Nicole Mehlhaff

Tell us why you became a teacher

I teach because I am driven to help students' problem-solve, create, and apply learning to the world through a collaborative, high-level thinking classroom. By introducing real-world phenomena and hands-on modeling, learners are met at their level and are empowered to demonstrate mastery. I believe active participation drives true learning, so I am committed to making every moment a meaningful opportunity for growth, planning lessons tailored to the unique needs, and interests of my students.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I have so many to choose from, but each year my physical science students create a chain-reaction, Rube Goldberg, machine. This is a tough project, but they love it. My lab is filled with toys, cardboard, dominoes, marbles, balloons, etc. Imagine a large lab room, with 50 kids in it, all excited, the noise is overwhelming, materials all over, but the individual and group conversations about what works, what doesn't, this is an energy transfer, this is not a transfer - a powerful learning time!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I honestly have no idea, but I would love to donate some to my church, some to my Science Olympiad team for their tournament materials/costs, attend a national Science/STEM conference, fun items in my classroom for student use, and then the rest for personal use of which I am unsure at the moment. I would be very grateful for whatever amount, teaching is not about the money, it's about the kids!