Position: Fifth Grade Math and Science Teacher
School: Wendell E. Green Elementary School
School District: Chicago Public Schools
City, State: Chicago, IL
Music that Describes Nichole
Nichole Mullen was nominated by Cassiette West-Williams, the grandparent of a student.
Ms. Mullen has been blessing scholars for decades. Despite having her own children and granddaughter, she takes the time to work with children individually and make them feel great about themselves. She is far more than an academic teacher. Yes, she is state-certified to teach math and science, but she's also focused on the social and emotional aspects of children's learning and their talents. Ms. Mullen is the type of person who you can trust as a parent and feel safe that your child is in her classroom. In Chicago, IL, this aspect is a big deal.
"My grandson is new to the school and unsure of himself, having transferred from a Catholic elementary school. The students at Green are tight-knit, and some know each other from the neighborhood. Ms. Mullen has looked out for my grandson and supported him when he wanted to do extra credit in science," said West-Williams. "She has a very competitive math class and pushes my grandson to stay in the top five. He earned A's in math and science every quarter! My grandson is so attached to her that he will complain if he misses her class, or if time is not allowed to complete her homework after dinner. To have a child that excited about two difficult classes is outstanding to me!"
"My grandson loves how Ms. Mullen uses the technology, music, games, activities and competitions to drive her classes,"said West-Williams. "We need a million Ms. Mullens throughout Chicagoland schools and the country!"