6/29/24   Meet Nikole Emerson

As a kindergarten teacher with over two decades of experience, Nikole Emerson understands the importance of staying current with the latest teaching methodologies and trends in education. That's why she started taking courses from The Innovative Northwest Teacher (TINT) before the pandemic and has continued to take one to two classes a year ever since.

TINT, a pioneer in offering graduate-level continuing education classes for K-12 educators, has profoundly impacted professional growth, student success, and the overall advancement of the education sector. Its mission to ignite a passion for learning and teaching, reduce teacher burnout, and provide practical and relevant professional development opportunities is truly inspiring.

According to Nikole, there is a lot to love about TINT’s programs including the diversity of course options, topical and current course selections, flexibility of the course structure to fit teachers’ classroom and credit needs, and the courses’ self-paced nature.

“The self-paced nature of the courses allows me to complete them within my schedule, and the flexibility to tailor-fit the courses based on my interests and classroom needs has been incredibly beneficial," says Nikole.

Nikole's experience with TINT courses has empowered her with practical knowledge and new ideas that have significantly impacted her teaching practice and her school community. A concept she learned from a TINT course inspired a successful school-wide reading initiative, demonstrating the practicality and effectiveness of the knowledge gained.

When the school set out to do a "One School, One Book" initiative, they found it challenging to find a book that would engage readers spanning grades kindergarten through 5th. Based on an experience with a TINT course, Nikole recommended their Literacy Specialist change the event to a "One School, One Author" initiative. She helped identify an author who wrote a junior and intermediate-level book with the same characters. It enabled teachers, students, their families, and the school to unite for a successful all-school reading adventure.

TINT's offerings in courses serving students with special needs have been particularly eye-opening for Nikole. 

“A lot has changed since I received my degree in teaching students with autism spectrum disorder. The inclusive approach and innovative strategies presented in TINT’s course brought me up-to-date on the latest developments,” says Nikole.

The diverse books course offered by TINT has also been invaluable in helping her bring a wide range of perspectives and experiences into her classroom. 

“It is vital to ensure that students have access to a diverse selection of books that serve as mirrors, windows, and doors for their learning and understanding,” says Nikole.

What truly sets TINT apart, from Nikole's perspective, is not only the diversity and quality of the course content but also the dedication and expertise of the instructors. Their passion for the topics they teach, coupled with their extensive knowledge of child development and classroom experience, provide educators taking the course with invaluable support and guidance.

Nikole’s experience with TINT has been incredibly rewarding, and she wholeheartedly recommends it to other teachers. The accessibility and relevance of TINT courses make them an excellent way to stay current with the latest educational research and best practices. She pointed out that most districts reimburse teachers for continuing education classes, making the opportunity practically free for the taking.

"I always walk away from a TINT course learning something new that I can bring to my classroom," says Nikole. "It's an easy way to stay current on what's happening in education research and for educators to enhance teaching experiences which enhance student learning experiences."

To learn more about the wide range of courses available from TINT, click here.