2023 Most Influential Women: Nicole Holt

Throughout her professional journey, Nicole Holt has believed that people can lead from where they are, regardless of position. Currently serving as deputy superintendent of academics for Springfield Public Schools, Holt has spent the past two decades in education and community development. She got her start as a classroom teacher before becoming principal at Sherwood Elementary and then director of professional learning for the district.

“My leadership has been displayed in my willingness to empower others through collaboration and foster the development of high-functioning teams focused on creating the best possible learning conditions for students,” she says.

As a classroom teacher, Holt invited colleagues both within and outside the district into her classroom and in doing so fostered learning and dialogue that enriched her peers and strengthened her own teaching efficacy. This dedication to excellence earned her recognition as a Missouri Outstanding Beginning Teacher in 2006 by her alma mater, Evangel University.

As principal of Sherwood Elementary, Holt spearheaded the first on-site partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs in Missouri. It was the first unit of its kind west of the Mississippi.

This collaboration set the stage for other successful ventures, such as the renovation and construction project at Williams Elementary.

As deputy superintendent of academics, Holt oversees 15 departments and provides instructional support for over 50 school campuses. During the pandemic, Holt was charged with supporting the development and implementation of virtual learning opportunities for SPS students. This required meeting immediate needs of the students and their families, as well as developing virtual education opportunities across the district.

“While we know the learning model and options developed were not perfect, SPS remained open in a reduced capacity throughout the fall semester with no school closures,” Holt says. “This was unique both regionally and amongst our peers across the state.”

Holt, a Springfield native and SPS alum, says she is fiercely committed to the SPS mission of recruiting and retaining quality educators. Because of this, Holt partnered with Leadership Springfield and co-developed SPS Access, a two-day class that enhances early career teachers’ community awareness, builds connections and increases their knowledge of available resources for students.

“I am so proud of this partnership because it places additional resources in the hands of our teachers and broadens access to their support system to better serve our students and families,” Holt says.

In addition to her professional achievements, Holt serves on the boards of Leadership Springfield, Boys & Girls Club of Springfield Inc. and the Greater Ozarks Cooperating School Districts, contributing to leadership development, program refinement and educational collaboration.