Inaugural Elementary Teacher Cohort Launches New Teaching Resource
NCTE is excited to announce a new educator cohort designed to support elementary classroom teachers and amplify their voices. The seven cohort members were assembled to create a monthly online publication that will support teachers at all levels of experience, including those who are early in their careers. Classroom Corridors: Expertise and Inspiration from Elementary Teachers is a multimodal must-have for NCTE members, featuring classroom stories, implementation strategies, and downloadable resources.
Meet the Members of the Elementary Cohort
Jordan Caldwell is an elementary principal in Shinglehouse, Pennsylvania. Prior to becoming a principal, she spent 10 years in the classroom teaching middle school ELA. She is devoted to promoting literacy and lifelong curiosity with all learners. Jordan is a board member of PCTELA (an NCTE affiliate) and is also involved with PAECT.
Dora Diaz is a former two-way dual language teacher and a current PhD student in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis on bilingual/bicultural education at the University of Texas-Austin. She has spent the past 14 years working in bilingual education settings as a teacher and assistant principal in the Austin area. She strongly advocates for high-quality, rigorous instruction while focusing on making content relevant for students and their families.
Gary R. Gray Jr. is a Black Canadian poet and educator who writes for young children (and sometimes adults). Born and raised in Preston, Nova Scotia, Canada, Gray’s love for literature stems from told and untold stories within his community.
Melissa Guerrette (she/her) is a National Board Certified Teacher with 23 years of teaching experience in grades 4–6 at Oxford Elementary School (MSAD #17), Maine.
Kari Johnston is a fifth-grade bilingual teacher in Austin, Texas. She holds a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, with a focus on bilingual/bicultural education, from The University of Texas at Austin.
Katie Keier has been a classroom teacher, school librarian, and literacy specialist in grades preK–8 for 33 years. She is currently a kindergarten teacher in a Title I school near Washington, DC.
Anita Stratton is an elementary educator in central Ohio with over 15 years of experience. She is currently teaching EL and has taught second and third grade.
Cohort Facilitator
Franki Sibberson has spent the past 35 years in education. She taught in Dublin City Schools for over 30 years and has coauthored several books for teachers. Franki also served as President of the National Council of Teachers of English.