Middle school science teacher Nichole Hantsch has been named one of three finalists for 2024 New York State Teacher of the Year. Photo Credit: Fox 40.

Many excellent classroom teachers work in public schools in New York City. One of these is Nichole Hantsch, a science educator. She has been named one of three finalists for 2024 New York State Teacher of the Year by the New York State Education Department.

Nichole teaches physical science and agriculture to eighth graders at Chenango Forks Middle School in the Chanson Forks School District. She has been at the school for eight years now. In all, her career as an educator spans 17 years.

As a science teacher, Nichole says she is passionate about getting her students excited about science. She believes science education is critical in helping students understand modern advancements such as those taking place in the fields of medicine, technology, power, environmental sciences, and more. But ultimately, her goal is to inspire her students to love science as much as she does.

Furthermore, Nichole says collaboration in the classroom teaches her students important life skills that go beyond science. “I regularly remind them like, you don’t have to be best friends,” she declares, “but we do have to work together. We have to help each other.”

Nichole earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology in 2005, her Master’s degree in Teaching in 2007, and a second Master’s in Biology in 2008, all from Binghamton University, a public institution located in Binghamton, New York.