Nicole Whelan’s Bio
I graduated from SUNY Cobleskill in 2007 with a Bachelor’s of Science
   Degree in Early Childhood Education. Shortly after graduating, I discovered
   Bright Horizons Family Solutions and became a Toddler Teacher, overseeing ten
   children from the ages of eighteen months old to three years. Over the course of
   seven years, my roles expanded in the company to Kindergarten Prep Teacher,
   Assistant Director, and finally, Director. I am proud that I started at a beginner’s
   level position and moved up to an administrative role, but I am also grateful that I
   have acquired a deeper understanding of education and child development. I have
   experienced what it is like to be a lead teacher, and I also understand the
   challenges outside of the classroom as an administrator. There are many
   similarities and differences between those roles, but I am adamant in saying that
   high expectations are required in both.
           While in my role as a Director, managing 30 teachers and 135 students, I
   noticed a need for special education teachers. Students were receiving services
   more than ever, but often, it seemed as though the related services providers were
   stretched thin and had heavy caseloads. My experiences as Director gave me a
   well-rounded perspective of early childhood education; however, I missed
   working with students, and ultimately decided to obtain my master’s degree in
   special education.
           Through my educational experiences, I have observed how
   encouragement and direct feedback impacts student learning. Through
   challenging and differentiated lessons, students have the opportunity to
   experience adversity, and will develop skills to advocate for themselves and be
   intrinsically-motivated. I believe that children learn best when they build on their
   individual strengths and they are guided through their challenges. Teaching gives
   you the opportunity to nurture children’s curiosity, support them in developing
   their problem-solving and decision-making skills, and build an academic
   foundation to achieve success in school and in life.
           As a teacher I am prepared to engage children with intentional teaching
   practices that guide their social, physical, emotional and cognitive growth. I am
   steadfast in creating a classroom environment that fosters cooperation and a sense
   of community. Through teacher-directed, small group, and independent
   instruction, children will experience a curriculum that is individualized to their
   needs, and encourages skills in literacy, math, science, STEM and positive self-
   image. I believe these are some of the factors that will contribute to students’
   success and lifelong learning.