I am Nichelle Harper-Nuells, a firm believer that education is the foundation of a thriving society. But it wasn’t until I walked the many paths of education—teacher, student, advocate, and leader—that I fully grasped the depth of the challenges educators face. The journey that led me to create PrimeTeach Recruit wasn’t just about filling positions in classrooms—it was about reimagining the way we support, recruit, and retain teachers in a field that is often overlooked and deeply undervalued.
It Started at Home
In many ways, this story started long before my degrees or leadership roles. I was raised by a gifted early childhood educator who not only taught children—but transformed classrooms. My mother, Tiffany Warren, instilled in me a deep respect for early education. I grew up surrounded by lesson plans, learning centers, and stories about her students that revealed just how much love, patience, and creativity this field demands.
Watching her teach wasn’t just inspiring—it was formative. It helped me understand the impact of passion-driven educators who give their all, even when the systems around them give too little in return. It also shaped my belief that great teachers aren't found—they're developed, supported, and honored.
The Gaps No One Talks About
Fast forward to adulthood, and I found myself returning to the very spaces I was raised in—this time, with a professional lens. While pursuing my Master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, I started to uncover the deeper issues behind teacher burnout and retention. I studied what makes organizations thrive and what causes people to leave jobs they once loved.
And then it hit me—the teacher shortage isn’t just a hiring problem. It’s a systems problem.
My ah-ha moment came when I saw that teachers were walking away not because they didn’t care, but because they were emotionally and professionally unsupported. During immersive teacher appreciation initiatives for charter districts, I heard story after story of educators being stretched beyond their limits with little recognition or resources. It shook me.
From Heartwork to Hard Work
I started PrimeTeach Recruit because I wanted to do something every day that aligned with my heart. I wanted to build something that centered the well-being of teachers, especially those working in early childhood—arguably one of the most important yet undervalued sectors in education.
As a former childcare director, I got a closer look at the day-to-day struggles in recruitment: high turnover, minimal training, and a disconnect between what teachers are asked to do and the support they receive to do it well. Later, through the Revitalize SA Cohort Program with the City of San Antonio, I deepened my understanding of workforce gaps and how public-private partnerships can change the trajectory of entire industries—starting with education.
That’s when I knew this wasn’t just a dream—it was a calling.
What PrimeTeach Recruit Stands For
At PrimeTeach Recruit, we’re not just staffing classrooms—we’re elevating the profession. We exist to:
Recruit and retain high-quality, mission-driven teachers for childcare and early learning environments.
Offer coaching, growth, and development pathways that help teachers thrive, not just survive.
Bridge the gap between passionate educators and the schools that need them—especially in underserved communities.
And the truth is, I’m not just looking to fill roles. I’m looking for that spark—the kind of passion I saw growing up in my mother’s classroom. The kind of teacher who sees a child not just for who they are, but for who they can become. That’s who I want to represent. That’s who I want to pour into.
The Dream for San Antonio
In San Antonio, we dream of building a thriving, supported early education workforce—one where teacher development is prioritized, innovation is embraced, and retention is no longer a crisis. We envision a city where every childcare center is equipped not just with staff—but with leaders, nurturers, and game-changers.
That’s what PrimeTeach is here to do.
This work is deeply personal to me. And if you’re someone who believes that teachers deserve better—whether you’re an educator, a policymaker, or a parent—then I invite you to join us.
Let’s build something better together. Let's reimagine child care staffing.
Stay Connected With Us
We’re just getting started—and we’d love for you to grow with us.
📱 Follow PrimeTeach Recruit on facebook, instagram, and linkedin to stay in the loop on educator spotlights, open roles, community events, and behind-the-scenes moments that celebrate the heart of early childhood education.
💬 Join the conversation as we highlight the joys and challenges of teaching, share resources, and champion the professionals who make it all possible.
📝 And don’t miss our monthly blog, where we’ll go deeper into the issues affecting our childcare workforce. Each post will offer personal stories, industry insights, and actionable tools to help you grow as a leader, educator, or advocate.
👉 Be sure to follow us, share your thoughts, and invite others into this movement. PrimeTeach isn’t just a staffing agency—it’s a community built on purpose, people, and possibility.
