Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Trimmer

*Teacher: Second Grade*

By: Morgan Blechschmid and Danielle Shehee

April 20, 2021

Mrs. Nora Trimmer is a second-grade teacher at the Brooklyn School. She has been an elementary school teacher since 1991. Trimmer enjoys her position in the Brooklyn City School District, and she loves interacting with her students to train them for present and future success. Trimmer has been a positive influence for all of her students throughout the years and loves incorporating humor into her classroom. Because of these reasons, Mrs. Trimmer was chosen for this week’s staff profile. 

Q: What grade levels have you taught?

A: “I have been so fortunate in the last 24 years to teach all the wonderful second-grade students in what was once Roadoan, then Brookridge, and now the Brooklyn School. My first six years involved tutoring English Language Learners and students with specific learning disabilities (K-12).”

Q: In your opinion, what are some of the pros and cons of teaching?

A: Pros: “I am always reminded on the first day of all the 30 school years I have enjoyed here that children are excited to learn! And I am excited to develop their Growth Mindset which always leads to that ‘AHA’ moment! If I practice and keep trying, I will learn it. How awesome is that? Their little faces and personalities grow over the years, and sometimes, I even get to meet them again along the way. Perhaps it’s the letters and notes I have received from seniors in the AVID program who, after 10 years, still remember second grade. Or, high school graduation invitations from former students. The occasional visits from former students after they have graduated from high school, too. And the icing on the cake, working with former students who return as teachers.” 

Cons: “There are so many wonderful things to help shape a student, not only involving classroom learning but life lessons. Sometimes, I wish there was more time to spend with each of my students. It’s a double-edged sword, the pride at the end of the school year to see all the growth my students have made and the hopefulness of a successful transition into their next, academic journey.”

Q: Where did you go to college?

A: “I am a Cleveland girl, through and through; Cleveland State University is where I developed my love of teaching and achieved my Bachelors and Masters in Education.”

Q: How has the pandemic affected your job?

A: “The pandemic certainly has made me more flexible, innovative, and has increased my technology knowledge, which actually is a plus in this day and age. But as we all have learned, Zoom is not the most conducive, learning platform for elementary school-aged students.  Online learning does infringe on social interactions among my students; therefore, it has taken longer for my shy students to build friendships. Now that we are back to in-person instruction, I am excited to see some new friendships blooming. The learning gaps have been significant and challenging, but my fellow teachers and I are taking one day at a time to teach and support our students in a safe environment.”

Q: What inspired you to become a teacher?

A: “I was always that sister who helped her brothers in school and just had a natural attraction to the teaching field. Thank goodness I listened to my mother’s encouraging words when she told me to pursue my teaching degree and then later to apply to my alma mater, Brooklyn City Schools.”

Q: Would you ever consider teaching grade levels above the elementary level?

A: “I cannot imagine teaching any other grade level after 24 years of teaching second graders; plus, let’s be honest, it is nice to be taller than my students, since anyone that knows me knows I am vertically-challenged. Honestly, students at this age are inquisitive and excited to learn; I love that! They also encourage each other to do well and celebrate each other’s accomplishments and achievements. This year, my students applaud each other when they have reached a goal in reading or math. It is adorable and priceless to witness!”

Q: What are some of your hobbies?

A: “I enjoy hiking with my family and our adorable Labradoodle, Teddy. Life is full with spending time with great friends and before the pandemic even traveling to amazing places.”

Q: If you had the opportunity to meet someone who inspires you, who would it be?

A: “That’s an easy one. Anita Archer, definitely! I would LOVE to have lunch with this high energy, passion-driven educator who I am told is also a fellow, vertically-challenged educator. In this ever-changing, educational landscape, I am always looking for inspiration to keep the classroom experience fun and exciting.”

Thank you for your time, Mrs. Trimmer!  The impact you make on second-grade students is amazing and commendable.  Trust us, they will remember you just like we do.