- Melissa Strouth, Cleveland Heights High School

“Cleveland Heights High School is lucky to have Nicole Zubik and her love and enthusiasm for teaching her students.”

Nicole Zubik is an absolutely amazing teacher. Does she have goofy taxidermied animals all over her room? Yes. Is she the best teacher any kid could ever hope to have? Also, yes.

I am a 20-veteran and know in my teacher heart that Ms. Zubik is amazing by the teaching-related ideas she shares, the instructional strategies she models, and the professional development she provides for staff around social-emotional learning and technology. I am also the mother of one of her students, and I know in my mommy heart that she is amazing by the way my son lights up when he talks about her class, how she makes him feel valued, and the fascinating information he shares about what he is learning in neuroscience. 

This year, Ms. Zubik is teaching College Credit Plus Neuroscience, a course she advocated for so students could have equitable access to college-level coursework. She also teaches Advanced Placement Biology and actively recruits first-time AP students to enroll in her class. She excels in organizing her classroom and subject matter in a way that supports student learning, with clearly communicated plans and resources, provided via technology, for both students and families. Everyone is given access to a calendar featuring a weekly overview of coursework with embedded links to each day’s materials as well as opportunities for deeper learning and extension. 

Ms. Zubik takes the time to ask students to share how they are doing and to submit ideas as to how they would prefer to be encouraged if they were struggling in her class in the future. Students regularly talk about how much they appreciate her focus on actually learning science — true meaningful science — not busy work or arbitrary deadlines. They express gratitude for the variety of ways she presents material. She offers multiple access points to learn potentially difficult concepts and offers choice in the practice of new concepts, which include labs, games, simulations, and opportunities for creativity.

Cleveland Heights High School is lucky to have Nicole Zubik and her love and enthusiasm for teaching her students.

Teachers Honor Teachers

The Martha Holden Jennings Foundation has launched a new program this fall inviting teachers to recognize a colleague they know is doing exceptional work in the classroom.

In the above post, Melissa Strouth expresses her admiration for fellow teacher, Nicole Zubik. Thank you to both educators for your dedication to students and for taking the time to showcase what it means to deliver challenging, innovative, and student-centered lessons that result in powerful and deep learning.

Through the Teachers Honor Teachers Program, The Foundation is seeking Ohio public school teachers to share great things about a teaching colleague in an Ohio public school that ensures deep learning for students. If we choose to post your story, we will award $500 toward that teacher's classroom for their great work and $500 toward your classroom for honoring their excellence. Apply here.