Nica’s philosophy about teaching is simple. She agrees with Madeline Hunter when she said, “Kids don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care!” Many think she was being too “warm and fuzzy” but what she meant was you are not going to reach some kids academically until you first reach them on the “human to human” level. Sometimes the subject matter in our classrooms can’t compete with the “drama” in their lives. The main ingredient missing in a lot of our classrooms today is a “connection with kids.” Nica believes that research is clear, when students know you value them as a human being, not just another student; they will work harder for you and challenge you less.

Nica believes teachers and educational support staff need to be given research based, proven, practical strategies and applications that teachers can start implementing immediately – without throwing anything out that is working in their classroom.  Educators have one of the toughest jobs in America as they are asked every day to wear many different hats – mom, dad, nurse, counselor, teacher, judge, jury, and lawyer – just to name a few.

Nica understands that students come into our classrooms and schools with different backgrounds and cultures and their cognitive abilities, assets and experiences are just as wide ranging.  Sometimes the only thing students have in common is their age! The “one size fits all” approach does not work anymore.

As educators, we have a generation of kids coming to our schools basically un-socialized. Many students are learning behavior from TV, music, videos, social media and a myriad of other influences.

Nica knows there’s not much we can do from 4:00 PM until 8:00 AM but there is a lot we can do from 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM. Nica is dedicated to helping educators, students, and families be successful through motivation, inspiration, and a common-sense approach to stress management. Most importantly, she leaves educators and families with as many proven, practical strategies as she can. Start with one “Teach-Too” at a Time!