Welcome to the Teaching in a Topknot Website
Hi! I'm Nicole, and I started this journey in 2012.
If I'm being completely honest, I never thought that I would be a teacher-- let alone feel like it's what I was made for.
But after years of independent contractor life, I was desperate for some stability.
People had always suggested that I become a teacher, but the job just never seemed to interest me. I made the promise that I would go to ONE informational meeting about a nearby credential program. After going to one about becoming a special education teacher, I was SOLD!!
"SIGN ME UP!"
The rest, as they say, was history. I had found my calling. It sounds cliche, but it is 100% true. I LOVE what I do. Plus, being a special education teacher provides me with just the right balance of stability and variety.
Fast forward a few years...
I SUPER-CHARGED my teaching game in 2023 when I started drinking KETONES on a daily basis. This liquid sunshine became my "teacher tonic:" a substance taken to provide the feeling of vigor and well-being-for teachers. Now my head is clearer, my stamina is stronger and my productivity is on point.
GUYS... I am so excited to continue this journey, thanks for joining me on this ride!
From the Studio to the Classroom
I started teaching dance when I was 17 years old, and over the years I had several students with various disabilities in my classes. Creating modifications and promoting inclusion came naturally. When I think of why I became a SPED teacher, these experiences and some very EXTRAordinary students come to mind.
Back to My Roots
I was extremely fortunate to get hired into my dream job from the start. I teach a special day class (SDC) at the very middle school that *I* attended. Since my hire date, I have spread my wings and also co-teach 7th grade reading and language arts. I have worn many hats for my district, and I am fortunate to be in leadership roles at both the site and district level to help spread rigor in special education classrooms, inclusion across campuses and partnerships with parents.
Family First
Outside the classroom, my family keeps me on my toes, and I wouldn't want it any other way. It's also thanks to that informational meeting in 2012 that I get to spend my days with these two, but that's a story for another day.
(Let me tell you that little one is as spicy as he is cute!)
Common Ground
I love Diet Coke, coffee, Home Goods, Disney, and watching TV. I've got sunshine in my cup every single morning so that I can do ALL THE THINGS. I live to travel and have a newly acquired taste for hiking. I rarely leave home without a giant topknot gracing my head. I bleed black and gold, and I cry every single time I get to feed a giraffe. I love sharing my journey in teaching, learning from colleagues around the world and creating resources that my students enjoy and so can yours. I am humbled to think others can learn something from this little corner of the internet.
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