Nicole is an elementary mentor-teacher at Michigan International Prep School. Nicole earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Wayne State University. She has many years of experience in a classroom setting, as well as in a virtual learning environment.
Nicole began her journey in education working as a School Age Child Care (SACC) supervisor. From there, she became the primary substitute for a school district in Macomb County where she taught Kindergarten – 12 th grade, and eventually became a permanent preschool teacher. Her passion for virtual learning began when she started working as a coordinator/mentor teacher for a large virtual academy. She also teaches English as a Second Language virtually to children in China!
Outside of MIPS, Nicole has a 9-year-old daughter, Giana. They spend a lot of time at the dance studio where Giana has been dancing and doing Acro since she was 2 years old. When Mom and Giana are not at the dance studio, they enjoy going on bike rides, swimming and taking their annual family trip to Caseville, Michigan. In Nicole’s spare time, she enjoys cooking and gardening.
Why Nicole chose MIPS:
"Ever since I can remember, I’ve always wanted to be an educator. Over the years, I’ve worked in virtual settings, as well as a classroom setting. Teaching virtually provides me the opportunity to work one-on-one with students and to really understand what type of learning is best for them. I believe wholeheartedly that it is important to build a close relationship not only with my students, but also with their families.
I chose to be a part of MIPS because they are dedicated to putting the students’ needs first. I believe that every student learns differently, and it is essential to personalize education to fit the needs of each child with the hope that they will LOVE coming back to see what a new day brings! At MIPS, we strive to individualize education for each and every student. In my eyes, personalizing education and building relationships are the two most important aspects of education. I take great pride in being part of the MIPS Team!
Laura Ness
Elementary Teacher/Mentor
Laura earned her degree in Elementary Education from Northern Michigan University, majoring in Mathematics and minoring in Speech Communications. She then earned her Professional Teaching Certificate by working toward a Language Arts degree. Laura has a hard time deciding whether she loves math or reading best! She enjoys sharing her passion for both - whether it is forming book clubs (with kids in her neighborhood, or inmates at the Livingston County Jail where she held the position of Jail Educator), or encouraging students to say, “Math Rocks!!” and helping them believe that it is true. Laura has taught preschool, 3rd grade, 6th grade, and Adult Ed. She has owned her own in-home daycare and has cared for children her whole life. She enjoys being creative with her teaching and is always adding something new to keep things interesting! Laura is happy to be a K-5 Mentor Teacher at MIPS!
Laura, originally a “Yooper”, is enjoying living “downstate." She, her husband Marty, and their 3 kids moved to Howell in 2016 and live next door to her brother and his family. Laura enjoys spending time with family, playing cards, going for long drives, and boating.
Why Laura chose MIPS:
"I feel very fortunate to be able to teach at a very unique school that has quickly become a leader in virtual learning. The attention afforded to each student, the thought that goes into creating the best academic path for each student, and the care the MIPS staff shows toward each student’s well-being and happiness are the reasons why being a Mentor Teacher at MIPS provides a meaningful sense of purpose.
Teaching at MIPS is exciting because of the new and unique approach to educating children - where brick and mortar meets virtual learning, meets homeschooling, meets advising, meets focusing on the whole child, meets creating self-driven children. Michigan International Prep School’s mentoring approach to teaching is fascinating, and I believe it is what will change education. MIPS' focus is on the student...and the family. I like that."
Rose Anyim
Elementary Mentor Teacher
Rose is an elementary mentor-teacher at Michigan International Prep School. Born in Nigeria and raised in Cleveland Ohio, she is a proud Screaming Eagle of the Nigerian Soccer Team and a staunch Ohio State fan. Rose earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology and a minor in French from the University of Akron. She earned an MBA/Global Management degree from the University of Phoenix. She also holds certifications in English Language Teaching and Teaching English as a Foreign Language. She is currently completing her Michigan Elementary Teaching Licensure. Rose has over 15 years of experience in various classroom settings that encompasses all academic levels, both foreign and domestic.
Rose began her journey in education working as a Teaching Fellow through a non-profit organization, Teachers For Africa. From there, she fell in love with teaching and traveling the world at the same time. She has lived and worked on every continent except for Australia and Antarctica, with hopes of traveling to both places in the near future.
In her spare time Rose enjoys spending time with her family and keeping in contact with her vast array of friends, family members and former students from all over the world. She is an avid sports fan and hosts the best Sunday Game Days! Rose also loves to read, write and plans to develop her own Traveling Teacher Blog.
Why Rose chose MIPS:
"I chose to be a part of MIPS because the team is dedicated to forming partnerships with families and communities to provide learning experiences that will not only help students succeed academically, but globally. My many years teaching and living abroad have taught me that education and a positive outlook can change the world. I also value the personalization of education that MIPS delivers to every student. I strongly believe that everyone is entitled to their own unique journey to learning. Working here at MIPS, I would like to continue to empower youth to strive for the unbelievable, to conquer their fears, embrace challenges, and learn for the thrill of it!"
Jaimie Bell
Elementary Interventionist
Jaimie recently graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Social Work. When she began her journey at CMU, Jaimie had her heart set on becoming an elementary school teacher. However, towards the end of her freshman year, she realized that she wanted to do something a little different. That led her to earning a degree in social work so she’d be able to work with families and children inside and outside of the school setting. Jaimie is currently working to obtain her Master of Social Work.
In her free time, Jaimie enjoys traveling to new places, watching baseball (Go Tigers!), spending time with her fiancé, and taking their cat, Stewart, on adventures in the great outdoors.
Why Jaimie chose MIPS:
"I chose MIPS because I love the flexibility that MIPS provides and the fact that we are able to give students an education that is personalized to fit their specific needs. I love the opportunity to work with students from all across the state to help them achieve their educational goals. The staff at MIPS are dedicated to what they do and deeply value each of their students...I'm so grateful to be a part of such a passionate team!"
Alisha Jaynes
Special Education Teacher
Alisha is a K-12 Special Education teacher who mainly works with our elementary aged students here at Michigan International Prep School. She has worked with children for many years, serving as a nanny, camp counselor, assistant preschool teacher, substitute teacher, and lead preschool teacher. Alisha holds a Bachelors Degree from Eastern Michigan University in Elementary Education and Special Education.
Alisha resides in the Ann Arbor area with her husband, their two young sons, and their dog and cat. In her free time, Alisha enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors, and traveling
Why Alisha chose MIPS:
"As an educator, I truly believe that there is not a “one size fits all” approach to education. I joined MIPS because they strongly believe that individualized learning is one of the keys to providing students with success in their education and beyond. MIPS has allowed me to provide personalized education to my students and develop one-on-one relationships that I don’t feel I would have been able to form in a traditional learning environment. Being a part of the MIPS family has also given me the opportunity to work with other like-minded educators who all have the same priority- our students!"
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