Being an educator can be physically and emotionally draining, says Nichole L. Gross, a Henrico County Public Schools teacher.

“If you’re not tired by the end of the day, you are not doing your job,” Ms. Gross firmly believes.

The eighth-grade English teacher at Fairfield Middle School should know. She recently was named Henrico County Public Schools’ Gilman Teacher of the Year. The award is presented to educators who excel in the classroom and build strong relationships in the community.

Ms. Gross’ success in the classroom doesn’t stop when the school day ends. It is not unusual for her to not only spend time in her students’ communities, but to also coordinate fundraisers for children in Flint, Mich., or assist with water relief efforts in areas such as South Sudan.

Despite the countless hours she spends teaching, mentoring and volunteering, Ms. Gross, 37, says she was surprised when she learned that she was one of five finalists for the Gilman award.

“I was completely shocked when I was announced as the Teacher of the Year for the entire county,” says Ms. Gross, who worked in information technology before joining Fairfield 10 years ago. Her passion for improving literacy in underprivileged communities inspired her teaching career.

One might also say that teaching is part of her DNA in that her grandmother, Ethelene Coleman, was an English teacher in Brunswick County, Va.

“I never met my grandmother,” Ms. Gross says. “And people who knew her or who had my grandmother as their English teacher have told me that my writing was so much (like) hers and how great she was as an educator.”

But that wasn’t the only education-minded person in Ms. Gross’ family. Her grandfather raised her father, Michael Gross, to read a newspaper every single day. That habit was passed down to Ms. Gross’ household, where literacy was always at the forefront.

“I’m thankful now to be able to give other children the same opportunity for which I have a passion,” she says.

Ms. Gross grew up in Washington, D.C. Her father formerly taught at Houston Elementary School, and also managed youth programs in public housing communities. He now directs a shelter for homeless people in Northern Virginia.

Her passion for teaching reading in underprivileged communities began at age 16 while assisting her father in his public housing programs.

She created her own reading program through a youth summer employment program.

“My dad gave me that experience from the beginning, and it helped me along my journey to becoming an educator and (learning) the importance of building relationships,” Ms. Gross says.

Her human relations skills were among reasons that Ms. Gross’ faculty peers nominated her for Teacher of the Year at Fairfield Middle School, which was the beginning of her road to Henrico County’s Teacher of the Year.

“As a teacher, I try to build a relationship with all of my students and I spend a lot of time outside of the classroom doing volunteer work and going into the community,” Ms. Gross says.

She also attends high school football games and events in her students’ communities.

Ms. Gross believes that every child, notwithstanding their socioeconomic situation or physical or mental capacity, has the ability succeed academically and live out their dreams.

“I get a great sense of accomplishment and pride in the children I teach because I don’t have children of my own,” she says. “My students are my children. It is my job to seek out ways to help each of my students in achieving success and growth.”

Meet this week’s Personality and award-winning educator, Nicole L. Gross:

Occupation: Eighth-grade English teacher and athletic director, Fairfield Middle School in Henrico County.

Community involvement: Represented Fairfield Middle School at several community events such as National Night Out; volunteered at the Annual Walk for Lupus in Richmond (2013 – 2017); volunteered for the Annual Thanksgiving Dinner/Coat & Clothes Giveaway in Richmond (2009 – 2017); sponsored a weekend trip to the Virginia Children’s Book Festival that allowed several of my students to meet various authors in 2017.

Date and place of birth: Feb. 7 in Charlottesville.

Current residence: Richmond’s Highland Park neighborhood.

Alma maters: Capella University, master’s in education with a specialization in reading and literacy, and Virginia State University, bachelor’s in English.

First reaction to top teacher award news: I was already surprised when I was told I was one of the five finalists and completely shocked when I was announced as the Teacher of the Year for the entire county.

How I got the news: It was announced at the large HCPS Gilman Awards Ceremony in May 2018.

Foremost reward of teaching: My greatest reward in being a teacher is celebrating every success of each of my students, no matter how big or small.

Foremost challenge: I work really hard at building and maintaining strong and meaningful relationships with my students, so my greatest challenge is in practicing self-care. I have to remember to take care of myself emotionally and physically.

What I do to engage my students: I constantly seek ways to make learning as relevant for my students as possible, whether it be through literature or something like creating grammar-related lyrics to popular songs.

Advice to aspiring teachers: When you become a teacher, make it your business to build relationships with each of your students and keep your expectations high for each of them. When kids know that you genuinely care, they will work hard to meet your expectations.

Role of parents in learning process: Parents are crucial to the learning process, especially when it comes to literacy.

Biggest problem facing students today: One of the primary issues I see in education has to do with the cultural obstacles that have been preventing key intervention strategies from closing the achievement gaps.

What needs to be done: I believe that one of the most important strategies for dismantling inequitable school practices that contribute to racial and gender inequity is to address professional attitudes, values and beliefs.  As an instructional leader, I think it is important to provide staff development (programs) that address and develop these dispositions, as well as confronting prejudices and stereotypes. Although there are many teachers who are highly knowledgeable about academic content, there are also many who do not have the experience or cultural sensitivity necessary to promote and develop educational environments that are equitable and inclusive. Cultural competence is an important factor in being able to make learning relevant and achievable for all students.

A good teacher is: An excellent educator is not only one who can instruct with high efficiency, but one who understands her students’ skills, abilities and shortcomings impact their desire to try. It is my belief that the first step to empowering our youths in achieving success is making sure they have the literacy skills necessary to compete in the challenging world.

A good student is: One who advocates for him/herself and understands the importance of self-efficacy. My goal is for my students to acknowledge the way they learn and how they can thrive in any learning environment.

Favorite subject in school: Ironically, my favorite subject in school was always math because numbers always make sense. This is probably why I always look for formulaic ways to teach reading and writing.

How I start the day: I start every day knowing that at least one of my students will achieve some level of success.

Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: Sit in my house alone with no television and no music. Just quiet.

A quote that I am inspired by: “Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.”— Booker T. Washington.

How I unwind: I enjoy taking my dog to the park for long walks and duck watching.

The top of my “to do” list is: Travel to Africa. I am currently a finalist for the R.E.B. Awards. If I win, that is what I will do with my award.

Person who influenced me the most: My paternal grandfather, George William Gross. Even though he passed away when I was 9, his life lessons and wisdom continue to be at the forefront of who I am as a person.

Book that influenced me the most: “The Color Purple” by Alice Walker because it was the first book that I read.

What I’m reading now: “Barracoon: The Story of the Last Black Cargo” by Zora Neal Hurston. This is a newly released book based on her interviews in 1931 with Cudjo Lewis, the last living survivor of the Middle Passage. I’m also rereading “Dear Martin” by Nic Stone.

Next goal: I am going back to school in August to earn my post graduate certificate in educational leadership.