Nikki Drury

Literacy Trainer

What I like most about my role within the Center is…

Every day I get to immerse myself in my favorite topic: Literacy!

What I believe in

I believe language is powerful, and when we give students the ability to use language, we empower them to shape the world with their words, learn more about themselves and others, and delight in the pleasures of great literature.

Previous work highlights

Before coming to the Center, I was a classroom teacher and literacy coach.

Favorite book

Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell

Fun fact

At 10 years old I was the Texas state baton twirling champion.

Education

BS Interdisciplinary Studies, Sam Houston State University

M.Ed. Educational Leadership, Texas A&M

October 28, 2026 Wendy Vaulton, Associate Director, Early Interventions

Five Ways to Lead From Where You Sit

Here are five practical ways you can lead from any role by building trust, modeling positive behaviors, solving problems, communicating clearly, and sharing your why.

October 9, 2026 Heather Rodman, Literacy Trainer

When Someone Sees You as a Writer

Discover how to put the writer, not the writing, at the center of writing conferences for students to see themselves as writers.

September 28, 2026 Cindy Downend, Director

What Coaches Need to Succeed: A Research-Informed Model for Supporting Coaches

Coaching can be one of the most rewarding roles in a school, but it can also be isolating. Coaches occupy a unique space: they are not administrators, but their role also differs significantly from that of classroom teachers and specialists. Here are 5 things coaches need to thrive.