Mrs. Eldrige Nikkel: A Lifetime of Impact in McLoud Schools

We can all think back to our favorite teacher in school, and for most of the people in the town of McLoud that teacher is Mrs. Eldrige Nikkel.

Tuesday, January 28th 2025, 2:28 pm

By: Mike Glover


We can all think back to our favorite teacher in school, and for most of the people in the town of McLoud that teacher is Mrs. Eldrige Nikkel.

She is a true example that great teachers aren’t made—they’re born.

“The Lord said I told you, you were going to be a teacher, not a nurse,” said Nikkel.

With that, it didn’t take much convincing. “I always wanted to be a teacher,” said Nikkel.

She definitely has a teacher’s heart. “If they don’t get it the first time, go back and reteach so that they do have that foundation,” said Nikkel.

A foundation she has been building in McLoud schools for close to 60 years.

“I hadn’t planned to substitute, but I retired in 2002, and I have been substituting ever since,” said Nikkel.

She has impacted generations of students. “Three generations for me, myself, my daughter and she’s now substituted for my grandson,” said former student, Gary Hodde.

Mrs. Nikkel was Gary Hodde’s third-grade teacher, and though he’s retired from teaching, she is still going full speed. “Many substitutes say I’m not going to do recess duty, I’m not going to do cafeteria duty, I'm going to put kids in cars after school she does all of that,” said Hodde. 

“I only remember two teachers and she’s one of them,” said former student Joe Ross.

Ross is assistant superintendent for McLoud schools and has never forgotten the impact Mrs. Nikkel had on him in third grade. “You were cared for, and you knew it and you felt it,” said Ross.

She was never one to raise her voice or get upset. “She didn’t demand respect, but she commanded respect,” said Hodde. “I just love it,” said Nikkel.

Even at 85 years young, Mrs. Nikkel says she will continue to substitute as long as she feels she is having an impact, which the school and the town of McLoud hope that day never comes.   

Mike Glover

Bio coming soon

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