English Grade 7, Wyoming Valley West Middle School, Kingston, Pennsylvania
Total years as a classroom teacher: 28
Education
| 1985 | University of Pennsylvania | M.S., Educational Leadership |
| 1981 | Wilkes College | B.A., English/German /Education |
Teaching Experience
| 2008-2009 |
Grade 7, English, Wyoming West Middle School, Kingston, Pennsylvania |
| 1981-2008 |
Grades 9-12, Journalism, Wyoming West High School, Kingston, Pennsylvania |
Special Recognition
| 2009 | Finalist, the Great American Teacher Award |
| 2008 |
First Freedom Award |
| 2005 | University of Pennsylvania Educator of the Year |
| 2002 | Pennsylvania Journalism Teacher of the Year |
- Mr. Nicholas’s classroom is unique in that the teacher is not the
one source who disseminates all knowledge to all of the students at the
same time. He often teaches one student a skill because they need that
information to accomplish a task. When another student needs that same
skill, he refers them to their classmate who already knows how to do it.
He says it is peer tutoring at its finest. - Mr. Nicholas has discovered that cooperation and collaboration are
critical components of success. He says that educators must prepare
students to take their place in the world they will inherit and, in that
world, the ability to collaborate is critical.
Testimonials
“While allowing his students room to experience and grow, Mr.
Nicholas maintains an amazing amount of order and organization. His
students gain a new appreciation for discipline and learn to meet
deadlines with great efficiency and promptness. They learn to work as a
team and help one another when needed. Each publication he advises is
carefully planned from start to finish, granting every person a job and a
responsibility all his own. By upholding such an organized staff, Mr.
Nicholas’s students learn more about reliability, order, and efficiency
than one can imagine.”
Kate Bolesta, Former Student
“Mr. Nick’s industrious work ethic never fails to seep into the
habits of his students. Because one of Mr. Nick’s many catch
phrases is ‘Make it first class or third, but never second,’ students
quickly realize they cannot cut corners because if something is worth
doing, it is worth making excellent.”
Lindsey O’Brien, Former Student