Nicholai majored in World Language Education with a Specialization in German and Spanish at Bowling Green University, and is finishing up his student teaching in Maumee, Ohio teaching Spanish and German
Some Fun Facts About Nicholai
- Other Languages Nicholai Speaks or is Learning: Continuing to learn French on the side using Celine Dion's music and interviews
- Study Abroad: Madrid, Spain; Salzburg, Austria; and Stuttgart, Germany
- Favorite Word in Another Language: Coquetear (to flirt), quisquilloso (picky), descarado (sassy/cheeky)
What are you most excited about when you think of your future classroom?
Designing it and making it my own. I look forward to creating a classroom that is very me. I also look forward to having a space where I can connect with students and build relationships with them.
What activities or experiences would you say have most prepared you to enter the classroom or profession?
Working in childcare prepared me the most. I work at a daycare back home in Kent, Ohio (where I'm from) where I do the summer program, after-school program, before-school program, and winter break program. I've worked there for 5 years and have worked with children starting from Kindergarten to 7th grade. This job has really helped me. There are certain students there who have changed me for the better and have moved me in ways I never knew were even possible.
What advice or message would you like to share with fellow future language educators?
Take it all in and visit as many big cities in the country that speaks the language you want to teach. It will help you in the long run when you teach about culture and geography in the classroom since you have been there in person.
What has most surprised you (thus far) about language teaching?
There is always room for improvement and still so much to learn. There is still a big gap in terms of proficiency levels between a world language educator and a native-level speaker. The goal post is always ahead of you.
What makes an amazing language educator?
An amazing language teacher switches it up and embeds variety into their lessons. Speaking exercises, writing exercises, fun games and activities, movies and videos, vocabulary sheets, skits/plays, etc. All are potential options. I think having a variety and a mix of how to go at teaching a language makes the educator much more well-rounded.
You’re invited!
- Explore the Teacher Scholarship Program and refer aspiring teachers in your network.
- Hear reflections from fellow graduates in a short video!
- Share your #LanguageDream on social media @LangConnectsFdn.