Mrs. Nicolo showing her TJ spirit ready to share her knowledge. photo by Emanuel Morales-Gomez
Brittany Nicolo inspires her students and coworkers to engage in physical activity and better eating habits to stay as healthy as they can.
For the last 13 years, P.E. teacher Brittany Nicolo has made herself well known by students and teachers alike. Since attending school in Minnesota and Colorado, she has always been invested in her teaching career. Her interest in teaching began in the 6th grade. She struggled to choose between being a Spanish teacher or a Physical Education teacher.
Nicolo also has a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from University of Northwestern – St. Paul. Her deciding factor between being a Spanish teacher and a P.E teacher was very simple; she didn’t want to dress as professional as the average teacher usually does. “I took one look in the mirror and said ‘no.’” Nicolo is an individual who prefers clothes that she is able to move freely in, meaning that she wants more flexibility in her work clothing choices. She still uses her Spanish speaking skills with the kids in her class who have a hard time speaking and understanding English.
Throughout her lifetime, Nicolo has maintained an active lifestyle, a passion that drives her to continue pushing her boundaries and exceeding her personal expectations. This dedication started at a young age when she first began participating in sports, mainly participating in track and field during her 5th grade years and consistently engaging in many physical activities like ‘push-up challenges,’ showcasing her competitive spirit. Growing up under the influence of her athletic father, Nicolo and her brother grew up valuing the importance of staying active and being healthy. As she got older, her enthusiasm for sports, movement, and overall well-being only intensified, shaping her into the wellness advocate she is today.
Before becoming an educator at TJ, Nicolo began her profession at a gym called Bally Total Fitness, where she worked as a personal trainer and led boot camp sessions. She then transitioned into her teaching career at Lincoln High School as a P.E teacher before moving to Morey Middle School, where she took on roles as an Administrative Assistant and P.E teacher. She has always loved working with students and adults, so being a wellness coach for teachers and administrators, as well as being a teacher for students, has been something she enjoys.
Nicolo started her journey as a teacher at TJ initially teaching boot camp classes, instructing engaging swim classes, and teaching strength training to the educators at the school. Her curriculum was thoughtfully designed to prioritize self-care among the educators by enhancing their understanding of physical fitness and well-being. As a devoted wellness coach for adults, she strives to help them realize the fundamental role that movement and exercise play in leading a healthy lifestyle. Currently, Nicolo fulfills a vital role as a dedicated wellness coach for teachers and administrators at TJ, where she helps give knowledge on nutrition, exercise, and well-being. Nicolo not only educates her colleagues on the significance of a balanced diet and routine physical activity, but also serves as a source of motivation and inspiration to help them achieve their fitness goals and lead healthier lives.
Nicolo’s journey from a young, energetic athlete to a wellness coach is a testament to her commitment to health and fitness, leaving the idea that staying active and prioritizing one’s well-being are key components to leading a fulfilling life. Her future goals include maintaining her coaching program to ensure that educators feel supported, and knowing they have someone to assist them in all matters of well-being. As a mother of two kids, Nicolo has to be a teacher to both her own children and the students here at TJ. “I don’t see students on my roster, I see students as my offspring,” She takes pride in being a mother and letting her parenting experience help her teach her students and have them see her as more than just a teacher and more like a regular person. She loves speaking about her children. She is constantly telling her own kids TJ stories. The same goes for her students. She enjoys talking about the great accomplishments that her own kids make in hopes of inspiring her students by her kids actions. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Nicolo also places great importance on her children’s values of staying active while being a beacon of support and encouragement for her students at TJ.
Teaching and being a wellness coach at TJ has become more than just a profession for Nicolo; it is a true passion that fills her with fulfillment and a sense of belonging. She cherishes the supportive environment and strong sense of community that teaching offers her, making it her core passion. Nicolo’s dedication to her students and fellow educators is admirable, and she intends to continue making a positive impact at TJ for as long as possible.
