USD 305 Salina Public Schools has recognized Salina teacher Nikki Chamberlain as a 2016 Master Teacher.
Chamberlain started her teaching career in 2003 at Salina South High School. Since then she has taught chemistry, physical science, and AP chemistry classes. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and secondary education from Kansas State University, as well as a master’s degree in curriculum & instruction with emphasis in ESL (English as a second language).
Eleven years ago, Chamberlain started the Lab Chicks Club at South High School. The mission of the club is to develop young girls’ interest in science and to enter careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). To achieve that goal, she organizes a Quirkles reading program at district elementary schools and provides science lessons with patrons at Choices Network. The hallmark event is Girls in the Lab Day, coordinated and implemented by Chamberlain each of the past nine years. Over 250 young people participate in programs provided by the lab chicks on a yearly basis.
Chamberlain has been a member of National Education Association (NEA) for the past 14 years and a member of the Kansas Exemplary Educators Network for 11 years. She served as the Kansas State University Upward Bound Math & Science Coordinator, on the USD 305 Teacher Advisory Council, USD 305 Technology Committee, USD 305 LIFT Committee, and is a teacher representative on the South High Design Team for the 2014 bond project. She also serves as the South High Representative for the Salina Education Foundation.
In 2011, Chamberlain was the USD 305 Secondary Teacher of the Year and won Kansas Regional Teacher of the Year. She was recognized as a Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) Teacher of Promise and named a KSDE Horizon Award Recipient. Chamberlain received the KSU Patrick Distinguished High School Chemistry Teaching Award. In 2008, she won the UD114 Instructional Award.
Chamberlain’s strongest belief in teaching is that relationships are more important than content. Students don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. She works hard every day to build relationships with her students and knows that when she does, content knowledge will follow. As a chemistry teacher, she wants her students to gain an understanding of the world around them. She provides students with a variety of authentic, hands-on, inquiry-based activities to foster their ability to problem solve and think critically. Chamberlain’s goal is for students to leave her class curious to learn more about the natural world.