In the past couple of years, the primary voices on our team have transitioned to new positions in their schools. Betsy Hubbard, who was a K/1 looping teacher for over a decade, teaches third grade. Deb Frazier, who taught first grade for many years, works as a technology coach. As a result, our co-author team has been searching for a K-2 classroom teacher to fill this void for several months.

It’s my pleasure to welcome Kelsey Corter as a TWT co-author. She taught first grade in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, and now teaches kindergarten at P.S. 59, which is a TCRWP model literacy school. Kelsey believes one of her most important roles as an educator is helping each of her students identify as writers, rely on writing for many purposes, and find joy in writing – while keeping inquiry, choice, inclusion, and play at the center.
Early on, Kelsey built a strong foundation and passion for balanced literacy, thanks to an unparalleled mentorship with her first literacy coach — now teaching soulmate — Gina Neumann. When Gina arranged a home-grown TCRWP Summer Institute with the inspirational Sarah Picard Taylor, Kelsey knew she had to be closer to the Project and progressive teaching in NYC. Luckily, Kelsey’s husband is from New York City, so before long, they were driving a truck across the country with a crying cat in tow.
Since moving to New York, Kelsey has been incredibly fortunate to work closely with brilliant literacy teachers and consultants, including Kristine Mraz and Shanna Schwartz, and frequently attends institutes and workshops with TCRWP and Bank Street College of Education. Kelsey’s classroom is featured in Kids 1st From Day 1, by Christine Hertz and Kristine Mraz.
Kelsey squeezes into a Brooklyn apartment with her husband, 70-pound dog, cat, ever-growing library, and a large collection of tropical plants and succulents (including an 8.5-foot-tall cactus). Kelsey and her family make frequent trips to off-leash time at Brooklyn parks, Long Island beaches, Connecticut mountains, and their other home, Wisconsin.
You can follow Kelsey’s reflections and discoveries at http://smallsteps.blog, on Twitter @kelsey_corter, and on Instagram @theorganicclassroom. Check back this Friday, April 27th when her first post goes live on TWT.
Welcome, Kelsey! So happy to have a fellow Kinder teacher on the TWT team. Anxious to read about your class in Kristine & Christine’s book!
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How wonderful for us and exciting for you! I look forward to reading your posts and learning from you. Welcome aboard.
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Thank you so much for the warm welcome!
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Congratulations, Kelsey. Happy to hear you are joining the TWT team!
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Thank you Alice! This is such an amazing team and community! I feel so lucky.
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Welcome! Looking forward to learning with and from you!
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Thank you so much Tracy! Looking forward to learning together as well. Excited to hear what you think!
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Welcome! 🙂
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Thanks so much Debbie!
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Welcome aboard! This is one wonderful blog!
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Thank you Anita! Wonderful blog and community! So happy and lucky to be on board.
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Welcome to my favorite blog.
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Thank you so much! It is an incredble blog, team, and community!
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Congrats to you, Kelsey! So happy for you and the TWT crew!
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Thank you so much Amy! Being a part of the team is filling my days with lots of joy.
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Thrilled for you, Kelsey! I’m so pleased a fellow K teacher is spreading the word about all our amazing young writers can do. Great choice, TWT team!
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Thank you so much Christie! I will definitely be requesting to think with you for posts, as someone I look to often for inspiration!
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