NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — First-grade students in Kaylea Nocher's class feel secure and empowered in the classroom, confidently embracing mistakes as they take charge of their learning.

 

This safe and fun atmosphere has earned Nocher the iBerkshires Teacher of the Month designation. The Teacher of the Month series, in collaboration with Berkshire Community College, features distinguished teachers nominated by community members. You can nominate a teacher here. 

 

Nearly a dozen parents and colleagues nominated the Brayton Elementary School teacher, praising her dedication, connection to students, and engaging classroom environment — going above and beyond to foster growth in her students.

 

"My students are the most important part of the job, and instilling love and a love for learning with them is so valuable," she said. 

 

"We have these little minds that we get to mold in a safe and loving environment, and it's really special to be able to do that with them."

 

Nocher has built her classroom on the foundation of love, describing it as the umbrella for all learning. 

 

"If you have your students feel loved… in the sense that they have a love for learning, they have a love for taking risks, they have a love for themselves, and they can use that in everything that they do," she said.