Hello There! I’m Kristen.
​I started my career in education as a middle school teacher over 20 years ago. Since then, I've worked as a teacher, tutor, and school counselor across all grade levels—elementary, middle, and high school.
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I'm kind of obsessed with understanding how students' brains actually work. I've delved deep into research about developmental levels and learning, and it’s shaped everything about the way I teach.
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So, for example, when I teach writing, I don't just drone on with verbal instruction and expect students to weed through what I'm saying. Instead, I model the writing process step by step, showing them exactly how to move through the writing process until it becomes second nature.
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And when we dive into guided reading, I choose stories that grab their attention and get them talking—because real engagement leads to real growth.
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​​​Here's the thing—I understand there's a real problem with education today. Students' brains aren't fully developed until they're 25, yes we hold them to adult level standards. Instead of letting that set them up for unnecessary frustration, I meet students at their developmental level, teaching them how to think critically, write clearly, and read between the lines.
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I meet students where they are, building them up to become the capable, confident students they were always meant to be.
