Marla Nickelson
Pearland,TX
Summary
Instructional leader with extensive experience supporting K–12 campuses through systemic, data‑driven improvement focused on teaching and learning. Proven success leading districtwide professional learning, instructional coaching, and campus support using continuous improvement models aligned with PLC and PDSA practices. Skilled in balancing leadership and instruction by meeting campuses where they are, developing actionable plans with built‑in accountability, and aligning stakeholders around a shared instructional vision to improve educator capacity and student outcomes.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
K–12 Teaching and Learning Specialist
Pasadena ISD
Pasadena, TX
08.2025 - Current
- Provide districtwide instructional leadership across all content areas and grade levels, supporting campuses through a systems-focused approach to continuous improvement.
- Guide campuses using the PDSA model aligned with PLC practices to identify needs, establish priorities, and implement targeted instructional action plans.
- Collaborate with campus administrators to co‑create next steps and embed frequent accountability measures to monitor progress and impact.
- Design and deliver professional learning for district specialists, principals, assistant principals, instructional coaches, and teachers.
- Support the Aspiring Coaches Academy, building leadership capacity among current and future instructional coaches.
- Work collaboratively with district teams to develop and refine a five‑year strategic plan focused on coherence, clarity of purpose, and stakeholder alignment.
- Conduct classroom walkthroughs and engage in coaching conversations that promote reflective practice and instructional growth.
- Analyze data to assess the effectiveness of professional learning and instructional supports, adjusting strategies to drive continuous improvement.
District Middle School Mathematics Specialist
Pasadena ISD
Pasadena, Texas
02.2013 - 07.2025
- Designed and facilitated districtwide professional learning for teachers, instructional coaches, and campus leaders, ensuring alignment to curriculum expectations and instructional priorities.
- Led curriculum development and revision efforts supporting traditional, blended, and personalized learning environments.
- Coordinated curriculum writing teams and collaborated with K–12 departments to ensure vertical alignment and instructional coherence.
- Partnered with campus administrators and instructional coaches to support implementation, monitor impact, and refine instructional practices.
- Conducted classroom walkthroughs and coaching cycles to model effective instructional strategies and provide actionable feedback.
- Supported new teachers and developing educators through targeted professional development and coaching support.
Middle School Mathematics Campus Coach
Pasadena ISD
Pasadena, TX
08.2009 - 02.2013
- Supported teachers through instructional coaching, lesson planning, data analysis, and classroom modeling.
- Collaborated with campus leadership to strengthen instructional practices and student achievement.
- Served in multiple campus leadership capacities, supporting professional learning, family engagement, and schoolwide initiatives.
6th Grade Mathematics Teacher
Pasadena ISD
Pasadena, Texas
08.2005 - 05.2009
- Delivered engaging, standards-aligned mathematics instruction focused on student understanding and growth.
- Served in leadership roles supporting curriculum development, mentoring, and campus culture.
Education
Master of Education - Educational Management
Concordia University
Houston, TX01-2011
Bachelor of Science - Marketing and Management
University of Houston
Houston, TX01-2002
Skills
- Districtwide Instructional Leadership
- Professional Learning Design & Facilitation
- Instructional Coaching Frameworks
- Continuous Improvement (PDSA & PLC Alignment)
- Strategic Planning & Systems Development
- Campus & District Collaboration
- Administrator & Coach Capacity Building
- Instructional Walkthroughs & Feedback
- Data-Informed Decision Making
- Curriculum & Assessment Alignment
- Stakeholder Communication & Engagement
Certification
- 4-8 Generalist Texas Teaching Certificate
- T-TESS Certified
Timeline
K–12 Teaching and Learning Specialist
Pasadena ISD
08.2025 - Current
District Middle School Mathematics Specialist
Pasadena ISD
02.2013 - 07.2025
Middle School Mathematics Campus Coach
Pasadena ISD
08.2009 - 02.2013
6th Grade Mathematics Teacher
Pasadena ISD
08.2005 - 05.2009
Bachelor of Science - Marketing and Management
University of Houston
Master of Education - Educational Management
Concordia University