A longtime educator and experienced administrator will be the next leader of Park View Elementary School. At Monday’s Board of Education meeting, Amber Nickel was unanimously approved to be the school’s next principal.
“I am so excited for Park View students and families to meet Amber Nickel,” said CCSD 89 Superintendent Doug Eccarius. “She is positive, hard-working, and focused on student success. I know she will continue to build on the great work that is taking place at Park View.”
Nickel has been an assistant principal at JFK Middle School since 2015 – first as assistant principal for student services (seven years), then assistant principal for curriculum and instruction (four years). At JFK Middle School, she managed special education, worked with all grade levels to support student needs, designed educational environments for English language learners, supervised support staff, set behavior expectations, and coordinated safety plans.
Nickel said her time working with middle school students gave her a deep understanding of the academic and social skills students will need to develop before they leave Park View as fifth graders.
“Elementary – that’s where the magic starts,” Nickel said. “I can’t wait to be there the first time they're stepping into a school and then see them all the way to getting ready for middle school.”
Nickel knew from a young age that she wanted to work with children. She saw the impact - both good and bad - that school had for some of her family members who had different needs than other students. That experience inspired her to want to create inclusive learning environments where every learner has the tools to succeed each day.
As a school leader, she will prioritize building strong relationships with the school community and setting high expectations for students.
“My motto is: I’m here to make good things happen for other people,” Nickel said. “I want families to know I’m there to listen and to support students, support their families, and support my staff.”
Nickel earned her bachelor's degree in special education with a minor in psychology at Lewis University. She later earned master’s degrees in educational leadership as well as curriculum and teacher leadership, both from Lewis University.
She started her career in 2004 as a learning and behavior specialist at Troy Middle School in Shorewood, then Ira Jones Middle School in Plainfield. She was an associate principal at Plainfield Academy before joining JFK Kennedy Middle School.
Nickel has two daughters in high school. In addition to watching her kids participate in cross country, track, and lacrosse, Nickel enjoys camping, boating, and being outdoors.
Nickel will start as Park View principal on July 20. Nickel is replacing Kristie Mate, who was selected to be the next CCSD 89 Director of Teaching and Learning.