We could not be prouder of MRH Middle School Communication Arts teacher Nicole Kinkelaar, who was named Educator of the Year by the Mid County Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Kinkelaar is just beginning her 3rd year at MRHMS. In introducing her to the crowd, MRHMS Principal Mike Zitzer described her authentic love of students and her exceptional leadership skills. 

“The moment you walk into Nicole’s classroom, it is clear that she is developing a welcoming, inviting, inclusive and supportive community,” said Mr. Zitzer. “From what’s on her walls, to the way she greets her students, to the expectations she holds them to… Nicole develops an environment where students can succeed and feel supported. She understands what’s at stake with students who struggle to learn and she creates an environment where they feel safe to fail, take risks and be challenged. They also know that all along the way, Nicole will be there to support them as students and people.

She masterfully led our week-long trip to Jekyll Island, Georgia, with over 100 students. I’m not sure if you’ve ever taken 100 students to the ocean or ridden a bus for 18 hours with middle schoolers, but it’s not easy… let alone plan and lead a trip effortlessly. Nicole’s ability to face challenge after challenge is truly admirable.”

Ms. Kinkelaar had high praise for her fellow instructors, as well as the families of the MRH students she serves. She called MRH “a District like no other.” 

Joining her at the September 17 awards breakfast at the Masonry Institute of St. Louis were her husband Ryan Kinkelaar and in-laws Tony and Elaine Kinkelaar.