INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK: Nicole Freeman, Castleview Elementary School

Nicole Freeman is a fourth-grade teacher at Castleview Elementary School.

She is responsible for teaching math, science, English Language Arts, writing, social studies and more. She also serves as the Drama Club program director and has produced and directed six musicals at the school. She also is the leader of the school’s CHEER committee, which helps to bring fun to school staff throughout the year and plans the Foodie FriYay, a monthly celebration in which each grade level/staff grouping hosts a Friday morning breakfast they attend as a team. 

“Ms. Freeman is a fourth-grade teacher who goes above and beyond for not only her students but for our school community,” Principal Rebecca Young said. “Through her dedication and vision, Ms. Freeman has created and grown a drama club program that is well known across OCPS. She puts on yearly performances that showcase the amazing talents of our students both in front and behind the curtain. Ms. Freeman also receives tremendous support from the Castleview families who volunteer their time and talents to our Drama Club.  

“Lastly, Ms. Freeman makes learning coming alive in her fourth-grade classroom. Whether this be through themed reviews ahead of end of year testing or reaching out to the local Audubon Society to plan a day of bird watching and learning about animal adaptations for the entire fourth grade. Ms. Freeman has such a positive influence on our Castleview community, and I am truly proud to have her on my teaching team.”

What brought you to your school? 

During the year of COVID, I was given an opportunity to make a career shift. I took a leap of faith, put my education degree to good use and applied to become a substitute teacher. Castleview was the first school I walked into, and I instantly fell in love with the classroom, even during one of the hardest times education ever had to face. I was asked to stay long term, and I was hired officially at the end of that year! 

What do you love most about your school?  

Our school community and Dragon house system. The families and students I have met along the way of my education journey have been so great to work together with. The staff and teachers who are at Castleview are second to none. TRULY, I am inspired by the amazingly talented, passionate and creative people our school has working there. Some I've met along the way and they've moved on from Castleview, but once a Dragon, always a Dragon.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?  

Recognizing student potential, getting to pull that out from inside of them and watching it bloom. Seeing students who hated certain subjects enjoy them by the end of the year or watching the shyest of kids get up in front of an audience of 150+ people, plus their peers, and sing a solo or dance with a smile across their face. Watching confidence build and grow and being part of it is incredibly rewarding.

What would you be if you weren’t in this profession? 

A lot of different things are on my list actually: an astronaut, a famous DJ, a professional athlete, a water aerobics for senior instructor or a cruise director. The list continues to grow!

Who influences you?  

Who influences me is constantly shifting. It really ebbs and flows depending on the season of life I’m in. Sometimes it’s even strangers who cross my path and quickly become friends, leaving a lasting impact in ways I didn’t expect. Right now, I feel grateful to be surrounded by incredible educators who challenge and inspire me daily, as well as the group of women who show up beside me at the gym at 5 a.m. Because their consistency and strength push me to be better.

At home, my husband influences me in such a unique way. His depth of knowledge and curiosity about the world constantly opens my eyes to things I never would have explored on my own. And at my core, so much of who I am comes from my parents: my dad’s grit as a dedicated business owner and my mom’s determination to always give her very best. Watching them as I grew up shaped my work ethic and continues to guide me in everything I do.

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?  

Mrs. Stathis. She was my sixth-grade math teacher who made learning fun as a kid. You could tell that she was never putting on an act or had an ego. She was 100% authentically herself. She laughed at herself and didn't take herself too seriously. I loved how genuine she was.  She would repeat certain catch phrases that we would repeat in class to help us remember certain strategies. And some of those phrases are ones I now use in my classroom when I teach math!

What is your favorite theater production and why? 

Now being the drama director at our school - THIS is a hard question. But if I really had to pick one that meant a lot to me, I would pick “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” The craft of this show is done so beautifully, with adults portraying these quirky kids in a spelling bee and bringing humor, heart and depth to each character’s journey. Watching each “kid” face their fears, insecurities and hopes makes the story both hilarious and incredibly moving. It’s a perfect mix of comedy and emotion that reminds me how meaningful it is to be seen, accepted and celebrated for who you are.

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

I love to work out daily (5 a.m. to be exact) and look for new challenges to keep me growing. Over this last school year I completed my first half marathon and just competed in my first sprint triathlon of a 400 meter swim, 8 mile bike ride and a 5K, all in one go! I also love self-care spa days, love to read thrillers, go to amusement parks and spend quality time with my amazing husband.

If you could dine with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?

If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be Robin Williams. I grew up laughing and crying through so many of his films, but beyond that, he always seemed like someone you could sit down with and have a truly meaningful, honest conversation. I imagine it would be hours of laughter mixed with depth of life, because he carried both so effortlessly. He felt incredibly genuine, yet complex in the most beautiful way and that kind of presence is something I admire.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? 

If I could have any superpower, I would want invisibility. It would come in handy in so many ways. I could help others without needing attention or recognition. It would let me quietly make a difference, like keeping people safe or solving problems that I see going on. I also could grocery shop invisibly rather than being spotted by student families or people that I know, because sometimes this teacher just needs some peace and quiet.

If you could only listen to three bands or artists, who would they be and why?

Pitbull, Jessie J & Journey. Pitbull is just a vibe. Jessie J is inspiring and uplifting in so many ways with her music. Journey is original, old school and what I grew up listening to.

Would you rather be Elphaba or Glinda? Why?

This is a tough question, especially because I was able to see the original cast on Broadway when this show opened in NYC. Growing up, I always felt a strong connection to Elphaba —wanting to be accepted for my differences and believing it’s important to stand up for what’s right, even when it’s not the easiest path. At the same time, I’ve come to understand Glinda more clearly, especially in how she carries responsibility with grace and tries to represent the best in others while navigating her own challenges. But in the end, I always come back to Elphaba, because she’s unafraid to stand out and stay true to what she believes in!

What is your favorite holiday and why?  

Christmas is my favorite holiday because of the beautiful decorations that make everything feel magical and bright throughout the whole season! Plus, I probably have one themed Christmas T-shirt/outfit a day during the month of December for teaching! I love the warm, fuzzy feelings, the spirit of giving and spending time with loved ones!

Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch?  

I have three best friends from my 'younger years' I guess you could say. And yes, I am in touch with every single one of them still. All three of them were my best friends in different parts of my life. Christine, through high school; Samantha, through college; and Sarah, through my first career as a performer on cruise ships! All three of them were in my wedding. And the reason they were/are my best friends is because they accept me for me, all of me — my quirk, pizzazz, my chaos and crazy. We knew we could laugh and cry together and never be judged. Christine, Sarah and Samantha - I love you.

What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors?

As a student, starting in elementary school, I was very fortunate to have parents who let me do the things I loved most. I would go to dance class after school most days. Dance became the one extracurricular that I was consistent with most. I dabbled in sports such as basketball and volleyball as well in high school. Theater started for me in camp form over the summers, where I grew up attending this camp and eventually working my way up to a program director assistant position.

In high school, I won a Metro Award (Helen Hayes Award) for my role/singing in our school musical of “Seussical the Musical.”

But my most proud accolade I won over the last decade was the Legacy Award at Disney. The Disney Legacy Award is a recognition given to cast members who consistently demonstrate outstanding service, leadership and commitment to Disney’s core values, often going above and beyond to create magical guest experiences. I was nominated by my peers and fellow leaders for leaving a lasting impact with my creativity and positive experiences I brought to others.

What is a fun fact people would be surprised to learn about you?

I was a performer for The Disney Cruise Line for four years prior to becoming a teacher; and because of that job, I met my husband who is from the UK and was able to experience and visit over 30 different countries around the world!