Nicole Wrayno was born in Williamsburg, Virginia, and lived there until she was 12 years old, when her mom remarried and they moved to Michigan to be closer to her stepfather’s family. She is the oldest of four with two younger brothers and one sister.
Wrayno went to Michigan State for her undergraduate/teaching degree and to the University of Michigan for her master’s degree. She also has an admin degree from Eastern. When she was in school, she wanted to be a pediatric oncologist, but after starting school and realizing she’d be in college for a long time, she realized that she really just wanted to work with kids. She had many teachers in her life who influenced her in positive ways and changed her trajectory in life, and it made her want to be that person for others.
Bach Principal Colette Ivey says that Wrayno is an integral member of the Bach community. According to Ivey, Wrayno builds strong relationships with her students and embraces challenges without hesitation while consistently performing at an exemplary level.
Ivey notes that Wrayno’s relaxed demeanor creates a positive and calming atmosphere in the classroom and that her ability to connect with students allows her to effectively meet their individual needs.
“Ms. Wrayno is deeply committed to inclusion and diversity, ensuring that every student feels valued and supported,” says Ivey.
Wrayno lives in Ypsilanti with her wife and five adopted children ranging from six to 19 years old and one foster child who is one year old.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I grew up in a single-parent household where my young mom struggled to pay bills, and I was often left to help care for my younger sibling. My teachers helped fill in the gaps and inspired me to dream big for my future. I looked up to my 3rd-5th grade teachers and really believe they motivated me to want to achieve more for myself as a young child. I really love working with kids and think that their influence was part of the motivation to become a teacher.
How does teaching a split 3rd/4th grade classroom differ from teaching a single grade level?
Teaching a split classroom has definitely provided a challenge this year. The biggest difference is attempting to teach multiple lessons within a subject and making sure everyone feels included and engaged. I do appreciate the natural mentoring that has occurred and friendships across grade levels that may not have otherwise happened.
What’s most challenging about your job?
The most challenging part of my job is finding time to teach all the curriculum while also balancing students’ needs and getting to know them as people outside of school. I also really strive to create a classroom environment where all feel safe to take risks and are inspired to do their best, and sometimes making space for that is challenging with all of the curriculum demands.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your work?
The most rewarding part of teaching elementary is seeing the growth each year. Students make tons of growth socially/emotionally and academically, and that’s wonderful to see. I also appreciate when students keep in touch, and I get to hear about how their lives are in middle school, high school, and even after they graduate.
What do you like about working at Bach in particular?
Bach is a very special place. The community and support are like no other place that I’ve ever worked. Parents are extremely supportive of teachers and are truly raising kind children who treat each other with respect. Since there isn’t teacher turnover, there is a solid group of teachers who have been teaching together for many years and support each other wherever needed, but also feel safe asking for help.
How do you build a sense of community in the classroom?
We work on building community in the classroom from day one. We start each day with morning meetings and class check-ins. I have a mailbox where students can drop off their concerns, worries, shout-outs (recognizing kindness), etc. We play games together and do a lot of cooperative learning activities. I also attempt to attend at least one event for each child outside of school so they know that I care about who they are as a person, not only what they can do academically. We play games at recess and make it a point to make sure no one is left out or feels unwelcome to join.
What about the use of technology in your classroom?
We use technology primarily for Lexia, Dreambox, and writing. I do feel that it’s important for kids to have limited technology and choose to have students read physical books and play math games, etc., during instructional times.
Most used app on your phone: The most used app on my phone is probably Facebook.
Favorite music:
I love Brandi Carlile and we’ve traveled to see her several times, but my 6 & and 7-year-olds are currently obsessed with Taylor Swift, so I often don’t get to choose the music in the car, and I can now sing most Taylor Swift songs.
Outside of teaching, what hobbies or interests do you pursue that help you maintain work-life balance?
Outside of teaching, I love to read. I’ve more recently enjoyed historical fiction (Kristin Hannah), but also love a good true crime or drama that keeps you guessing with who did it. I also enjoy golfing, playing volleyball, hanging with my family, having bonfires/swimming in our backyard, and traveling.
How do you spend your summers?
I typically spend my summers lying by our pool reading a book, playing tennis, and golfing. We also take a lot of day trips to parks, the zoo, different libraries, and are always up for an adventure.
Wrayno and family at a recent Tigers’ game (above) and pausing for a portrait, below.
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