Her Story
About Nicole
Nicole Florez, Ed.D., is a Curriculum Designer at the Institute for Multisensory Education (IMSE) and an educational leader with more than 25 years of experience in education, including many years specializing in literacy instruction and Reading Science. She is recognized for her expertise in structured literacy, dyslexia intervention, multilingual learner education, curriculum development, and teacher professional learning. Throughout her career, she has worked directly with students experiencing reading and writing challenges while partnering with educators to implement evidence-based instructional practices that improve literacy outcomes. Her passion for educational innovation and student-centered learning continues to guide her work with schools and districts across the country. Dr. Florez earned her Ed.D in Reading Science from Mount St. Joseph University, along with both a Master's Degree in Bilingual Education and a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and Bilingual Education from the University of New Mexico. She also holds a Certificate in Educational Leadership from The College of New Jersey and professional credentials as a Certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist and Certified Structured Literacy Classroom Teacher through the Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI). In addition to her role at IMSE, she co-founded Bridge Literacy NM, an organization dedicated to providing structured literacy interventions for students experiencing reading difficulties while supporting educators and families through evidence-based literacy instruction. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Dr. Florez is deeply committed to educational advocacy and community leadership. She serves on the Board of Directors for The Reading League New Mexico and actively supports organizations focused on literacy, educational equity, and underserved communities, including initiatives benefiting minority students and the New Mexico Black Leadership Council. She believes that meaningful educational change is achieved through collaboration among passionate educators, community organizations, and families working toward shared goals. Outside of education, she enjoys spending time with her husband and young son, traveling, reading, and cooking. Guided by the values of trust, respect, and communication, she remains dedicated to creating learning environments where every student can thrive.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Nicole
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the incredible support system that has surrounded me throughout my career, my natural curiosity, and my unwavering belief that every child deserves the opportunity to learn to read. That belief continues to inspire my work each day, whether I am supporting students, coaching educators, or designing literacy curriculum. Remaining curious allows me to continue learning, growing, and seeking better ways to serve children, families, and schools.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to believe in myself and never stop pursuing my full potential. When we continue to grow professionally and personally, we create greater opportunities to help others reach their own potential. That mindset has shaped my leadership philosophy and continues to motivate me to invest in educators, students, and communities.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is to truly listen—to your heart and to the children and families you serve. Education is deeply rooted in relationships, compassion, and understanding. Before focusing on data, assessments, or statistics, take the time to understand people as individuals. Every child and every family wants to feel seen, heard, valued, and respected. Those trusting relationships become the foundation for meaningful learning, especially when working with students facing significant reading challenges. When you combine empathy with evidence-based practices and informed decision-making, you can create lasting, positive change in students' lives.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in education is creating well-aligned systems that effectively support students, educators, and schools. We also face the ongoing challenge of determining how to responsibly leverage artificial intelligence in ways that strengthen teaching and learning without replacing meaningful instruction. Additionally, limitations in time, funding, professional development, and access continue to impact teacher preparation and literacy implementation. At the same time, I see tremendous opportunity in the growing momentum around the Science of Reading and literacy improvement. Educators, nonprofit organizations, researchers, and community leaders are working together with a shared commitment to improving literacy outcomes for all children. The opportunity now is to unite those efforts into a coordinated movement that creates lasting, systemic change.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me every day are trust, respect, and communication. I believe meaningful relationships are built on these principles, whether working with students, families, educators, or colleagues. I also believe that lasting change happens when communities of people come together around a shared purpose. While one person can make a difference, collective action creates an even greater impact. Being part of organizations and communities that work together to serve others is incredibly important to me, and I strive to contribute wherever I can to improve educational opportunities for every child.
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