Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicholas Provenzano.
Hi Nicholas, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I spent the first 15 years of my career as a high school Language Arts Teacher at Grosse Pointe South High School. During that time, I became an advocate for technology use in the classroom. I was one of the first teachers in the state to have a class set of iPads for daily student use. Those tools required a drastic change in my classroom and I worked to create a paperless environment. These changes led me to be asked to present at a variety of conferences and helped launch my website, TheNerdyTeacher.com. My Twitter and Instagram pages also grew (@TheNerdyTeacher) during this time.
I was featured in articles on CNN and the NY Times over the years for my use of technology in the classroom to support classroom learning. I have written multiple bestselling books on using technology, project-based learning, and other teaching methods to support classroom instruction.
I have been lucky to present all over the world from Iceland to Singapore. Working with teachers from a variety of cultures has allowed me to grow as a teacher and better support my students.
I am currently a Makerspace Director and Teacher at University Liggett School in Grosse Pointe Woods. I consult with schools across the country to help them bring Steam and Project-Based Learning to their classrooms. I also work with a variety of companies to help them better understand what teachers need in terms of support and products.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When it comes to Educational Technology there are always bumps in the road. Some technology comes and goes so quickly, that it can be tough to know what is going to last. For every iPad, there is Google Glass.
Time is the other thing that is a constant struggle. I will always be a classroom teacher first. That daily experience gives me an insight into what does and does not work with students. Schools value that input and want me to visit their school and help them transition to a student-focused approach, but I cannot leave my classroom all of the time because that would hurt them. It is a tough balancing act to maintain because I love working with my students and I also want to help as many schools as possible. I am also married and have a son and I have to make sure they get as much of my time as possible.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My job as “The Nerdy Teacher” has two parts.
Part 1 has me working with schools and districts to support their work to have Project-Based Learning and Steam become more engrained in their classrooms. I coach teachers, review curriculum, advise them on purchases, etc. My number one goal is to help teachers help students. I have worked with teachers in schools in Iceland, Mexico, Singapore, Canada, and all across the US. I have been very lucky to work with them and learn from them as well.
Part 2 has me working with a variety of companies and advising them on their products or helping them create curricula to better support students and teachers. Too many companies do not spend the time working with teachers to create great products that can really support students and staff in the classroom. Millions of dollars are wasted every year on products that could have been great if they would have just asked for input from a teacher actually in the classroom.
What do you think about luck?
I recognize that I come from a place of privilege more than a place of luck. My teaching jobs have been in suburban upper-middle-class areas that have allowed me to take chances that would not have been possible if I worked in schools with more at-risk students. There are so many great educators out there doing amazing things. It is important that I take the time to shine the light on those educators who have a different, but important story to tell.
Contact Info:
- Email: OneNerdyTeacher@gmail.com
- Website: TheNerdyTeacher.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/TheNerdyTeacher
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OneNerdyTeacher
- Twitter: twitter.com/TheNerdyTeacher
Image Credits
Nicholas Provenzano
