Today is National Teachers’ Day and we couldn’t be happier to celebrate this awesome day by celebrating an equally awesome educator. So, if you’re looking for a truly inspiring teacher, then head over to Arnold, Nebraska where you’ll find the 2011 Great Plains Communications’ Teacher of the Year, Nicole Badgley from Arnold Public Schools. (We know there are amazing teachers all across Nebraska; just ask our judging committee! Selecting the recipient is the hardest job of the year!)
During her tenure, Badgley helped in the planning, development and maintenance for one of the first 1:1 laptop initiatives for small schools in Nebraska. Due to her efforts, beginning in 2006, all students in ninth through twelfth grade received their own laptops. Eventually, the program was expanded for students K-12.
In addition to her schoolwork, Badgley is the 4H Leader for the Oconto Club and a member of the Oconto Alumni Committee. Badgley also wrote two FEMA grants for the Oconto volunteer firemen earning more than $275,000 in funds for the department.
“Every day I get to watch high school students find their own voice through writing, reading, filming videos, music production, creative art production, graphic design and so many other methods they have produced from one simple laptop and their own imagination,” Badgley stated in her nomination form.
Badgely is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in English from the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK). She holds a Master’s Degree in Instructional Technology and a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary English and Journalism, both from UNK as well.
Here at Great Plains Communications, we are so proud that we’re able to dedicate resources to education in our communities. So, today we want to let all teachers know how much they are appreciated. Make sure to say thank you to the educators in your life!