- January 3, 2025
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Teachers love when their students have and aha moment. For Belle Terre Elementary School Teacher of the Year Nicole Massey, her own aha moment came within her first few years of teaching.
“It was the first time a student called me ‘mom’ by mistake,” she said. “It was then that I fully realized the significant impact we as teachers have on our students. Not only are we responsible for our students’ academic growth and achievement, but their personal development, emotional well-being, and civic engagement as well.”
Massey decided to become a teacher 19 years ago when she volunteered to assist with various activities in her oldest son’s classroom. She has been with Flagler Schools for 16 years, including over four years as a paraprofessional for special needs students and 12 years as an inclusion teacher. She teaches third grade at BTES.
“Ms. Massey excels in differentiation, tailoring her teaching to meet the diverse needs of her students,” BTES Assistant Principal Sarah E. Ahman wrote in a letter of recommendation to the Flagler Schools Teacher of the year Selection Committee. “She consistently creates an inclusive environment that fosters growth and confidence, allowing each student to feel valued and capable. Her philosophy of addressing the whole student goes beyond academics — she nurtures emotional and social well-being, helping students realize their potential in all aspects of life.”
Everyone has the right to be heard and what we say has importance and value.
— NICOLE MASSEY, BTES teacher
Massey said she feels both humbled and valued to be nominated for district Teacher of the Year.
“I work with the most amazing, highly effective teachers every day. To receive the nomination from those teachers is humbling,” she said.
But one takaway she said is that it’s OK to be proud of yourself and celebrate your success.
“I am the kind of person that invites constructive criticism, or feedback, and shies away from praise or commendation,” Massey said. “With this nomination I am learning to accept the recognition and congratulatory statements.”
It goes along with a rule she has in her classroom: “When we speak, we are ‘loud and proud,’” she said. “… Everyone has the right to be heard and what we say has importance and value. Never stop being loud and proud, be heard and know what you have to say is important.”
Outside of teaching, Massey said she loves “spending time with my family and friends, getting comfortable and reading a good thriller novel, playing this week’s Woodoku challenge and taking time to craft with my Cricut.”
