Nicole Bjarnason

Teacher

Nicole is a dedicated bilingual educator passionate about shaping the future of students through culturally responsive methods. With extensive experience in curriculum development, school programs, and professional growth, she has built a solid foundation for her teaching career. Her love for teaching stems from her profound knowledge of the Spanish language and culture, allowing her to create immersive learning experiences. As a certified 7-12 Spanish teacher, Nicole has dedicated six years to teaching in various educational settings, including co-teaching at LIU Post and student teaching in Deer Park School District. Alongside her mentor, Dina Pannone, she co-founded Inspira Create Education, an educational consulting business that brings diverse talents to the table. Through Inspira Create Education, she extends her impact beyond the classroom, supporting educators, schools, and districts in creating inclusive and effective learning environments. Nicole is driven to empower students to thrive in a multicultural world.

In 2017, the Island Trees Union Free School District welcomed Nicole as a Spanish teacher for levels 7-12. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she proudly served as the advisor for both the French and Spanish Honor Societies, as well as the advisor for the freshman, sophomore, and junior classes. After 3.5 years, she had the opportunity to return to Deer Park High School, where her teaching journey began. It was a homecoming of sorts, allowing her to reconnect with the community that has become an integral part of her life.

Since September 2021, Nicole has immersed herself in the Deer Park community, taking on various roles that contribute to its growth and development. As Co-Advisor of the Spanish and French Honor Societies alongside Dina Pannone, she has facilitated opportunities for students to explore their language skills and embrace cultural enrichment. Additionally, she is an active member of several committees, including the Eligibility Committee, Student of the Month Committee, National Honor Society Committee, and Learning Support Committee, among others. To further support students, she has dedicated past lunch periods to co-teaching an ENL exploratory seminar with the school librarian. Additionally, she provides home tutoring for students who are unable to attend classes after school, ensuring that they receive the educational support they need. Furthermore, she regularly offers technical and curricular assistance to her fellow educators, sharing her knowledge and expertise.

Beyond the classroom, Nicole is committed to her own professional growth and development. As part of this commitment, she frequently teaches professional development courses at conferences and within her home district. These courses cover a wide range of topics, including Social Justice in the World Language Classroom, Inclusive Practices in the World Language Classroom, Using Digital Portfolios for Instruction and Assessment, Culturally Responsive Teaching Practices, Technology for World Language Teachers, Canva for Educators, Classroom Management for World Language Teachers, and many more.

With her unwavering dedication, passion for teaching, and commitment to fostering an inclusive and culturally responsive learning environment, Nicole strives to make a positive impact on the lives of her students and the educational community as a whole. Since September 2021, her immersion in the Deer Park community has been driven by a deep sense of purpose. Recognizing the need for a supportive space and club for ENL Spanish students and those who did not make the Spanish Honor Society due to grades, her colleague Julissa Larkin and she founded the LatinX Student Association. This dynamic club allows them to explore the vibrant cultural aspects of various Spanish-speaking countries and provide a sense of belonging for these students.

Recognizing her expertise and commitment to educational excellence, Nicole's district has invited her to serve as a tech mentor for the upcoming year. In this role, she will have the opportunity to share her comprehensive understanding of various educational technology tools with her colleagues, further enhancing their teaching practices. Additionally, her positive contributions to the Deer Park

School District have been recognized with two awards bestowed by the Board of Education, highlighting the impact she has made within the district.

In addition to her dedication to the students and her district, Nicole is nearing the completion of her Master's Degree in Adolescent Spanish Education, which is set to be finalized this summer. As part of her graduation requirements, she conducted an in-depth research project, culminating in a thesis that explores the connection between culturally responsive teaching and comprehensible input, a highly effective language teaching strategy.

Nicole is thrilled to share that she has had the privilege of presenting all over the world, including in Puerto Rico last year, where she had the opportunity to engage with passionate world language educators. Furthermore, she is excited to announce that this summer, she will be presenting with her business partner in Salamanca, Spain on Digital Portfolios for instruction, assessment, and more, a remarkable opportunity to connect with educators from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

In addition to her global presentations, Nicole is honored to have been appointed as one of the upcoming co-presidents of AATSP Long Island, the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese, alongside her esteemed business partner, Dina Pannone. This new role is a testament to their dedication and contributions to the field, and they are eager to lead and serve their community.

She was recently named a Leader of Tomorrow by the New York State Association for Language Teachers, an accolade that truly reflects her passion and impact in the field. She is actively involved in esteemed organizations such as ACTFL, NYSAFLT, NECTFL, and LILT, where she engages with professionals in the language education community, exchanges ideas, and stays up-to-date with the latest trends and practices. Additionally, last summer, she had the privilege of contributing to the Language Educator, ACTFL's esteemed educational journal. It was an incredible opportunity to share her insights on differentiating instruction for the World Language Classroom, aiming to inspire fellow educators and promote effective teaching methodologies.

With dedication, a profound passion for teaching, and an unyielding commitment to fostering an inclusive and culturally responsive learning environment, Nicole strives to make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of her students and the broader educational community.