Teacher Spotlight: Nicole Spierman!
- gallopade
- Mar 20
- 2 min read
Q: How long have you been teaching?
A: This is my 18th year teaching. I spent 15 years teaching middle school history in both 6th and 7th grades.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in education?
A: My 2nd-grade teacher, Mrs. Haralson, was probably my biggest inspiration. I loved how she was caring, firm, funny, and made each lesson exciting.
Q: What is your favorite thing about teaching or your biggest success story?
A: I love all the “aha” moments when students can see the big picture or make connections to real life or things outside the classroom.
Q: What challenges do you face in the classroom?
A: Time! I think time can be a struggle in planning activities, teaching content, grading, and overcoming challenges such as schedule interruptions or testing. I’m a planner, so planning instruction and multiple preps can be challenging, but it typically takes a color-coordinated organizer and schedule!
Q: If you use Gallopade Curriculum or supplemental resources, how do they make a difference in your classroom?
A: When I taught middle school, I used Gallopade resources frequently when we explored countries, studied geography, or studied government. Most recently, I utilized some organizers to study events in my history class. I have found that Gallopade products provide standards-aligned material that helps my students remain engaged in learning.
Q: What is something that every student should know about teachers?
A: Teachers genuinely want students to succeed, whether in the classroom or outside it.
Q: What advice would you impart to a new teacher or someone who wants to become a teacher?
A: You will make mistakes. Pause, reflect, and make some changes. I have been teaching for quite some time, and sometimes lessons don’t work out the way you want them to, so we reset and try again.
Q: What do you love to do when you're not teaching?
A: When I’m not teaching, you might find me on a cruise and exploring new places. I’m about to take my 12th cruise, and there’s nothing more I love than relaxing, exploring, and trying new foods. When I'm at home, I like to spend time with my family and my 4 cats: Wellington, Stew, Macaroni, & Porkchop.
Thank you Nicole, we're so happy to be able to showcase teachers who are doing amazing work in their students' lives!
If you know a teacher who deserves some recognition, fill out our Teacher Spotlight form and nominate them today!
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