Before school even starts, Nicole Stadler is already in costume – driving through town in a turkey suit. Whether lighting up a stage with karaoke, cheering on speech competitors, or helping AVID students craft college essays, she’s known for her vibrant presence and unwavering support.
At West Chicago Community High School, Stadler is more than a teacher—she is a constant.
From Theatre to Teaching
Stadler’s path to education was not traditional. Initially pursuing acting, she discovered her love for history and working with youth, which led her to the classroom. Combining her creative background with her interest in teaching, Stadler found ways to engage students in dynamic and personal ways. Her students remain her greatest inspiration, motivating her to bring enthusiasm and care into every lesson.
“Most teachers you’ll talk to will talk about the best teacher they ever had, the worst teacher they ever had, both being inspirational to them in a different way,” Stadler said.
She credits her own influential teachers for shaping her approach to education.
Her AP U.S. History teacher, Mr. Levine, taught her that humor and fun could transform a classroom into a place students wanted to be. Mr. Dice, her theater director, inspired a lifelong love of the arts and offered a piece of advice that still guides her: “Sometimes you need to leave something when you still love it.” Stadler says that message – about knowing when to move on – helped her recognize when to take risks and embrace change.
Her speech team coach, Mr. Studt, also left a lasting mark. He not only helped her become a stronger speaker and actress, but also modeled what it meant to build authentic, lasting relationships with students.
“I learned so much about how to connect with people and build a sense of community from him,” she said.
Stadler shared that Coach Studt’s legacy – visible in the number of former students who attended his funeral—is the kind of impact she hopes to have.
Defining Moments and Relational Teaching
Stadler believes that teaching is about more than just lessons – it is about relationships. She values moments when students express how her support and teaching style have influenced their lives. Whether it’s encouraging students to consider careers in education or helping them navigate challenges, Stadler appreciates being part of their growth.
One particularly memorable experience came during an AVID conference in Florida, where Stadler participated in karaoke. This moment was not just about entertainment – it reflected her ability to connect through shared experiences. By stepping out of her comfort zone, she demonstrated the value of risk-taking and community.
Her colleague Michelle Walters described the moment as “unforgettable.”
“Stadler’s karaoke performance was a testament to her vibrant personality and ability to bring people together,” Walters said. “Her willingness to be vulnerable and have fun in front of her peers created a memorable experience that resonated deeply with everyone present. She rocked the stage… the entire place stopped what they were doing and started watching her and cheering her on. She was that good!”
Kate Bove, a former student and now a teacher at WEGO, saw firsthand the impact Stadler had as a speech coach.
“Before every tournament, Mrs. Stadler would write an encouraging note to me… she kept these notes in my poetry binder until it was time to perform,” Bove said. “Knowing she was there to support me until the end of a long season meant so much to me. I gave the best performance I had given all season, and with her support, I advanced to the final rounds.”
Stadler emphasizes the importance of relationships in education, noting, “The fact that there are students that I had many years back-to-back that are teachers now… that’s a really special thing for someone to say to you.” She also values seeing former students grow beyond her expectations: “Just watching them go further than I could ever go, it’s just like, wow.”
Her ability to connect extends beyond the classroom. Stadler participated in WEGO’s annual turkey costume fundraiser last fall, embracing the spirit of community by donning a turkey suit.
“She was in the turkey suit driving to school. That’s how excited she was,” Student Council adviser Candace Fikis said.
The event raised over $500 for Tiendita WEGO, a school initiative supporting students in need.
Balancing Growth and Responsibility
Teaching can be demanding, but Stadler embraces the challenge. She acknowledges the difficulty of balancing personal growth with professional responsibilities but emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and collaboration. Her colleagues often describe her as “the voice of reason” – someone who provides calm, steady guidance.
“She is our rock… We look up to her for guidance on a daily basis,” Walters said.
Another colleague, Jennifer Culbertson, highlighted Stadler’s commitment to student success and her skill with language.
“She is fully invested in helping her AVID students succeed in college and career… She is also an amazing wordsmith. Whenever I am writing an assignment or an important email, I go to her for help. One of her strengths is her ability to communicate to all audiences with precise language,” Culbertson said.
What colleagues appreciate most is Stadler’s consistent positivity. Several note her ability to encourage others, even when she may be struggling herself.
“I don’t know too many people who are as selfless as Mrs. Stadler,” Walters said.
Measuring Success
As an AVID teacher, Stadler defines success as helping students build confidence and self-advocacy. She takes pride in watching them become independent learners and step into their futures with purpose.
“Success in AVID, I think, for me as a teacher, is when I see my students build their confidence level and their self-advocacy skills,” Stadler said.
She hopes to empower students to take charge of their own lives and gradually become less dependent on her guidance.
A Legacy of Impact
Stadler’s journey has not been without challenges. Early in her career, she faced setbacks when budget cuts forced her out of a previous role. But that change eventually led her to West Chicago Community High School—a move students and staff see as a gain.
Today, Stadler continues to support her school community through her belief in student potential, her steady leadership, and her commitment to positivity.
As math teacher Kate Bove put it, “Since starting high school and transitioning into an adult and workplace, Mrs. Stadler has been there for me every step of the way. I will always admire and respect her for everything she has done for me, her loved ones, and her students.”
Whether leading a classroom discussion, coaching speech, or joining karaoke at a conference, Nicole Stadler exemplifies the power of relationships in education – and the difference one teacher can make.
