Teacher Spotlight: Nicole O'Sullivan

#TeacherTuesday! Today we are proud to highlight Nicole O’Sullivan  who has been a fabulous social studies teacher in Brewster for 17  years. Over time, she has taught 9-12th graders Global History and Geography, U.S. History and Government, Government & Economics, Leadership & Syracuse University Public Affairs. O’Sullivan graduated from Brewster High School in 2004. 

Q: What kind of student were you?

A: I was a hard working student involved in various clubs and activities.  Succeeding in school was important to me and something I took seriously, not only for myself but to make my parents proud.  Outside of the classroom I played/was involved in basketball, softball, was the National Honor Society President, Varsity Club, Athletes Helping Athletes, and volunteered at JFK during my free periods. 

 

Q: Why did you become a teacher? 

A: I have always enjoyed learning and being a student myself, so being in the classroom and having the opportunity to help students find their passion and discover what they love is one of the best parts of the job.  The teachers I had at BHS made learning fun and were a great support system and this is something I wanted to be for my students.  

 

From a young age, I enjoyed working with children and whenever there was an opportunity to interact with kids, I took advantage.  Being a camp counselor, basketball coach, and school volunteer helped me figure out how to lead a group, the importance of building relationships, and creating a positive environment. 

 

Q: What's one thing your students might be surprised to learn about you?

A: I spent my spring breaks in college traveling to different parts of the U.S. building homes with Habitat for Humanity.  We worked on homes in areas at risk of hurricanes such as Alabama, North Carolina, Florida and Texas.  I learned how to build houses from the foundation up and was able to work alongside people from across the country, including the families that would be living in the homes. These experiences helped me find my passion for service and helping others. 

 

Q: What's something you'd like to do or someplace you'd like to go? 

A: I would love to bring my children to Italy once they're a bit older.  My husband and I went here before our children were born, we both have Italian backgrounds, and it is something I have the opportunity to teach in our Global History curriculum.  I would love to share the history with them and for them to experience Italian culture. 

 

Q: Best piece of advice ever given?

A: There are many pieces of advice I try to live by about working hard, staying humble, and being there for the people I care about, so it's difficult to choose just one, but one piece of advice I like to keep in mind, especially as a mom and teacher with a lot of responsibilities and people counting on me is, "Don't get caught up in the web of responsibilities when the joy is in the spin."  

This reminds me that I do not want to lose sight of the importance of being present and enjoying the moment, so this piece of advice serves as a reminder for me as I work to balance all of life's responsibilities while still making time for what truly matters.

Q: Has a student ever taught you anything?

A: Absolutely. Throughout my career, my students have been some of my greatest teachers. From my first year in the classroom to now, they have continually reminded me of the importance of building strong relationships. They have shown me that students are more engaged, motivated, and willing to take risks when they know their teacher genuinely cares about them. Because of this, I make it a priority each year to create a classroom environment where students feel valued, respected, and comfortable being themselves.

 

Q: Favorite Brewster tradition

A: I love the Senior Graduation Walk throughout the District in June.  This is something that was started by my leadership students back in 2017 and every year this event happens, I think of the students who started it and am proud to see all of my former students walking through the halls before they embark on their next chapter.