2006 IMLA Region 3A  Educator of the Year

Nichole Cruser

    Do you ever wonder what happens to the enthusiastic, exemplary and exciting teachers when they become administrators?  You need only look at Nichole Cruser of Hacker Middle School to find out!  Mrs. Cruser is our vice principal and its advocate for middle school practices and philosophies. 

    I’ve know Nichole since 2003 when she became a member of our 7th grade team.  At that time, she had transferred from the elementary level to teach reading at HMS.  Nichole became the spark of excitement on our team.  She advocated for the students, believed in middle school, and would do anything to help a team member.  One of Mrs. Cruser’s greatest contributions to our school (besides being an outstanding teacher) was to help organize student involved assemblies. The students looked forward to these quarterly assemblies with great anticipation. 

    Last year, Mrs. Cruser became our new vice principal.  Her enthusiasm for middle school followed her to the new position! She still helps organize assemblies, but her greatest accomplishment as a VP is her ability to make teachers feel valued and important.  This is so important in a time of educational turmoil!  From simple things such as bringing you your mail to organizing beneficial staff development days, the teachers know we are appreciated.  Mrs. Cruser has extended this same idea to the students.  She has created a Tiger Awards program which enables her to visit with students she wouldn’t normally see on a daily basis.  Each month, she brings breakfast for about a dozen students selected by the teams.  The students and Mrs. Cruser visit about school, life, and everyday happenings.  Mrs. Cruser’s sense of humor keeps her sane in what could normally be a very stressful job.  One such incident involved finding out which students were instigating some naughty behaviors on the playground at lunch.  She pulled back her hair into a pony tail, put on a hat and blue jeans, and went out on the playground disguised as a student.  The naughty students didn’t even realize she was there and they were caught red-handed.