I will be your child's 4th grade teacher this year. Your child and I will spend quite a bit of time together, because of this; I would like to take this opportunity to tell you a little about myself both personally and professionally.

I was born the fifth of six children in Las Cruces, New Mexico. I later moved with my family to Sayville, New York, where I was raised. I attended Sayville Public Schools through and including grade 12. I was a good student who enjoyed the extra-curricular activities most. I was in Spanish Club, bassoon study, and participated on most sports teams. Despite my love for the water, the Big Apple, my family, and the New York Yankees, I moved to Tucson to attend the University of Arizona. While in college, I continued both my Spanish and bassoon studies, marched in the Pride of Arizona Band, and had the most fun being a batgirl for the U of A baseball team.

I received my BA from the University in May 1992. While in school I spent my free time teaching kindergarten aged children at Satori School for the Gifted and Talented. All together, I taught at Satori for 5 years. I completed my student teaching in a 4/5-combination class in Sunnyside Schools. I began teaching in the Amphitheater District in 1992, at Rio Vista Elementary. In 1994 I was awarded Outstanding Educator by KGUN 9. In 1997 I completed my Masters program in Education with an emphasis on school counseling. This is exciting; I know that this newfound knowledge will make me a better teacher. I transferred to Wilson in 1999 to be closer to home, my children, and so that I could learn more about being an educator. I hope to continue my education and someday earn a doctorate! With that, I plan to teach education classes at the university level.

My husband and I were married in 1995. He is the one that gave me this funny, rhyming name  Niki Tilicki. We live in the school neighborhood. We have 3 wonderful children: Mariah  and lives in Ohio; Mariah makes frequent trips to Tucson to see us. Easton is entering high school this year and Kayla is in middle school. 

As school begins, it is my goal to make sure that your child experiences sixth grade and its many adventures with success. Academically, students will work hard. We will practice and become masters of mathematics. In Science we will study many different things. We will read at least 4 major novels, meet interesting speakers, and go to exciting places.