Kristina is a highly sought after speaker and author who works with K-12 teachers sharing practical strategies for teaching writing, reading comprehension, and vocabulary development. She is a certified 6-Traits trainer and author of several books, including Launching the Writer's Workshop, The Trait Mate; 6-Traits Starter Lessons, and the Writing Parent Pack. Her fast-paced, enthusiastic presentations have helped to motivate and encourage teachers for more than 10 years.
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING . . .
“Kristina’s dynamic personality is the perfect match for getting everyone excited about teaching! Her humor and insights are amazing. She really connects to the audience. This workshop doesn’t feel like ‘work’ at all!” S. Hunley
“As a literacy coach, I have been to dozens of workshops about improving reading & writing. This workshop provided me with more practical, student-friendly strategies for improving student writing than all the others combined!” C. Gliva
“Kristina has so much energy and keeps everything moving. She is very ‘in tune’ with her audience. The resources available are superior.” Y. Pence
“This was exciting and very motivational. Kristina did a great job of providing a variety of ideas for all grade levels, including high school.” J. Baumer
“The only intention Kristina seems to have is to make the life of a teacher easier and the achievement of our kids higher.” D. Geise
“I love your enthusiasm, advice, support, and online resources. I feel like I can immediately go back to my classroom and apply what I’ve learned. Thank you for a great day!” L. Kennedy
“I was highly engaged from start to finish! The strategies were right on target, and I was so impressed with your ability to differentiate for a K-12 audience. The quality of resources was phenomenal and your use of humorous examples was both hilarious and on target!” T. Brewer-Bacon
“Awesome workshop! I feel like I’ve learned more about writing instruction in seven hours than I learned in seven years of college!” L. Palmer
“Wow! What a great, hands-on, useful day! I had so many of my questions answered. She brought all the ‘book reading’ about the writing traits to life for me!” J. Sass
“Best workshop ever! Kristina’s a master of organization, a wealth of information, and makes it all fun!” B. Cieplak
“Presentation was animated, funny, and full of real-life teaching experiences! What a great way to not only to laugh at myself, but to find ways to make me a better teacher.” P. Provenzano
“After 27 years there is still so much to learn. You, Kristina can teach an old dog new tricks!” M. Steves-Brown
“Each time I attend a workshop with Kristina, I leave feeling more and more prepared! I know I can use the things learned in my classroom!” D. Hill
“Amazing! Best workshop I’ve ever been to! I feel I can teach writing successfully!” A. Damer
“I have learned so much that I can use right away. I love that I am walking away with a plan and the tools I need to teach writing. I’m really excited about teaching writing for the first time!” J. Blackford
“This workshop gave me dozens of ideas without making me feel pressed for time or overwhelmed. I’m so excited to take these back to my classroom! As a first year teacher I now have tools at my disposal for many years to come!” K. Bennett
“Wow! Kristina is serious about helping teachers change the way they teach!” M. Losco
“After attending the Vocabulary workshop, I’m thinking about vocab in a whole new way! So many activities that make learning meaningful for our kids but don’t take hours of a teacher’s time. Loved the day!” M. Maffey
“As always, a masterful presentation of strategies to use in the classroom! The process of modeling for us and then having us practice was very helpful!” J. Miller
Kristina Smekens
Teachers feel empowered and encouraged after working with Kristina. She is an expert at developing practical ways for K-12 teachers to apply research-based literacy strategies.
Teachers feel empowered and encouraged after working with Kristina. She is an expert at developing practical ways for K-12 teachers to apply research-based literacy strategies.
