The National Honor Society Teacher of the Month for November was English teacher Nikki Daniels.
Daniels has been teaching at South High for 23 years and said she has enjoyed every year. Her first teaching job was at Hazelwood Central High and she taught there for two years before becoming a Patriot.
This school year Daniels teaches Words on Fire, AP English Language and Composition and Honors English 1. When she’s not teaching, Daniels enjoys going out to eat, hanging out with friends and reading.
Daniels says this about her love for teaching.
“My love of English first drew me to teaching. I loved literature and wanted to share that passion. I decided that the best way to do this was to teach high school,” she said.
Daniels’ co-workers said they love working with her.
“I enjoy working with Mrs. Daniels because she works really hard to get to know her students and figure out what they need as learners and as people and then meet them where they are to help them get to the next level. On top of that, she’s a great friend and a fun person to be hallway neighbors with,” English teacher Shannon Lesko said.
Lesko said she thought Daniels was very deserving of being Teacher of the Month.
“Students always comment on how Mrs. Daniels is tough but approachable and that they always learn a ton from her,” she said.
Students also commented on having Daniels as a teacher. Junior Etta Brazel has Daniels for AP Lang.
”I think she’s wonderful. She’s good at grading essays and she’s a flexible teacher,” she said. ”She’s very helpful and great at feedback.”
Junior Leila Chettfour also has Daniels for AP Lang.
“I wasn’t really surprised because I think she’s a really good teacher,” Chettfour said.
Junior Anum Khan says Daniels helps her AP Lang class feel comfortable.
“I feel like she definitely builds up a safe environment and tries to get everyone to talk at some point,” Khan said. “I really appreciate her professionalism and she’s a really good teacher.”
Khan says she feels Mrs. Daniels is very caring.
“She takes the time individually to call students up to talk to them about their assignments,” he said.
