Teacher of the Month: Kaylea Nocher

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. 

 

Nocher described her teaching style as "very autonomous," empowering students with choices and a voice, and providing opportunities for them to actively shape their own learning journey.

 

"It's important to me that I'm teaching them that they do have a lot to bring to the table, and it can be heard here, even in an environment where sometimes it doesn't feel like they have a lot of choice," she said. 

 

Students sometimes miss the opportunity to see where their own choices can lead because they are usually guided by adults. By involving students in their learning, we show them that their ideas matter and that they are valued members of the classroom community, Nocher said.

 

This philosophy came to life during the school visit, where students actively participated in filming Nocher's episode — asking her questions, learning about the lavalier microphone, and some requests to take control of the camera. 

 

Students describe her as a patient and caring educator, praising her engaging activities, such as Fun Friday and brain breaks with dance parties.

 

Several students expressed that they wish she could be their teacher forever, adding that she makes them excited to come to school each day. 

 

Nearly every nomination said Nocher goes "above and beyond for her students," each describing a different way she has won her students and their families hearts, from student advocacy, communication, compassion, and ability to cater her teaching to the students needs and pace. 

 

"Nocher deserves this because she has been an amazing teacher and advocate for my son who has behavioral needs. She has worked with him through everything from meltdowns to getting him to do his work when he didn't want to," said Tracy Matthews, a parent and one of the nominators. 

 

Teaching assistant Jenna Moulton, who witnesses Nocher's positive impact daily, was also compelled to submit a nomination.

 

She described how Nocher teaches not only essential academic skills like math, writing, and reading, but also emotional learning — including communication, managing emotions, dealing with consequences, and moving forward with a positive attitude.

 

"Our first graders absolutely adore her and she goes out of her way to create a special morning message for the class and creates a stable and consistent environment. She creates songs to engage the students and even makes every holiday special," Moulton said. 

 

"She let the students have an amazing week before Christmas with the Grinch movie, sledding, and extra play time with her dad even coming in to read a book and gift goodie bags. I could go on and on about Ms. Nocher. If anyone deserves recognition it's Kaylea Nocher." 

 

Nominators said that even after moving on to the next grade, students still fondly recollect on their time in Nocher's class. 

 

"Kaylea has always been such a supportive, kind, and loving teacher. My son was in her class last year and still talks about her being the best teacher in the universe," one nominating parent said. 

 

"She goes above and beyond to ensure each child is learning at their own pace and grows a personal relationship with each of her students. Not looking at them like just another student. We will forever be grateful my son had her for first grade." 

 

Nocher said working with a new group of students every year is very special to her because each year they bring something new to the classroom. 

 

"I love learning all their little personalities, and by the end of the school year, I have a really hard time saying goodbye to them. They're all so special to me, and I think the most impactful thing is getting the opportunity to be honored with their presence,"

 

Nocher said the students teach her more than she is able to teach them, which is an "awesome experience as an educator." 

 

"I love how imaginative they are. I love how curious they are, and they bring so much to the classroom. They have all these different perspectives, and they have all these questions, and it really helps us engage in some really deep conversations…," she said. 

 

"These first grade students are some of the most compassionate and empathetic little minds that I've ever had a chance to meet. They are so caring, and the way that they think of others and they care for others is really inspiring."