I have high expectations for personal and collective growth.

My mission is to empower educators to create classrooms where students are actively engaged in the learning process through a tight alignment between curriculum, instruction, and assessment in order to increase student achievement, which is our most important work. 

I empower my clients to communicate powerfully and effectively using the English language as they become critical readers, writers, and thinkers who closely examine themselves and the world through reading, writing, discussing, listening, and viewing. 

How I Got Here

Most of us have had a mentor who inspired us to achieve greatness. 

For me, this mentor was Dr. Rebecca Sipe, a professor in the English Education program at Eastern Michigan University. 

Because of her instruction, I excelled in my student teaching experience. Then, I was selected to represent English Education at the Undergraduate Symposium. I was also chosen for the Excellence in English Education Award. 

I knew that I could never achieve these accolades alone; my success was a product of her exemplary instruction. 

Before I graduated, I approached Dr. Sipe. I asked her how I could ever thank her for everything she did for me. 

Her response: “Mentor other teachers in the same way I mentored you. Don’t keep these strategies to yourself; share them with others and strengthen the teaching profession.”

In honor of Dr. Sipe, I have over 25 years of experience serving as an Instructional Coach, English Language Arts Curriculum Lead, District Teaching and Learning Committee Facilitator, and Department Chair. 

I have opened my room for classroom observations, coached current and preservice teachers, engaged in online interviews, served as an online mentor, served as a district mentor, and served as a guest teacher on a panel discussions for student teachers.

I am a reader for the Advanced Placement English exams. Also, Icurrently serve as a mentor and literacy trainer for several national organizations. 

Today I

Today I work with my clients on continuous improvement strategies as they reach the next level of excellence. 

My myriad experiences taught me several valuable lessons about mentoring, especially the importance of:

• co-teaching and modeling
• the need to support a teacher through the change process
• the importance of building strong, trusting relationships
• the importance of collaboration
• the value of reflection
• the role of data in decision making
• the importance of inquiry-based reflection and inquiry-based learning
• the need for specific goal setting
• the need for ongoing training
• the need for open communication and dialogue with teachers and administrators

I am grateful for these experiences because they have made me a capable, confident leader. 

My ability to facilitate learning-focused conversations at the classroom, department, district, county, state, and national levels have thoroughly prepared me for my coaching and consulting work. 

Even More Personal

One thing about me is that I am passionate about health and fitness. I am an athlete, dancer, and fitness instructor. Additionally, I love working with others on reaching their health and fitness goals.

When I’m not working you can find me outdoors. Even in frigid temperatures, I need to get outside each day. 

Although I have to travel to do so, one of my favorite outdoor activities is hiking through mountains.

I am an animal lover. We have always had at least one dog, but I love connecting with all animals, especially in their natural habitat.

Professional Bio

Kristina Pittman is an Educational Consultant at Continuous Improvement Solutions.

 

She is a high school English teacher, mentor for new teachers, literacy trainer, instructional coach, teacher consultant, curriculum writer, AP English exam reader, and a Teaching and Learning Committee facilitator.