This year, Nederland Middle- Senior High School has had the pleasure of welcoming two new teachers, Candice Brown and Nicole Chewens, to be a part of the amazing team of teachers at NMSHS. In addition to the new principal, Gavan Goodrich, these new teachers bring new character, opportunity, and a lively start for the 2022-23 school year.

Mrs. Brown teaches AP physics, physical science, forestry management, and fish and wildlife management. She moved to Colorado in 1997, where she has spent more than half of her life in a brimming career of research and education. She received a degree in Integrated Physiology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a teaching certificate from the University of Colorado, both of which she has applied to her careers in science and teaching. She anticipates completing her Master’s degree in Higher Education this december.

Mrs. Brown spoke about her years performing research with various universities and teaching at public schools, saying “I did research at the medical school and the veterinary school at the University of Wisconsin for five years. I was involved with respiratory physiology research and immunology research. When I came to Boulder, I worked in the department of molecular cell developmental biology for five years.”

She has passionately taught at Centaurus High, Boulder High, St. Vrain district, and now at NMSHS. Before teaching in public schools, she helped students through teaching homeschoolers and her teaching business. “I have taught all the years I have been here, Even when I wasn’t teaching in public schools I was always teaching”.

Mrs. Brown enjoys teaching math and science concepts in ways that connect and apply topics to the real world and modern day events. She encourages students to apply their passions to their schoolwork, and considers creativity to be very important in learning. Right now, she is kicking off a cooking club with students, and offering opportunities for students to attend free lectures through CU Wizards shows. She is an incredibly valuable teacher for NMSHS, from which only more passion will arise as the school year progresses.

Also new to NMSHS, Nicole Chewens teaches mathematics. She moved to Colorado three months ago, where she began her eighth year in teaching at NMSHS. She started teaching eight years ago at Westchester Square Academy in the Bronx, New York. After living in New York City for two years, she started teaching at the high school she graduated from in Cornwall, New York. There, she taught geometry, algebra 1, and biology for five years.

She received a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from SUNY New Paltz University and a Masters in Special Education from St. John’s University. She spent time coaching boys’ and girls’ tennis in New York, and still enjoys playing the sport today.

Ms. Chewens believes teaching extends far beyond just giving students information. She has enjoyed getting to know all of her students on a personal level, and has made her classroom a comfortable place where students can ask questions and feel included. On top of teaching, she has stated that “The best parts of my days are when my students and I tell each other jokes and stories.”

Her integration of applied problem solving allows students to learn math with dedication and purpose. “My goal is not necessarily to get students to love math like I do, but to help them gain the confidence to solve problems and to feel comfortable asking questions and for help when needed.”

Outside of school, Ms. Chewens enjoys the mountain area by hiking outdoors and seeing live music. She can’t wait to learn how to ski this winter! NMSHS is extremely fortunate to have Ms. Chewens as a new teacher this year. Her methods will bring connection into the school, and grow passion in her students for dedication and problem solving in math, and all of their other studies throughout their school careers.

Both Mrs. Brown and Ms. Chewens are perfect, passionate additions to the creative team of Nederland teachers. With them, the school can further thrive in education and connection and inspire students to pursue further education in science and math. It will be an exciting year with their new talent!