Welcome to First Grade!

I am so excited to be your student's teacher this year! This will be my second year teaching in the Oak Harbor School District - the very same district where I attended K-12. I have experience teaching a variety of elementary grade levels, from kindergarten to fifth grade. First grade is a year of tremendous growth both academically and socially/emotionally. I am honored to be a part of your student's growth and I look forward to building a strong learning foundation that will successfully support your student throughout their remaining school years.

After graduating from Oak Harbor High School in 2001, I pursued a business degree and a college soccer career at the University of Washington. I was also lucky enough to continue to play for the Seattle Sounders Women's Team for eight seasons as a starting midfielder. After my college and playing days came to an end, I pursued a career in law and worked as an attorney for over eleven years before once again attending the University of Washington - this time around for teaching. After my career change, I moved to a small farm in Oak Harbor with my family. I am married to a firefighter and we love living life and raising our children on this beautiful island. You may see me outside of school running miles around the island, coaching youth soccer, or playing with my kiddos at all of the wonderful parks and beaches on Whidbey.

In my classroom, every student is heard, valued, and engaged, and is encouraged each day to explore, discover, ask questions, and laugh! School should be a place not only to learn but a place to experience joy and express curiosity! The mantra "joy over perfection" guides my daily teaching style as the students and I build and grow together in our learning community. In addition to being a Hillcrest teacher, I am also a Hillcrest parent. As such, I understand the importance of fostering a collaborative relationship with families in order to best support students.

This is going to be a great year!

Nikki Leith