19 Apr 6 Things to Know About Ms. Nicky Geis: San Diego County Outstanding Teacher of the Year
SET High is so pleased to announce that Ms. Nicky Geis won the Outstanding Teacher Award at the May 14, 2021 Charter Stars event. We are thrilled to to have one of our own recognized throughout San Diego County and congratulate Ms. Geis for this well-deserved recognition!
Ms. G, as students like to call her, is a native San Diegan whose fun-loving, positive energy-giving style enchants students, fellow teachers and staff alike. Ms. Geis is a thought leader, whose driving passion is to help people stand in their purpose and walk in their truth. Ms. Geis teaches Leadership with an emphasis on Personal Growth and Development. We asked Ms.G six questions about why she is an educator and how she finds success in her role:
Why are you an educator?
“Because it’s important.” Ms. G loves to watch her students grow and improve. She enjoys seeing her students gain confidence, and evolve in their thinking. She cherishes her job as a teacher because she knows it as an awesome responsibility and it’s one she takes very seriously.
Why are you an educator at a charter school?
“Charter schools create an environment many students need to learn, to flourish, and to thrive. With the flexibility afforded public charter schools and by having a choice in schools, teachers, parents and students can prioritize the holistic academic setting that works for them. SET High is a great fit for many high schoolers — and it’s our honor to provide that special, affirming and inspiring high school experience.”
What makes SET High a special place to teach, learn and grow?
“At SET High, we teachers constantly learn and grow. Almost every day our students teach us, too! SET feels like home because everyone is enabled to come as they are. Our students are universally seen for who they are; they are supported, loved and pushed out of their comfort zones. As a teacher, I get to explore my passions as they translate into our classrooms (specifically my Leadership classes) — and watch as they resonate with my students.
Every SET High teacher loves being here because we love what we teach. Our administration actively encourages us to bring new ideas, research, and methods — to best support our students. We collectively march to enhance student growth and learning. And it is our school culture to empower every SET High student and teacher to be themselves, without barriers.”
What has COVID 19 taught Ms. G?
“It’s hard to transfer our energy through a screen.” Ms. G feels even more strongly now — how essential and vital connection is. “The social aspects of our lives matter, we humans are hard-wired for it. Connection builds us and when we are together — we better feel how we belong.
Also, a lesson from COVID 19, is the importance of our mental health. We must speak at length and in-depth about how we are doing, The influence of our minds — over what we can and cannot do — is huge.
The majority of students learn better when in a classroom. That safe and healthy connection enables SET students and teachers to truly engage and that’s why we put so much energy as a school to get students back into the classroom.
What is your definition of success as a teacher at SET High?
“Investing in student growth and learning is an ongoing endeavor. Student learning while at SET High builds skills for a lifetime.” Ms. G loves to see students believe in themselves, triumph over setbacks, and learn that challenges and failures are sometimes the biggest learning moments of all. Thanks for all you do for us, Ms. G!
More about Ms. G
Want to see her in action? Check out this Passion Talk Ms. G gave our SET High students.
When she is not in a classroom, Ms. Geis gives talks to students, parents, and teachers throughout San Diego. Her other love is facilitating for The Anti-Defamation League, where she empowers students to be leaders of promoting inclusive and compassionate environments wherever they go.
SET High is enrolling for 9-12th grade now. Join Ms. Geis and us — for an engaging, passion-curating and academically robust small high school — tuition-free!
About SET High
SET High offers each student individual attention from multi-talented, highly qualified teachers, a healthy camaraderie with classmates and an intellectually rigorous environment that brings out their talents and personality. With a wide variety of electives, flexible scheduling, dual enrollment college classes and more — our students regularly exceed their academic and personal expectations. Enrolling now!