Nicole joined TIE in the summer of 2022 as a Learning Specialist. Twelve years before that, she decided to become a STEM educator after watching the movie “The Matrix.” Nicole loves learning about the “code” that makes the world work. Thus, Nicole has taught some form of biology, coding, physical science, rock climbing, circuits, machine learning, and how to be an up-stander. Her classroom locations have varied, from the trails of Mount Rainier to a community garden in South Dakota to the STEM lab in Boston, MA. Nicole tries to weave in as many environmental and design thinking topics into her lessons as she can learn, and sprinkles in a good dose of cheesy jokes and activities. Nicole’s formal education has included a Master’s of Science Curriculum and Instruction with a Science Endorsement from Black Hills State University. At TIE, she is excited to dive into pedagogy around STEM, mastery-based grading, project-based learning, computational thinking, or anything else that engages students and teachers alike. If she isn’t learning or teaching, she likes to do anything outside, especially if it involves her pug, Pixel.

email Nicole

Direct Line: (605) 721-4171

Short Link: tie.link/nub

Current Projects

• Computational Thinking Grant Field and Curriculum Team Member

• SDDOE K-5 STEM Initiative

• SDDOE Computer Science Initiative

Learning Resources

• Hoven School District PD: The Tricks and Treats of Engagement

• DOE Mentoring Good To Great Program

Expertise

• Coding Languages: Processing, P5.Js, and Arduino

• Canvas Implementation

• Standards-Based Grading

• Engineer and Design Projects / Project-Based Learning

• Prototyping

• Design Thinking

• Experiential Education

• Machine Learning

• Online student engagement tools

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