As a youngster, Nicole Binion’s kindergarten teacher went out of her way to ensure that Binion kept pace with her classmates by teaching lessons in Binion’s hospital room following a series of corrective eye surgeries.
Now a teacher herself, Binion derives the greatest satisfaction from seeing the eyes of her students light up when they learn something new.
“My kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Light (at Stowe Elementary School), took time out of her own schedule every day to teach me the day’s lessons in my hospital room,” said Binion. “Mrs. Light was the reason I did not fail and was the motivation I needed to become a teacher.”
Binion also credits her seventh grade teacher, Laura Scales at Waring Academy Basic Instruction in the St. Louis Public Schools, for further igniting her passion to become a teacher.
“Mrs. Scales took a vested interest in all of students,” Binion recalled. “She wanted all of us to excel in every subject, not just satisfy test scores. Her commitment to making sure that all of her students gained the basic skills, in addition to being successful at doing so, have strongly influenced how I teach my students today.”
Binion received the William L. Clay Scholarship to attend Harris-Stowe State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She also earned a master’s degree in elementary education (emphasis on reading and adult education) at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She also is a certified reading specialist.
Binion has spent more than 17 years as an educator in the St. Louis area. Binion began her career teaching math to sixth graders at Bunche International Studies Middle School for six years. She was a reading specialist for seventh and eighth graders at Riverview Gardens East and Westview middle schools for six years before moving to Airport Elementary School in the Ferguson-Florissant School District. Binion currently teaches third-sixth graders.
A product of St. Louis and Hazelwood public schools, Binion chose to stay in the area to make a difference in the lives and in the community that helped change her life.
“I have seen firsthand what our students have to face, and I want to reassure them through my story,” Binion said. “Those commonalities allow me to meet their needs in ways that encourage them to become successful adults.”
Binion, the youngest of four children, become an elementary school teacher because she thinks the desire to learn is instilled at an early age.
“Reaching them at the earliest stages of their learning sets the foundation for the future, and most importantly, allows me to help them discover and learn new things. That means the world to me.”
Binion also serves as a team coordinator to hundreds of students and 10 staff members. She also is an educational technology trainer for staff, and coached the school’s debate team. Binion is a member of the Midwest Education Technology Consortium and the International Reading Association, and has served on numerous committees within the Ferguson-Florissant District.
“Nicole is a teacher-leader at Airport Elementary School,” said Principal Ingrid McClendon. “She is truly the definition of a willing, dedicated worker when it comes to servicing children, the community, parents, teachers and staff. She is a great asset to Airport.”
Binion also is active at Rhema Church, where she serves on welcoming ministries. While raising her son, Justin, Binion also is pursuing certification in gifted education at Maryville University. Binion credits her parents, Robert and Rose Binion, both now deceased, for teaching her the values of continuous education early in life.
Receiving the St. Louis American Foundation’s Salute to Education Award has symbolic meaning for Binion.
“Nelson Mandela once stated that ‘education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,’” she said. “Receiving this award means the world to me because I knew it was a struggle for my parents to receive a decent education and I was the first one in my family to achieve these goals to change my family’s world.”
Binion continues to gain energy from instilling that same passion for learning in her students.
“I am energized by the pure joy children convey during moments of discovery” Binion said. “I love watching them get better at all they do. That is my personal goal for each student. The challenge of taking students at different educational levels and seeing them develop together fulfills me.”
Binion begins each school year with a quote from David Frost: “Don’t aim for success if you want it; just do what you believe in, and it will come naturally.”
“I truly believe that if you put your mind to something and put forth the effort, you will succeed and never feel as if you can’t do it because it’s too hard,” Binion said. “If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will.”
