Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/48466
IN ACTION BROOKE NICOLLS We stopped in recently this year to see our veteran CTA teacher at work in the classroom, and to see the teacher she has become over 25 years of service. MAY 19, 2011 Gang violence, drugs and incarcerated family members have impacted some of the students in Nicolls' writing class, and they have developed a tough exterior to survive. But now, on the verge of graduation, the teens display a childlike vulnerabil- ity as they walk to the front of the class for an oral presentation on overcoming personal obstacles. Some fight back tears as they describe how proud they are to graduate when friends have been imprisoned, killed or become accidental parents. Nicolls nods encouragingly and leads the class in applause and constructive comments after each presentation, which is a significant part of each student's overall grade. Students hug each other with relief when finished. It's clear that most of them consider this place more than a mere classroom; it is a learning community and a safe haven. "I'm hearing a similar message from each one of you," says Nicolls. "I'm hearing don't give up, don't give up, don't give up." Her students reveal later that one of the reasons that they haven't given up is Nicolls — and the fact that she won't give up on them. "She's great," says Claudia Torres. "During a time when I had problems, she called me. She kept pushing me. She told me that I had made it this far and that I could graduate. She helped me to figure out college and how to write essays to get into col- lege. She has gone above and beyond, and I'm lucky to have her for a teacher." Before the bell rings, Nicolls has some last words. "You all have courage. But having courage doesn't mean you are fear- less. Courage helps you face your fear and move forward." AUGUST 30, 2011 Nicolls surveys the new crop of 12th-graders and begins anew. "What makes a teacher effective? What makes a teacher inef- fective?" she asks. The students are surprised to be asked questions about teacher quality, but the white board is soon filled with adjec- tives about what students want and don't want from the soft- spoken woman standing in front of them. They want to be treated with dignity. They want Nicolls to be organized, prepared, interesting and enthusiastic. They want her to make learning fun and care about them. Nicolls explains these are also what she wants from them, and these traits will help them succeed in college, career and relationships throughout their lives. The discussion segues into what constitutes a "habit" that is practiced, versus a "qual- ity" like being interesting or boring. Then students break into discussion groups to examine the book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey, which she hopes will influence the way they approach school work and future achievement. "These kids are great, but people outside of our community don't realize that, and sometimes these kids don't know their own potential," says Nicolls. "Some teachers say they don't have time for character development, but if you don't work with them and they have problems later on, they will blame their employer. Let's try and figure out how they can change them- selves, improve their behavior and learn all at the same time." Azusa Pacific University SCHOOL OF EDUCATION Jon Hurst, M.A. '99, Ed.D. '10 Elsinore High School 2011 California High School Principal of the Year Earn your degree from a university known for excellence in education. Azusa Pacific has a reputation for consistently producing innovative and comprehensively prepared educators. Our graduates serve as teachers, counselors, coaches, and administrators throughout Southern California, and are known in their schools and districts as leaders in their field. Choose from more than 40 credential and degree options at APU, including a bachelor's degree completion program in liberal studies, and join a 112-year legacy of excellence in education. Programs start five times throughout the year. Contact us today! www.apu.edu/explore/education (800) 825-5278 12629 AZUSA | HIGH DESERT | INLAND EMPIRE | LOS ANGELES | MURRIETA ORANGE COUNTY | SAN DIEGO | VENTURA COUNTY | ONLINE November 2011 / www.cta.org 25