I’ve spent more than three decades in public education working as a teacher, principal, and district-level leader. Over that time, I’ve lived through multiple waves of reform, shifting instructional philosophies, and changing expectations for schools. My perspective is shaped by what I’ve seen work in classrooms, what has failed at scale, and what tends to get lost when systems swing too far in either direction. My work centers on literacy, professional learning, and leadership coherence. I’m especially interested in how research is translated into practice, how teachers experience change initiatives, and how leaders can support improvement without adding unnecessary complexity.
My Work as an Educational Leader
Throughout my career, I’ve led curriculum development, supported instructional improvement, and worked closely with teachers and administrators across multiple grade levels. These experiences inform my writing and reflections here.
This site is a space to reflect on the middle ground; what’s worth holding onto from the past, what needs to change, and how schools can move forward with clarity and purpose.
Recent Presentations & Professional Learning
Every Minute Counts: Building Fluency, Vocabulary, and Confidence in Elementary Readers
District professional learning session focused on practical literacy instruction aligned to research based practices.
The Language Comprehension Learning Academy
A professional learning model grounded in Scarborough’s Reading Rope that supports teachers in building vocabulary, background knowledge, and comprehension through coherent instructional practices.
Building the Foundation: The Three Pillars of an Effective Classroom
A new teacher professional learning session focused on how clarity, consistency, and connection create the conditions for effective instruction and meaningful student learning.
From Gaps to Gains: Transforming Literacy
A professional learning session focused on identifying instructional gaps and implementing coherent, research aligned practices that strengthen literacy outcomes.
What I’m Currently Reading
Evolving Education: Shifting to a Learner-Centered Paradigm
An examination of how schools can thoughtfully adapt to change while honoring what works, with a focus on learner centered practices and purposeful innovation.
Dr. Katie Martin
Personalize: Meeting the Needs of ALL Learners
Eric Sheninger and Nicki SlaughA practical framework for designing learning environments that honor learner variability through intentional personalization and responsive instructional practices.
Marc TuckerLeading High-Performance School Systems: Lessons from the World’s Best.
A systems focused examination of high performing education systems around the world, highlighting how coherence, workforce development, and aligned policy enable all students to access rigorous learning. Tucker challenges leaders to move beyond fragmented reforms and consider how global models prioritize equity, professional expertise, and long term system design rather than short term initiatives.