Before joining the NIET team in 2022 as a senior specialist, Nicole Gonzalez was a district science coordinator. This role allowed her to work with teachers, instructional coaches, and administration to strengthen instructional practices to improve students’ science achievement. Nicole is an advocate for hands-on instruction with literacy connections. 

Nicole started her teaching career as a fifth grade teacher where she contributed to the campus’s Exemplary Recognition in reading, math, and science. She then taught middle school science where she also contributed to the campus’s Exemplary Recognition. She has had many leadership roles that included department chair, mentor to first-year teachers, providing professional development, science curriculum development, and summer program development.

Nicole earned a Bachelor of Elementary Education degree from Purdue University. She also holds a Master of Education in science curriculum and instruction from Our Lady of the Lake University.