Meet Nick Ball, a New Teacher at Woodland Meadows Elementary

Saline Area Schools hired its largest incoming class of teachers in years. There are 13 new staff members in the school district this year. Over the next few weeks, we'll introduce you to them.

Today, we introduce you to Nick Ball.

Name: Nick Ball

What/where you teach: Quest at Woodland Meadows Elementary

Hometown: Manchester, Michigan

What university did you graduate from? Eastern Michigan University

What is your previous teaching or work experience? I student taught and held a long-term substitute position in 2nd grade classrooms at Pleasant Ridge Elementary during the 2011-12 school year. I also worked at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum in just about all of their education programs over the past four years. During the summer, I work at a day camp in Ann Arbor. 

Why did you decide on teaching as a profession? And why did you choose your specific subject/area? I was lucky enough to have had many wonderful teachers while I attended school in Manchester. They made learning fun, significant, and were great role models in my life. Because of them, I also want to make an impact on young children's lives, be a positive male role model, and make coming to school and learning fun! 

Describe a satisfying moment you have experienced as a teacher. One of the most satisfying moments that I have had in my brief teaching career, took place during my long-term substitute teaching position last year at the conclusion of our reading/writing unit on fairy tales. The students worked extremely hard, and it really showed as each student proudly read their published fairy tale story in front of the rest of the class. There were many laughs and connections to fairy tales that we had read together in class, and each student seemed to really take pride in their work. 

Who was your favorite teacher and why? Mr. Brian Schick. My dad was my high school geometry teacher, but I feel it's unfair to choose him. Mr. Schick was my 7th and 8th grade social studies teacher. He was able to bond and connect with students in a way that I hadn't seen up to that point in my schooling. He took an interest in students, and made coming to social studies the highlight of my day. While I was in college, he requested to meet with me in order to give me advice about the teaching profession. Did I mention that he was my middle school football and basketball coach? That helps keep Mr. Schick at the top of my favorite teachers list, though a couple others are very close. 

What is something about you that might surprise your students? Being a first year teacher in a new building, I've tried to connect with students and share as much about me as I possibly can. Thus, this is a hard question. I think many students would be surprised to learn that I would also like to coach middle school or high school basketball while I teach in Saline. 

How do you like to spend your time away from class? I enjoy spending time with my wife and family, watching Michigan football and basketball, doing anything sports related, traveling, camping, and relaxing.

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