB Lee Middle School, and Sweetbriar Elementary School. Her passion for math education led her to pursue additional experiences including math instructional coaching and completion of the Math Instructional Leadership program at PSU. She is honored to continue to serve the Reynolds community as K-12 Math TOSA.
