Nicholas Rhoads, Southdale Elementary

Position: 5th grade Teacher

Years Teaching: 10 years

Hobbies/Interests: Walks with my family, playing cards and video games with my children, and long boarding

What do you enjoy most about teaching? Knowing that I get to play a small part in the success of all my students.

What do you find the most challenging about teaching? Knowing that I get to play a small part in the success of all my students.

Best tip for new teachers: Build relationships with your students. Relationships are the foundation for all other learning. Without it, it will never matter how good your lesson is.

Best tip for career teachers: Remember why you got into this profession and never lose sight of it. Think of the teacher that inspired you and be that teacher to your students. Always pay it forward.

Favorite piece of advice for students: Your deeds are your monuments.

What being a Gold Star Teacher means to you: I hope it serves as validation for all of the teachers, coaches, and administrators who invested the time and mentorship into me. For me, being a Gold Star teacher an accomplishment I will hold in the highest regard in my educational career because it symbolizes my passion and love for the teaching profession.