Drama teacher named SPS Teacher of the Year

Nickle received the award Monday night during the annual Teacher Appreciation Banquet at University Plaza Convention Center.

Nickle has taught at the alternative high school for 20 years. She received her Bachelor of Arts from William Jewell College with a double major in communication and education and a master’s degree in education from Drury University.

“From the time I was in preschool using the chalkboard on my Winnie the Pooh toy chest to teach my dolls and stuffed animals the alphabet, I have wanted to be a teacher,” Nickle said in a district news release. “As a third-generation teacher, education not only appealed to my nature but seemed to be a part of my genetic makeup.”

Nickle receives $2,000 for personal use and another $2,000 for educational enhancements and is now in the running for the state Teacher of the Year award.

The five other finalists were Stephanie Blake of Parkview High School, Tracy Bruton of Glendale High School, Phil Hockensmith of Kickapoo High School, Troy Kuchta of Boyd Elementary School and Alberta Smith of Central High School. Finalists received $200 each for personal and classroom use.