Welcome to this week’s Teacher Tuesday, where we are excited to spotlight Nicole Bull, a passionate educator at A One-Room Schoolhouse. Nicole’s journey as a teacher is a story of dedication, adaptability, and a love for creating meaningful learning experiences for her students. Join us as we delve into Nicole’s background, her transition to homeschooling, and her current role at A One Room Schoolhouse.
Nicole Bull’s Background and Teaching Journey
Nicole Bull holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (K-6) from Grove City College. She began her teaching career in the McGuffey School District as an RTI (Response to Intervention) instructor and a Kindergarten teacher. Alongside her teaching duties, she also coached the boys’ and girls’ varsity tennis teams. Nicole’s love for teaching was evident from the start, and she thrived in the classroom setting.
However, after having her first child, Nicole made the decision to stay home and devote her time to her three children as a full-time mom. While she had never envisioned herself homeschooling, her perspective changed when her oldest daughter completed her first year in a private kindergarten. Nicole felt a strong calling to bring her daughter home and pursue homeschooling for all three of her children. Reflecting on this decision, Nicole shares, “It was the best decision ever. It was a gift to give them a childhood that wasn’t rushed or hurried and one where we could make many memories together.” Nicole has now been homeschooling for nine years, and it has been a rewarding journey for her and her family.
A Natural Calling to Teach
Nicole’s passion for working with children, especially young ones, has always been a driving force in her life. When it came time to choose a career path, teaching felt like a natural fit. She has a creative mind and a focus on details, which she incorporates into her teaching style to make learning fun and engaging. Nicole says, “When I am in a classroom with students, it feels like where I am supposed to be.” Her love for teaching is evident in the way she connects with her students and creates an environment where they feel valued and motivated to learn.
Teaching at A One-Room Schoolhouse
Last year, Nicole taught students across grades K-6 at A One-Room Schoolhouse. This upcoming year, she will be focusing on K-2 students, which aligns perfectly with her love for working with younger children. Nicole’s journey to A One-Room Schoolhouse began through her involvement in the local homeschooling community, where she held a leadership position at a large homeschool co-op. She watched A One-Room Schoolhouse grow from the sidelines and was thrilled to see its unique model flourish in the area.
When life circumstances led her to seek part-time employment, Nicole was excited to hear that A One-Room Schoolhouse was expanding its campus near her area. She expresses her gratitude, saying, “It’s a gift to be paid to teach like I once did in a classroom setting, however, truly partnering with other local homeschoolers who have similar desires and passions as I do.” Nicole is grateful for the opportunity to have her son learning alongside other students while still having the flexibility on non-schoolhouse days to learn in their unique ways and at their own pace.
A Unique and Memorable Classroom Experience
Teaching in a multi-age classroom at A One Room Schoolhouse has been both a challenge and a joy for Nicole. Her classroom is composed of students of varying ages, and her mornings are spent teaching math and language arts concepts at the students’ specific learning levels through small group instruction and center activities. In the afternoons, she teaches science and history to the whole group. While this can be challenging due to the diverse needs and levels of her students, it also leads to some of the sweetest moments as a teacher.
Nicole shares a memorable experience, saying, “When I hear my 6-year-old student pronounce words like ‘bioluminescence’ to answer a science question or a 7-year-old student recite the reasons for the Civil War, including vocabulary that you would only hear in an upper-level elementary classroom at a public school, I see my older students helping and encouraging the youngest students with answers. That kind of shared learning and care for kids of all ages goes far beyond what they are learning about in the specific history or science lesson.” This unique model allows younger students to look up to older students, while the older ones gain responsibility by being role models.
Embracing the Hybrid Model
Nicole is a strong advocate for the hybrid model of A One Room Schoolhouse, especially for her own family. She appreciates the benefits of learning in a structured and traditional setting, yet with the flexibility that traditional homeschooling offers, such as learning alongside mixed ages. The model, which operates 2-3 days a week at the schoolhouse, allows for valuable time at home, where learning can happen in their own unique way. Nicole emphasizes the importance of balance, saying, “I am there as their academic teacher two days of the week, and they get the GIFT of still being their teacher all of the other days. Students benefit from that combined partnership, and so do the parents.”
Hobbies and Interests Beyond the Classroom
Outside of teaching, Nicole has a variety of hobbies and interests that keep her active and engaged. She enjoys playing pickleball, hiking, lifting, paddle-boarding, and whitewater rafting. She also loves visiting local bakeries and restaurants around the city, exploring new flavors, and supporting local businesses. Nicole spends much of her time outdoors with her children, making memories and cheering them on in their sports activities. Being involved in her children’s lives is a priority, and she finds joy in being present for their achievements and experiences.
Looking Forward to New Collaborations and Opportunities
Nicole is excited about the upcoming school year and is looking forward to working with her teaching partner, Sara Sunderlin, a dear friend and fellow homeschooling educator she has known since her own homeschooling journey began. She sees great potential in Mrs. Sunderlin and believes she will be a wonderful addition to the Washington Campus. Nicole aims to encourage Mrs. Sunderlin to view her classroom as an extension of her homeschooling journey and the homeschooling journey of the students she will teach. She expresses her enthusiasm by saying, “This model is such a gift to educators who have turned homeschoolers; it truly is such a wonderful opportunity.”
Nicole is also looking forward to adapting her classroom to meet the needs of her younger students. She considers it a blessing to be involved in some of their earliest memories of learning and school. Her goal is for her students to leave her room feeling loved, accepted, and excited to learn and grow beyond the classroom walls.
Nicole Bull’s journey as an educator is a testament to her passion for teaching and her commitment to making learning a joyful and meaningful experience. Her creative approach, love for children, and dedication to both her family and her students make her an invaluable part of the A One-Room Schoolhouse community. We are grateful to have Nicole as part of our team and look forward to seeing the positive impact she continues to make in her classroom.
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