Nikki’s commitment to making learning accessible and inclusive is deeply rooted in her own experiences as a novice educator. Her personal journey, marked by anxiety and uncertainty, has become the driving force behind her vision for OneHE – a community where educators can find the support and guidance she once desperately needed.
“As a GTA, I was terrified. I loved my subject and was eager to share it, but I had no idea how to teach. My anxiety was crippling, and after a brief training session, I felt completely lost,” Nikki recalls, her voice carrying the echo of that past uncertainty. This personal struggle became the seed from which her dedication to supporting other educators would grow.
Nikki’s early observations of the higher education landscape revealed a troubling pattern. “Some training programs were intense, week-long courses that felt daunting and expensive. Others left educators feeling abandoned, without guidance when they needed it most,” she explains. This disconnect left many educators, like herself, feeling anxious and unsure about how to effectively engage with their students.
It was this firsthand experience of struggling to find adequate support that motivated Nikki to join OneHE. She saw an opportunity to create something transformative – a platform that could address the very issues she had faced. “What if we could build a platform that breaks down barriers and fosters a sense of community? A space where educators feel supported and can turn for help when they’re stuck?” This question became the north star guiding Nikki’s work at OneHE.
As OneHE developed, Nikki’s personal experiences continued to shape its evolution. The team’s initial focus on community and user-generated content gradually shifted as they listened closely to the needs of educators. “We learned that educators needed accessible, manageable content that they could easily incorporate into their busy schedules,” Nikki explains. This insight led to the development of bite-sized, practical learning resources that could be readily applied in teaching contexts.
A pivotal moment in Nikki’s journey came with the discovery of James Lang’s book, Small Teaching. “That was my light bulb moment,” she says, her eyes shining with the memory. “It redirected our efforts to focus on small, manageable steps in teaching. The philosophy encourages educators to experiment with new approaches and learn from their experiences, rather than expecting everything to work perfectly the first time.” This approach resonated deeply with Nikki, aligning perfectly with her vision of providing practical, accessible support to educators.
The excitement reached new heights when James agreed to work with OneHE to create content. “It was amazing to have him on board to help us shape and fulfil our vision. His insights and expertise align perfectly with our mission, making our offerings even more valuable to educators,” Nikki shares, her voice filled with enthusiasm.
For Nikki, one of the most rewarding aspects of her work has been witnessing the impact of OneHE’s resources on educators. “It’s incredible to see those ‘light bulb’ moments where educators discover new tools or shift their mindset. They support each other across institutions and countries, creating a global network of collaboration,” she says, pride evident in her voice.
Looking to the future, Nikki’s vision for OneHE is clear and passionate. “I want educators to know there’s a supportive community out there that values their work,” she states. Her hope is that OneHE becomes a go-to resource where educators can not only find solutions to their challenges but also engage deeply with their profession and each other.
Ultimately, Nikki’s journey from an anxious graduate teaching assistant to a key figure at OneHE is a testament to the power of personal experience in driving meaningful change. Her vision for OneHE is about inspiring educators to reconnect with their ‘why’ and fostering a supportive community that can help them navigate the challenges of teaching. “Wherever you are in the world,” she concludes, “you should have access to the resources, community, and encouragement you need to thrive.”