After working for several years to promote positive ecotourism, science teacher Hailley Nieves is diving headfirst into Trinity’s sixth and seventh-grade science classes, bringing her infectious enthusiasm and passion for education and learning.

Before her career as a teacher, Nieves spent her time working for a dive charter in Australia, where she led tours exploring the ecosystem by boat and educated others on the importance of preserving the ocean. One of the best parts of her job was participating in shark dives, where she took people down to see great white sharks up close and personal. She also got to help educate kids who were on the boats, teaching them all about their ocean and what they can do to keep it safe.

“It was really all about supporting the active ecotourism in a positive way,” Nieves said.

This all came to a halt in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and sent most of the world, including the eco-tourism industry, into a lockdown. With the world on hold, Nieves decided to explore her love for education by starting her teaching career at The Pine School in Hobe Sound, Florida, then at Pardes Jewish Day School in Scottsdale, Arizona. 

“I went into teaching during COVID because I really just found that I enjoyed those teaching moments I had on the boat with kids,” Nieves said.

After teaching for around two years, Nieves returned to her studies of marine biology as a mammal trainer at Wildlife World Zoo. When working with sea lions, she learned how to care for and bond with the clever creatures, and yet she felt something was still missing. Despite having spent two years away from teaching, Nieves never lost her passion for it and decided to reintegrate herself into the field, ending up at Trinity due to the outstanding science department.

“The science department is off the chain here,” Nieves said. “I remember I had my phone interview with Dr. Jannotti, and the way that she spoke so positively and passionately about how important science was here, that’s not necessarily something I’ve been able to get at previous schools.”

Now that she is back into teaching, Nieves is ready to dive into the classroom, inspire the next generation of kids, and help them grow into well-rounded and kind individuals. 

“I’m excited to make Trinity my new home and learn the cultures and traditions … supporting students with extracurriculars … and getting to see kids shine.” Nieves said.