Teacher Appreciation Week: Kelly Nickels

Featuring Kelly Nickels, MHS Seventh-Grade Teacher

In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, Milton Hershey School interviewed several teachers, across all three scholastic division, to recognize their important role within the MHS community.

1. What’s one thing you wish people understood about your job?

People who work in education do it because they are passionate about teaching, and they love their students. One cannot do this job halfway—the time, energy, and resources invested every single day is unimaginable.

2. What are the biggest challenges and most rewarding parts of your job?

The biggest challenge of my job is having the right balance in my life—physically, mentally, and spiritually. This is especially true in our evolving world. I need to make sure I have the energy and balance in my life to do my job right. The rewarding parts of my job are the connections I’ve had with my students as well as the valuable life lessons I’ve learned from each and every one of them: grit, empathy, kindness, survival, sense of humor, and so much more. 

3. What made you want to become a teacher?

I wanted to become a teacher because I am an extravert who enjoys people and sharing lessons I’ve learned throughout my life. I’ve had many challenges and have had to overcome many obstacles earlier in my life as an immigrant and English as a Second Language (ESL) student as I adapted to new environments.

4. What grade do you teach? And how many years have you been teaching?

I teach seventh grade. I’ve been teaching for 22 years.

MHS Teachers Embody Excellence

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Milton Hershey School is carefully following federal and state guidelines, CDC considerations, and MHS-established health and safety protocols to keep our campus a safe, nurturing, and healthy place. Any group photos of unmasked subjects were taken prior to the face coverings mandate.