If you are like many educators, you want tools that work in the real classroom, not an idealized one. Combining WAND (Worthy, Authentic, Nurturing, Divinely Directed) with NICE (Nurturing, Integrated, Courageous, Encouraging) gives you a values-first, system-light approach you can keep on your busiest day. Lead from worth and courage. Teach with authenticity and integration. Nurture yourself as much as your students. Encourage growth while staying spiritually grounded.
Good news: you can integrate WAND + NICE with five simple practices.
These steps include:
- Step 1: Lead From Worth and Courage
- Step 2: Nurture Yourself and Your Students
- Step 3: Teach With Authenticity and Integration
- Step 4: Hold Space for Your Desires and Their Growth
- Step 5: Model Encouragement and Spiritual Strength
Let’s look at each step in more detail…
Step 1: Lead From Worth and Courage
Worth (W) reminds you that your voice matters. Courage (C) invites action even when it feels risky. Together they quiet second-guessing and guide clear choices.
For example: Write a one-sentence vision and read it before first period: “In my class, students feel safe to think, speak, and try again.” In meetings, offer one concrete idea that aligns with that vision. Small, brave moves compound.
Step 2: Nurture Yourself and Your Students
Nurturing appears in both WAND and NICE for a reason. Care is sustainable only when your needs are on the plan too.
For example: Install a two-minute student check-in at the start of class. For you, protect a real lunch and two leave-on-time days each week. Put both on the same weekly template so neither gets skipped.
Step 3: Teach With Authenticity and Integration
Authentic (A) means your voice shows up. Integrated (I) means lessons connect to real life and across subjects. Together they build relevance and trust.
For example: Open with a 60-second story from your life that ties to the objective. Link today’s content to a news clip, graph, or local example. Capture cross-curricular tie-ins on your lesson slide so students see the web of ideas.
Step 4: Hold Space for Your Desires and Their Growth
Divinely Directed (D) aligns your goals with purpose. Encouraging (E) spotlights student effort and progress. Together they keep motivation steady.
For example: Set a three-week teacher goal—“Greet at the door and post a visual agenda four days per week.” Pair it with a class goal—“Warm-up complete in three minutes.” Track both on Fridays and celebrate gains, even small ones.
Step 5: Model Encouragement and Spiritual Strength
Authentic encouragement is fuel. Spiritual strength gives calm in tough moments, whether you pray, breathe, or set intentions.
For example: Start your day with a quiet intention—“Clarity and care.” Close class by naming three specific wins you observed. Keep a “Wall of Wins” so progress is visible for students and for you.
You deserve a classroom and a life that light you up. WAND + NICE helps you build both with simple, repeatable actions that honor your humanity and your calling.
I hope that you enjoyed reading this blog post, written especially for you. It was taken straight from my mind and heart as I felt vulnerable to share glimpses of my world with you. The article was polished and meticulously reviewed to make sure it was in the best possible light before it was published so that it may serve you well.
If you’re seeking additional resources or personalized support, feel free to reach out at www.insightfuleducation.org. Together, we can cultivate classrooms where you and your students feel empowered to learn and thrive, which is aligned with the NICE Teacher framework (Nurturing, Integrated, Courageous, and Encouraging).