Curriculum Vitae

Stevie Rae Hicks
thevibeisrae@stevieraehicks.com
Educator | Visionary | Instructional Coach | Culture Curator

Professional Profile

Stevie Rae Hicks is a dynamic educator, instructional coach, and curriculum specialist with over a decade of experience transforming educational spaces. With a foundation rooted in equity, cultural relevance, and joy, she creates impactful learning environments that affirm and elevate both students and educators. Stevie’s career spans teaching, curriculum design, and leadership roles, with a consistent focus on serving and uplifting underserved communities.

A native of South Central Los Angeles and shaped by the legacy of Tuskegee, Alabama, Stevie blends the fire of the city with the soul of the South. Her work extends beyond the classroom—into community organizing, brand creation, and advocacy. She is the founder of The Inner G Impact, an organization that houses transformative initiatives including The Cool School, SamCol by Hicks, and The Vibe is Rae. Each project reflects her commitment to culturally grounded, healing-centered, and radically imaginative spaces.

Stevie is not only an educator—she’s a storyteller, a system disruptor, and a culture shifter. Through intentional leadership and fearless creativity, she continues to build spaces where education becomes a tool for liberation, not limitation.

Education

Tuskegee University
Bachelor of Arts in English Education (2005–2009)
Tuskegee, AL

University of Phoenix
Master of Arts in Teaching (Non-Certification) (2010–2013)

Alabama State University
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Secondary English (2017–2019)

Auburn University at Montgomery
Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Collaborative Education (2019–2020)

University of West Alabama
Instructional Leadership Certification (2024–2025)

Samford University
Doctorate in Educational & Organizational Leadership (Doctoral Fellow) (Beginning Fall 2025)

Certifications

  • Certification in Advocacy Leadership, SPLC Advocacy Institute (Fall 2024)

  • Alabama Class B Secondary Certificate, English Language Arts (Grades 6–12)

  • ACT Certified in Writing and Reading

  • Instructional Leadership Certification (University of West Alabama)

  • Google Certified Educator

  • Apple Teacher Certification

Professional Experience

Wetumpka High School — Wetumpka, AL
English Teacher, Grades 9–12
Instructional Coach
Curriculum Specialist
Peer Helper Coordinator
Years Active: 2024–Present

  • Developed and implemented rigorous, student-centered ELA curricula aligned to standards

  • Led schoolwide instructional coaching focused on improving teacher practice and student engagement

  • Designed professional development sessions on culturally responsive pedagogy, data-driven instruction, and classroom culture

UPS (Pin Partner) — Montgomery, AL
Creative Partner for Pin Distribution and Brand Collaboration
Years Active: 2024–Present

  • Collaborates with UPS to promote and distribute culturally themed pins through SamCol by Hicks

  • Develops exclusive designs and packaging for campaign and community initiatives

  • Expands brand visibility and access through national logistics and shipping channels

Montgomery Public Schools (MPS) — Montgomery, AL
English Teacher
Ninth Grade District Curriculum Specialist
Years Active: 2021–2024

  • Taught high school English with a focus on culturally responsive instruction and literacy growth

  • Served as district curriculum specialist for ninth grade English, leading instructional alignment and pacing guide development

  • Facilitated professional learning communities and collaborated across schools to support ELA initiatives

Booker T. Washington High School — Tuskegee, AL
Curriculum Specialist
Ninth Grade Chair
Years Active: 2016–2021

  • Led ninth grade team in instructional planning, student support strategies, and cross-curricular collaboration

  • Served as curriculum specialist, aligning lesson plans and assessments with district and state standards

  • Supported data-driven instruction and helped build a positive academic culture within the ninth grade academy

Curriculum Specialist
Freelance & Contract-Based Projects
Years Active: 2019–Present

  • Consulted with schools and organizations to design inclusive, equity-centered curricula

  • Created custom learning resources aligned with academic standards and culturally relevant themes

  • Facilitated workshops on curriculum design, project-based learning, and instructional alignment

Founder, The Cool School — Montgomery, AL
A homeschool co-op and learning collective rooted in Black excellence and community care (2022–2024)

  • Developed and led multi-age, interdisciplinary learning experiences for homeschool families

  • Integrated history, art, and literacy through a culturally sustaining framework

  • Built community partnerships and hosted educational events, storytimes, and cultural workshops

Owner, SamCol by Hicks — Montgomery, AL (2020–Present)
A lifestyle brand and former Black-centered bookstore inspired by her children, celebrating Black culture through custom pins, literature, and creative content

  • Designed and launched a product line of pins and accessories highlighting Black history and joy

  • Built an e-commerce presence and curated brand storytelling via social media

  • Hosted pop-up shops and community-centered events

Leadership & Community Involvement

  • Founder, The Inner G Impact — An umbrella organization that houses The Cool School, The Vibe is Rae, and SamCol by Hicks
    Mission: To cultivate liberated learning spaces, amplify cultural narratives, and empower underserved communities through creative education, healing-centered leadership, and culturally-rooted innovation.

  • Former Bookstore Owner, championing Black literature and education

  • Workshop Presenter: Culturally Relevant Teaching, Curriculum Equity, and Youth Empowerment

  • Community Organizer: Events centered on education, family engagement, and cultural celebration

Skills

  • Culturally Responsive Pedagogy

  • Curriculum Design & Evaluation

  • Instructional Coaching & Adult Learning

  • Public Speaking & Workshop Facilitation

  • Educational Equity & Anti-Racism Practices

  • Content Creation & Brand Development

  • Community Organizer

  • Data Analyst

Publications

  • “Kendrick Lamar and the Halftime Stage: Cultural Truth at the 50-Yard Line” – Cultural Commentary, 2025

  • For the Literature Loving Homrgirls” — 2023

References
Available upon request.

Let’s connect —

“I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.”— Angela Davis