Dr. Nicole Borck
I've spent my entire career figuring out how kids learn — and what gets in the way. That's what this work is built on.
About
At the core of everything I do is a simple belief: when we actually understand what a student needs, we can teach them in a way that works. Not just get them through the assignment. Not just survive the school year. Actually learn.
I started Theory to Practice because I kept seeing the same thing — students who weren't struggling because they couldn't learn, but because nobody had figured out the right approach for them yet. I wanted to build something that fixed that. For students, for families, and for the schools trying to serve them both.
Professional Background
My path into education wasn't traditional — I started with a degree in film and fine art from Columbia College Chicago. But what I learned there about observation, storytelling, and seeing things differently has shaped how I approach teaching and learning ever since.
I came into teaching through Lewis University's accelerated master’s program, spending an entire school year student teaching in a second grade classroom at Union Elementary School District 81. That full year in the classroom — not a semester, not a few weeks — gave me a foundation most teachers don't get. They hired me when I finished, and I've been there ever since. I started as an art teacher and librarian, moved through classroom teaching at multiple grade levels, directed RTI and MTSS programs, coordinated ESL services, and have served as Curriculum Director since 2018. The district achieved exemplary status and now ranks in the top 1% of elementary schools nationwide — work I'm proud to have been a central part of as Curriculum Director. In July 2026 I transition into a superintendent role.
Along the way I earned three degrees and two additional endorsements — a Master of Arts in Education and Elementary Education certification from Lewis University, an ESL endorsement from the University of St. Francis, a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and principal preparation certification from Concordia University Chicago, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Superintendent endorsement from the University of St. Francis.
In addition to my leadership work, I am trained in the Connections structured literacy program through the Apple Group and am completing my certification as a dyslexia therapist. I work directly with students myself and personally train every educator on the Theory to Practice team before they ever work with a student.
Why this work
I've seen how often students struggle — not because they can't learn, but because they haven't been taught in a way that works for them yet.
I've also seen how exhausting it is to be a parent watching your child work hard and still fall behind. Or a teacher who knows something isn't clicking but isn't sure what to do next. Or a district leader trying to move an entire system forward with limited time and resources.
This work exists for all of them.
Credentials at a glance
B.A. Film & Fine Art — Columbia College Chicago, 2005
M.A. Education & Elementary Education Certification (K–9) — Lewis University, 2009
ESL Endorsement — University of St. Francis, 2013
M.A. Educational Leadership & Principal Preparation — Concordia University Chicago, 2016
Doctorate in Educational Leadership & Superintendent Endorsement — University of St. Francis, 2025
Illinois PEL — Elementary Education, ESL, Principal, Superintendent (PreK–Age 22)
Connections Structured Literacy Program — Apple Group
Dyslexia Therapist Certification — in progress
Curriculum Director, District 81 — top 1% nationally
Incoming Superintendent, July 2026
Meet the team
Theory to Practice employs a team of licensed Illinois educators personally trained by Dr. Borck.
Let’s connect
Whether you're a parent trying to figure out next steps or a district leader looking for a thought partner — start with a conversation.