Nicole

Nicole earned her degree in Elementary Education from Marymount University in Arlington, VA in 2015. While at Marymount, Nicole student-taught in a kindergarten classroom at Glebe Elementary and in a second grade classroom at Jamestown Elementary. After graduation, Nicole worked as a substitute teacher in Arlington County Public Schools and Fairfax County Public Schools. In 2016-2017, Nicole worked as an assistant teacher in a first grade classroom at Washington International School in Georgetown. In 2019, Nicole began to teach online with VIPKid, an ESL tutoring company that serves students in mainland China. Through VIPKid, Nicole taught over 100 individual students. As of March, 2020, Nicole began to offer her own curriculum through the Outschool platform. Through Outschool, Nicole teaches meditation, poker, and even an Elvis themed song and dance camp!

Nicole has over fifteen years of childcare experience as a teacher, nanny, or babysitter for children aged two to eighteen. From these experiences, Nicole has learned how to make education fun and fulfilling for a variety of students of different backgrounds and abilities.

During her time at Marymount University, Nicole was introduced to the Responsive Classroom approach, a student-centered theory she strongly believes in as a teacher. Responsive Classroom techniques include engaging academics, positive community (including morning meetings), effective classroom management, and developmentally responsive teaching. Some of Nicole’s favorite Responsive Classroom practices include giving students meaningful choices, using sophisticated and effective teacher language, establishing classroom routines to promote student autonomy, and setting high expectations for all learners.

Nicole and her boyfriend live with their dog, Sherman, in Annandale, VA. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, cooking, hiking, and singing along with old movie musicals.