LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Sheila McCloy-Nuss

Position: Art Teacher
School: Dennis Township Primary School
School District: Dennis Township School District
City, State: Cape May Court House, NJ

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Sheila McCloy-Nuss was nominated anonymously.

Ms. McCloy has a neon "Love" sign posted on the wall just above her Smartboard. She strives to bring stimulating and engaging art adventures to her students, while imparting valuable life lessons on activism, kindness, compassion, and empathy. Last year, Ms. McCloy led her kindergarten students in sewing and stuffing their own squeaky toys, which were donated to a local animal shelter, Beacon Animal Rescue. Students learned about animal shelters and how kindness can take shape by providing a comforting toy to an animal waiting for a home.

This year, Ms. McCloy engaged her first and second grade students in producing four hand-painted kindness quilts for homeless children in the Family Promise shelter system. Students learned about homelessness and how it affects both families and individuals. First and second graders thought about how their own stuffed animals and blankets can make them feel, and they did their best to produce beautifully painted quilts for four homeless children. The children designed scenes that made them feel happy and secure, and they took their time to paint the scenes onto the quilts, knowing that they were making a difference.

Ms. McCloy considers her young charges to be future citizens of the world. She creatively designs art lessons that allow children to explore and develop appreciation for cultures around the world. Last year, Pre-K through second grade students produced a 36-foot long Chinese dragon! Parading their dragon throughout the school for Chinese New Year, the students incorporated celebratory elements that they had learned about, such as tossing lettuce on viewers for good luck, or distributing fortune cookies to all while shaking noise-makers to scare bad luck away. Recently, young ones explored African culture in preparation for Black History Month. Students explored the production of Malian mudcloth, from spinning and weaving to painting with mud. The students designed their own beautiful mudcloths, painting with mud and celebrating culture.

"Ms. McCloy always has an ear for her students along with many, many kind words and encouragements," said her nominator. "Clearly, Ms. McCloy loves her work and consistently demonstrates strong dedication to the artistic and emotional development of her students."

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Comments (10)

Dawnne Howarth Posted over a year ago

Sheila, I am so happy that you have a position where you are appreciated for everything you do. You worked so hard in the past and got little to no credit. Your students are lucky to have you as their teacher. Such creativity opens minds, as well as hearts… Sincerely, Dawnne Howarth (Docent, Museum of CMC 2014)

Shannon Fuller Posted over a year ago

Mrs. McCloy's creativity, patience, and overall enthusiastic encouragement and support that she gives to each child warms my heart. I absolutely love being in her classroom; watching how she interacts with her students in such a positive way reminds me why we are all in this profession - to uplift children and help them see how important and valuable they are. I watch children brighten and blossom in her presence. She helps them see their full potential and fully believe in themselves. She praises their efforts and celebrates their successes. Even as an aide in her classroom, I too benefit from the kindness she radiates and leave her class feeling uplifted and empowered!

Lisa Salimbene Posted over a year ago

Sheila, Thank you for your inspirational life lessons for our youngest students. Our district and my granddaughter are lucky to have you! Keep teaching those valuable lessons that go beyond crayons, paper and paint!

Jessica Stewart Posted over a year ago

Ms. McCloy is one of a kind. As an instructional aide I get to witness her hard work and dedication first hand in our weekly art class. As a parent to one of her Kindergarten students, I get to live with a child who has been inspired, nurtured, and made to feel accomplished by her finished artworks. Ms. McCloy also takes the time outside of class to make her students feel special. I couldn't ask for a greater influence in my child's life.

Dawn Faulkner Posted over a year ago

Sheila work’s great with the children. She adjusts the lesson to their ability levels. She is a true asset to the district.

Kasey Eykyn Posted over a year ago

Mrs. McCloy is an inspiration to us all. She absolutely loves her job, and she pours her everything into it. The projects she has the students do, require so much energy, attention, preparation, and commitment from her, but she never shies away from the challenge. Her students adore her and appreciate her, because they see this. Thank you Sheila for making Art Class so meaningful and fun. You truly are one of a kind, and I hope you know how appreciated you are.

Donna Givens Posted over a year ago

Without reservation, I can express Ms. McCloy genuinely cares about each and every child. Ms. McCloy truly develops the whole individual, and makes each one of her budding artists feel special and accomplished. She is an amazingly talented asset to the Dennis Township school district!

Monica DiVito Posted over a year ago

Ms. McCloy is an exceptional art teacher and our students lover her! She is kind, knowledgeable and extremely talented. Dennis Township is so fortunate to have you inspiring our students everyday!

Susan Speirs Posted over a year ago

Ms. McCloy encourages a love of Art in her students. She excites their creative minds and engages them to learn in new ways. She is a gift to the students of Dennis Township!

Amy Miles Posted over a year ago

Love your thoughtful projects that guide young minds. Rings true as I read it. You're attentive and sensitive to the plight of those around you while always offering encouragement.??