Harnessing the power of professional learning and collaboration to promote student LIteracy growth and wellbeing
Welcome to Connected Literacy Consultants
We Listen, guide & deliver
Connected Literacy Consultants delivers comprehensive professional development services designed to empower districts in implementing evidence-based literacy instruction. Drawing upon deep, practical expertise with a diverse range of Science of Reading (SoR) aligned curricula, our team guides educational professionals in using student data to enhance literacy programs and address the unique needs of every learner. CLC works with the curriculum you have by offering customized professional learning experiences to meet your district's goals and your school's needs
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Practical
We provide learning experiences that equip teachers with ready-to-use strategies and tools they can put into practice immediately.
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Impactful
Our approach consistently yields measurable student growth and sustainable, long-term change.
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Customized
We partner with you to personalize a professional development plan to align with your specific curriculum and context.
Krista
Meet our Team
Hi I’m Krista. I am a literacy consultant, college instructor, researcher, teacher and author.
During my 20 + years in teaching, I have served as a literacy specialist and coach partnering with teachers and administrators in K-12 schools. For the past 5 years, I have collaborated with the education studies department of a local college to conduct research investigating literacy learning in my fifth grade classroom. My podcasting curriculum is featured in The Reading Teacher and articles detailing the curriculum’s impact and my broader literacy curriculum work are forthcoming.
Teaching is my passion. I have extensive experience in Science of Reading (SoR) based curricula and am on a mission to help teachers enhance their curriculum by crafting lessons tailored to students strengths and needs. I take pride in providing joyful and practical learning experiences where teachers collaborate and plan engaging lessons that nurture students’ identities as readers, writers and thinkers.
Shelley
I am Shelley, a lifelong educator on a mission to help teachers transform Science of Reading (SoR) research into joyful, student-centered classroom practice. With a career spanning roles as a literacy consultant, college instructor, teacher, and instructional leader, I bring a 360-degree perspective to school improvement. Always with a focus on nurturing student identities as readers, writers, and thinkers.
Beyond the classroom, I am an active contributor to the broader literacy conversation. My work in The Reading Teacher details the tangible impact of curriculum design.
Whether I am leading grade-level data teams, providing 1:1 coaching, or planning community literacy events with the Saratoga Children’s Literacy League and Friends of the Ballston Spa Library, my goal remains the same: to create practical, engaging learning experiences. I pride myself on being a partner to both school leadership and the community, ensuring that every teacher feels supported and every student is seen.
Action plan to meet your goals
We work with Pre K-12, grade level and department teams, teachers, literacy specialists, instructional coaches, and administrators.
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Choose a Topic
Sample workshop topics include, but are not limited to:
- Science of Reading
- Word Study (phonemic awareness, phonics, spelling and vocabulary).
- Grammar and sentence structure.
- Small Group Work in Reading & Writing
- Differentiating Instruction
- Curriculum Planning and Development
- Analyzing Assessment Data
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Choose a format
1. School-based or virtual professional development
2. Keynote whole school or district meeting.
3. Team and grade level meetings and small group teacher support
4. Coach individual teachers
5. Model lessons in classrooms and debrief with teachers and administrators.
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Make a plan
1. Meet with your leadership team to learn your school’s needs and professional learning goals.
2. Create a customized professional learning plan for your school/ district.
3. Facilitate the professional development sessions (in-person or virtual).
4. Meet to share and reflect on how things went and present a pathway for next steps to meet your goals.
Testimonials
Resources To Put Your Best Self Forward
Reconnect to the reasons you decided to become an educator, and receive support that leaves you feeling seen and heard on your professional path. Break through outside pressures, cultivate trust in yourself and your teachers, and re-align with your true north: the children in front of you.