Hi. I'm Mrs. Nichols, the librarian at John Baker Elementary School, and 2019-2020 is my 8th year at JBES! I love being a teacher-librarian because I get to know EVERY KID IN THE SCHOOL. And as I develop a relationship with each student, I get to know him or her as an individual with unique interests and abilities. It's a special privilege, which I cherish.
How Did I Get Here?
Not in a million years would I have guessed that I would be a school librarian. As a child, I was a very slow reader. I loved read alouds in the library but never wanted to check out my own books. In class, I often faked reading until we moved on to something else. It's taken me a long time to develop a love of reading, so I feel especially qualified to help the struggling and the excelling reader find the resources they want and need.
Not in a million years would I have guessed that I would be a school librarian. As a child, I was a very slow reader. I loved read alouds in the library but never wanted to check out my own books. In class, I often faked reading until we moved on to something else. It's taken me a long time to develop a love of reading, so I feel especially qualified to help the struggling and the excelling reader find the resources they want and need.
Education
Like my long road to loving books, my road to teaching has taken many twists and turns. In 1994, I received a Bachelor of Arts with Distinction in Communication and Writing from Nebraska Wesleyan University. From there, I spent 10 years working in the nonprofit world as a fundraiser, volunteer coordinator, and educator. In 2005, I enrolled at Northern New Mexico College and completed an Alternative Teaching Licensure program. I joined APS in 2006, teaching 3rd grade for six years at Eubank Elementary. In my transition from classroom to library, I earned a Library teaching endorsement then started at John Baker in 2012. In 2014, I started the 3-year process of becoming a National Board Certified Teacher. I hope to complete this program by December 2017.
Like my long road to loving books, my road to teaching has taken many twists and turns. In 1994, I received a Bachelor of Arts with Distinction in Communication and Writing from Nebraska Wesleyan University. From there, I spent 10 years working in the nonprofit world as a fundraiser, volunteer coordinator, and educator. In 2005, I enrolled at Northern New Mexico College and completed an Alternative Teaching Licensure program. I joined APS in 2006, teaching 3rd grade for six years at Eubank Elementary. In my transition from classroom to library, I earned a Library teaching endorsement then started at John Baker in 2012. In 2014, I started the 3-year process of becoming a National Board Certified Teacher. I hope to complete this program by December 2017.
What Else?
Besides reading, I love music, cooking, yoga and hiking. This summer my husband Steve and I had all his kids and grandkids together for a week at Rocky Mountain National Park. I also took in a few concerts, including my favorite band, PEARL JAM!
Besides reading, I love music, cooking, yoga and hiking. This summer my husband Steve and I had all his kids and grandkids together for a week at Rocky Mountain National Park. I also took in a few concerts, including my favorite band, PEARL JAM!