This Second-Grade Teacher Is Passionate About Creating an Inclusive Classroom

Ahead of the 2024 school year, PS's The Educators is spotlighting 24 public school teachers around the country who are making a difference.

Nishat Khan is a second-grade teacher at a public school in Needham, MA. As a first-generation American — whose mother came to the US as a refugee from Vietnam and whose father emigrated from Bangladesh — she's always recognized the importance of education. She loves to share her teaching journey on TikTok and Instagram. Keep reading to get to know her.

What inspired you to be a teacher?
I grew up with extended family members with special needs and knew from a young age that I wanted to help all students feel included in a classroom setting. My experiences as a student were generally positive, but I work really hard to make sure students from all cultures and backgrounds feel seen and appreciated in my classroom. I see myself in students who are first- or second-generation American and never underestimate what a quality education can do for a family.

What's the most rewarding part of your job?
I love seeing kids recognizing and celebrating their own progress. I work hard to encourage them on the journey, but when they look back and realize just how far they've come, it means the world to them and me!

What's your go-to teaching uniform?
I love a midi skirt and casual tee with sneakers. I'm all about different seating options, so sometimes I'll sit on the floor and I'm just generally moving around. I dress for both comfort and style, so I'll often throw on a fun pair of earrings too.

What do you always make time for because it makes you feel good?
We have celebration days in our classroom every few months. It's honestly like a surprise party for the kids — I decorate the room and make all the activities that day connected to the theme. My favorite is camp day, where I bring tents to the classroom and they get to read in the dark with flashlights.

How do you practice self-care?
I really try to leave work at work, which is so hard in teaching. I play with my dogs, I go for runs, and I make time to meet up with friends for dinner whenever I can.

What's your go-to feel-good music?
I love Noah Kahan and have recently been listening to a lot of the band Lawrence. In the classroom, I usually play piano covers of Taylor Swift music.

Yerin Kim is the features editor at PS, where she helps shape the vision for special features and packages across the network. A graduate of Syracuse University's Newhouse School, she has over five years of experience in the pop culture and women's lifestyle spaces. She's passionate about spreading cultural sensitivity through the lenses of lifestyle, entertainment, and style.