Teacher Spotlight: Nicole Bennett!

Q: How long have you been teaching?

A: I have been in the education field for 23 years now!

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in education?

A: As my mom always loves to tell this story, I knew from the moment I was old enough to understand the meaning of the word "teacher" that I wanted to be one.  I remember the rewards some of my different teachers had and I always chose "sitting in the teacher's chair" whenever I had the chance.  It gave me this amazing feeling sitting their looking at what they had on their desks, and wanting so bad to do what they were doing.  If I had friends over, we would be playing school!!  It just felt natural to me.  Any chance I got as I grew to be in that role, I was! 

1. Vacation Bible School- teaching 1^st and 2^nd graders from when I was 13 until I was 20

2. Babysitting: Helping them do their homework, reading with them, flash cards, etc.

3. Peer Counseling in High School

4. Taught in the preschool room of a daycare the entire time I was getting my bachelor's degree

   
   

Q: What is your favorite thing about teaching or your biggest success story? 

A: In one of my first classrooms, I was teaching 5th grade and I had a young boy that was very challenging.  He failed, and I still don't know why, but he was back in my classroom the next year.  He pushed every boundary and never made it easy for me.  About 10 years later, I was working out in the gym when a young man approached me.  I knew it was him; he still looked the same.  There was an older man with him, and he asked me if I knew who he was.  I said of course I did and called him his name.  He said that he wanted to let me know that I was his favorite teacher and that he was glad I never gave up on him.  To say I was crying is an understatement!  I asked if I could give him a hug!  He said that to this day he still remembers the lesson I taught on lyrical poetry, and how we listened to Taylor Swift and Nickelback!

Q: What challenges do you face in the classroom? 

A: had faced too many challenges over my years that still break my heart!  One of my students left school one day to find her father dead in the living room after having a heart attack.  I've had too many homeless students to count and had to call protective services one to many times.  Right now, I am a virtual teacher, and last year, I had a camera turn on, and a student was being abused right in front of me.  

Q: If you use Gallopade Curriculum or supplemental resources, how do they make a difference in your classroom? 

A: I love the Gallopade Social Studies curriculum!  In 3^rd grade, we focus a lot on geography and maps.  The digital resources are so helpful and hit on all the areas that I need when bring the world to my students.

Q: What is something that every student should know about teachers? 

A: Every student should know that they are more than just a student to us.  They represent our future and we will do everything we can to make sure they are ready to take over when our time is done.  Also, we love them even after they leave our classrooms!

Q: What advice would you impart to a new teacher or someone who wants to become a teacher? 

A: You don’t have to be the perfect teacher. Be the teacher who keeps learning, keeps showing up, and makes sure every student knows they matter.

Q: What do you love to do when you're not teaching? 

A: When I am not teaching, I love to crochet and have made a blanket for every person in my house.  I love to read or listen to a good audiobook!  Most importantly, I love spending time with my family.

Thank you Nicole, we're so happy to be able to showcase teachers who are doing amazing work in their students' lives!

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