Marla Nickelson is a seasoned educator with 21 years of experience in public education, currently serving as a Systems and Support Specialist for K–12 campuses across all content areas in Pasadena ISD. In this district-wide role, Marla provides strategic support to educators and leaders, helping implement the PDSA instructional system which promotes equity, innovation, and student success.

Previously, Marla served as a Mathematics Instructional Specialist, where she led curriculum development and professional learning for 5th and 6th grade blended learning models. Her work included close collaboration with campus content specialists, instructional coaches, and classroom teachers to ensure a streamlined and student-centered mathematics experience.

Throughout her career, Marla has held roles as a classroom teacher, campus coach, and district specialist. Her leadership has supported initiatives in individualized learning, blended instruction, writing across the curriculum, and the growth of the PAC mathematics program. She is deeply committed to fostering teacher development and student achievement through collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

Marla holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Management from the University of Houston and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Concordia University. Her educational philosophy is grounded in the belief that all students can learn and apply mathematics meaningfully, and she continues to champion systems that empower both educators and learners.