As clichéd as the following statement might sound, it’s the truth: Nikolin Eyrich always knew she wanted to be a teacher. Raised in a family of educators from the elementary to university levels, Nikolin always saw reading, teaching, and learning as central to her identity. They were also her first jobs—from teaching ballet to preschoolers, to teaching group fitness while at Middlebury College.

At Middlebury, she earned an A.B., double majoring in English Literature and History of Art and Archaeology, and then continued on to the Harvard University Graduate School of Education, where she earned an Ed.M. After Harvard, she pursued master’s coursework at New York University, but life took a fortuitous turn when she was offered a position at Poly Prep Country Day School in Brooklyn, New York.

Over her 12 years at Poly, she taught English (grades 10-12), AP Art History, and interdisciplinary courses in modern and contemporary art and literature, and served as Curriculum Coordinator for the American Literature teaching team. Nikolin’s interest in caring for the whole student took her to roles that included chairing a Crisis Team, creating a mentoring program for students, sitting as a Faculty Representative on the Honor Council, and serving as Form V Dean.

When she and her husband grew tired of the complexities of city living with a toddler, they followed the advice of friends to check out Maplewood and South Orange, and so here they are: six years later with their son and daughter, loving New Jersey. Fortunate to have found a home at MBS, Nikolin has taught Humanities English 10, Humanities English 11, senior electives in narrative writing, gender studies and world literature, and AP English Literature. She serves as the co-advisor of the Upper School GLOW Club, and is involved in social justice initiatives and curricular projects on campus. Her goal is to teach students to think rather than consume information, and to ask questions, even if those questions can’t be answered. She also believes that literature is a free passport, and that the more we read, the more we understand about others’ experiences and ultimately, the shared human condition.

Outside of school, Nikolin has worked with her local school district on enhancing academic and emotional supports for all students, and has chaired a committee that provides food and clothes to local residents in need. She relaxes by reading (surprise!), getting outside with her family locally and in Vermont, and visiting her favorite museums, DIA: Beacon and the Whitney.