Nicole Drayer brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to education to her role as a 3rd-grade teacher at Holy Family Catholic School. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary and Special Education from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, as well as a Master’s Degree in Reading from the same institution. With a career spanning diverse roles and settings, Nicole has dedicated her talents to teaching for over 20 years.
Nicole's journey in education has taken her through various roles, including Developmental Consultant at Head Start, Learning Support teacher at Shaler Area Middle School, and Title I Reading teacher at Northwestern School District. She also gained valuable experience through her roles at Holiday Park United Methodist Preschool, as a building substitute for Plum Borough School District, and through her own tutoring business, before finding her home at Holy Family.
What Nicole loves most about working in a Catholic school is the opportunity to freely live out her faith and share her love of Jesus with her students. She is deeply passionate about connecting with children and providing them with the support and encouragement they need to thrive. Nicole firmly believes that every child can grow and achieve, emphasizing the importance of creating a positive environment and support system tailored to each student's needs.
In her classroom, Nicole fosters a welcoming and nurturing environment where children feel loved and supported. She employs diverse methods of learning to meet the needs of all students, ensuring that learning is both structured and enjoyable. Nicole finds great joy in witnessing her students' growth and moments of discovery, cherishing the opportunity to make a difference in their lives.
Outside of her teaching responsibilities, Nicole enjoys spending time with her family and friends in the comfort of their old farmhouse near Boyce Park. She and her husband are very proud of their three children, Caleb, Eden, and Elijah. Nicole’s heart is full, as she watches them grow into the teenagers and young adults God intends for them to be. She embraces the beauty of all four seasons and loves hiking in the wooded area behind her house, antique shopping, and savoring cups of coffee. Nicole is actively involved in community outreach programs and shares her faith journey through speaking engagements at Women's events.