During my tenure as principal at Sterling School, Dr. Katie Kelly has been an extraordinary partner, supporting our teachers and students through thoughtful, research-based literacy work that is both practical and deeply impactful. She is highly responsive and supportive, and most importantly, deeply like-minded in her belief that the most meaningful professional learning comes from deliberate, intentional, and connected collaboration. These carefully designed opportunities have consistently produced our most impactful and lasting moments of growth for both teachers and students.

 

Through coaching, modeling, and collaborative planning, Dr. Kelly strengthened writing instruction across classrooms and helped teachers refine high impact practices that directly benefit students. Her leadership of our writing workshop professional development series elevated instructional coherence and teacher confidence, while her district level Read to Succeed course, taught onsite at Sterling, further reinforced a culture of strong, responsive literacy instruction.

 

Her collaborative research partnerships and inclusion of Sterling educators and students in her professional writing have amplified effective practices beyond our school walls while honoring the voices of those closest to the work. These partnerships intentionally bridge theory and practice, bringing teachers, students, and preservice educators together in authentic classroom contexts. Grounded in trust, shared purpose, and deep respect for educators, Dr. Kelly’s work reflects a commitment to equity and excellence and a genuine belief in the power of literacy to transform lives, strengthening schools in ways that are both meaningful and lasting.