Kristina Smekens - Lead Consultant

It is no surprise that 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. 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 ten years. It seems like nothing can stop her now!

What Others Are Saying...

"Thank you! Thank you! Our ISTEP scores just came in, and yes, we went up in our writing scores. We had more sixes, fives, and fours than ever before. A large part of that I know was due to you. What you have done for our building is amazing."

Mike Grubb, Bailly Elementary Principle (Chesterton, Indiana)

"I am so excited! I have been analyzing our ISTEP scores in depth, and our writing scores raised phenomenally after the 1st year. Our students averaged a point-and-a-half gain on the 6-point test. As I read some of our students' work, I am amazed at the quality of their writing. Our teachers and students are excited about the 6 Traits! Your delivery of instruction has helped us in this endeavor and I look forward to continuing our relationship. Thank you!"

Tony Personett, Wilbur Wright Elementary Principal (New Castle, Indiana)

"After Kristina introduced and helped us implement 6+1 writing traits over multiple years, we have just celebrated in 2006 having 80% of our third graders score a 4 or better on the ISTEP+ assessment (Up from 45% in 2004). The teachers very much look forward to Kristina's days in our building. We appreciate her vast knowledge of writing instruction, enthusiasm for the topic, and professional leadership in helping guide us to know where to go next in each step of improving our writing instruction."

Valree Kinch Converse Elementary Principal (Converse, Indiana)

"As a principal, I am thrilled with the writing results from the ISTEP+ this year. I feel strongly that the training that our building has received from Kristina has been instrumental in raising writing test scores. The teachers and staff have now been given a tool to actually teach writing. The confidence level of the staff to teach writing has increase; therefore, it has made a hie different in the way our students are now learning to write. Students now can come down to my office wanting to share their latest pieces if wring."

Marilyn Hissong, Highland Terrance Elementary Principal (New Haven, Indiana)

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.

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Customize Your On-Site Workshop
Director of Professional Development Brady Smekens is ready to help match your school with the consultant who is best qualified to meet your unique professional development needs.

Call Brady toll free: 1-888-376-0448.