For Dr. Nicole Marschilok, some of the best learning happens when things get a little messy.
“I always described my science classroom as ‘organized chaos’ because I believe learning should be filled with discovery, wonder, curiosity, and a little bit of messiness.”
That sense of curiosity has been part of Dr. Marschilok’s life for as long as she can remember. A second-generation educator, Dr. Marschilok grew up with a love of animals and was inspired by her father, who taught sixth-grade science for more than 20 years. Eventually, that early interest became a career of her own.
More than two decades later, Dr. Marschilok still finds joy in watching students make a new discovery.
“What continues to inspire me are those moments when curiosity turns into understanding, like when a student sees a strand of their own hair under a microscope for the first time or suddenly realizes that their own body is made up of trillions of cells.”
Those small moments of wonder are a big part of why Dr. Marschilok continues to love education. But throughout her career, her focus has also grown beyond her own classroom. Today, Dr. Marschilok is just as passionate about helping other educators find their confidence, grow as leaders, and discover what comes next in their own careers.
Finding Community in KDP
For Dr. Marschilok, KDP has provided a community where educators at different points in their careers can learn from and support one another.
“My KDP community has helped me thrive by connecting me with pre-service educators, classroom teachers, and school and district leaders who support one another’s educational journey.”
Dr. Marschilok especially values the chance to mentor other educators and emerging female administrators as they develop their leadership skills and find their professional voices.
At the same time, Dr. Marschilok has continued learning and growing herself. After more than 20 years in education, she completed her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership at Russell Sage College in Troy, New York.
During that journey, Dr. Marschilok was selected as a national recipient of the Kappa Delta Pi Henry H. Hill Laureate Scholarship.
“Being selected as a national recipient of the Kappa Delta Pi Henry H. Hill Laureate Scholarship was especially meaningful and reinforced my commitment to educational leadership, lifelong learning, and service.”
Helping the Next Generation Grow
Dr. Marschilok believes educators never really stop being students themselves. There is always something new to learn, someone new to learn from, and an opportunity to share what you have learned with someone else.
“KDP reminds me that thriving in education is not only about individual achievement, but about learning from one another and helping the next generation of educators and leaders succeed.”
That is also why Dr. Marschilok encourages educators to find professional communities that help them stay connected and continue growing, including organizations such as NSTA, STANYS, NYSAWA, and KDP.
“Educators are lifelong learners who inspire lifelong learning in others. It is a continuous cycle of growth, curiosity, and discovery—one that I am proud to be part of in support of students across New York State.”
And when Dr. Marschilok is away from the world of education, there is plenty that keeps her busy. She enjoys traveling with her children, camping, board games, skiing, horseback riding, fall, and anything to do with Halloween.
After more than 20 years in education, Dr. Marschilok’s curiosity has not gone anywhere. Whether she is watching a student make a discovery, mentoring another educator, or continuing to learn herself, she is still finding new reasons to be excited about what education can make possible.
KDP Member Spotlights celebrate KDP members making a difference in education and their communities. Nominate yourself or a fellow KDP member HERE for a chance to be featured.