"We Empower Educators, Leaders, and Young People to Walk in Their Stories and Create Equitable Futures".
OUR STORY
We believe that language is our greatest power. From oral histories to written narratives to truths whispered to a friend, we believe that stories are foundational to understanding the self and others–to creating equitable, healing-centered classrooms that center the lived experiences and holistic identities of students.
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Our collaborative work offers a tapestry of perspectives fostered through our individual and collaborative teaching experiences, curriculum design, and shared commitment to ABAR/DEI, trauma-informed, student-centered learning in and beyond the classroom.
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Together, we hold over 20 years of teaching experience; five college degrees; over forty peer-reviewed and public-facing publications; lived experiences of ableism, racism, and sexism as students and educators; teeming bookshelves; unwieldy reams of sticky-note dreams; laughter; joy; and a deep love of learning.
WE REPRESENT
Intersectionality, a comittment to research and lived experiences, a committment to the power of oral history and writing, and fostering safe spaces that support well-being in and beyond education.
WHAT WE OFFER
WORKSHOPS
TEACHING CONSULTING & CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT
WRITING & LITERACY EDUCATION
DEI (DIVERSITY-EQUITY-INCLUSION)
SEL (SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING)
*Contact us for availability and rates*
WHO WE WORK WITH
K-12 SCHOOLS
HIGHER EDUCATION
PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS & CURRENT TEACHERS
NON-PROFITS & ORGANIZATIONS
BUSINESSES
Brittany Collins
Brittany R. Collins is an author, educator, and curriculum designer dedicated to supporting teachers’ and students’ social and emotional wellbeing, especially in times of adversity. Her work explores the impacts of grief, loss, and trauma in the school system, as well as how innovative pedagogies-- from inquiry-based, idea-centered learning to identity development curricula-- can create conditions supportive of all learners.
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Brittany is the author of Learning from Loss: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Supporting Grieving Students, published in 2021 through Heinemann of Houghton-Mifflin Harcourt. She has published over forty peer-reviewed and public-facing articles in such outlets as The Washington Post; Education Week; Edutopia; We Need Diverse Books; English Journal and Literacy & NCTE of the National Council of Teachers of English; Inside Higher Ed; Brevity blog; Dana Farber Cancer Institute; and Thrive Global, among other outlets.
Marlee Bunch
Marlee Bunch is an educator with over 15 years of teaching experience in a myriad of settings– urban, suburban, and title I schools. She has worked with grades ranging from high school, post-secondary, and adult education. The courses she has taught range from advanced English, writing workshops, Hiset preparation, honors World Literature, dual-credit English, and creative writing. She holds a Masters in Education from DePaul University, a Masters in Science from Emporia State University, and is currently working on her Ed.D. from the University of Illinois in Education, Policy, and Leadership with a focus on Diversity and Equity. Additionally, she holds a K-12 teaching certificate, gifted education certification, and ESL certification.
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With a passion for building authentic and meaningful relationships with students and families, she has enjoyed working as a Director of Diversity and Equity and Director of Education with Race Project KC.
Learning from Loss
A Trauma-Informed Approach to Supporting Grieving Students
By: Brittany R. Collins
Learning from Loss is your guide to getting started with grief work, providing a path that can help you determine the best course of action in the wake of a loss that impacts a student or school community. You will find research, stories, strategies, activities, and reflection questions that offer a map with which to navigate grief-responsive classroom practices.
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Podcast Interview: Embracing Grief in the Classroom - Heinemann.com
