OUR TEAM
ABOUT US
Background Knowledge Project was created to help bring content-rich learning back into the elementary classrooms.
We believe that reading comprehension depends on knowledge of words, of the world, and of how ideas connect. When students build that knowledge, they become stronger readers.
Our work focuses on making that possible within the realities teachers face every day: limited time, competing priorities, and the need for materials that are clear and usable.
We design lessons that integrate literacy with history and other subjects so students can build knowledge while learning to read.
OUR VALUES
- SERVE teachers and students
- TEACH knowledge
- ENCOURAGE learning
- GIVE resources GENEROUSLY
- LEAD DILIGENTLY
Use our gifts according to the grace given to each of us.
Romans 12:6
Susan Mackey
Founder, Executive Director, & Content Creator
About Susan
Susan Mackey, M.Ed., is a founding member, educational leader, and nonprofit advocate with 36 years of experience advancing equitable, high-quality education. She has served in K–8 roles from classroom teacher to Executive Director of Curriculum & Instruction, focusing on literacy, structured curriculum design, and professional learning grounded in the Science of Reading. A former state trainer and national consultant, she supports schools in implementing evidence-based practices that drive lasting student success. She holds degrees in Elementary Education and Curriculum & Instruction (with an emphasis in TESOL).
susan.mackey@backgroundknowledgeproject.com
Jo Stevens
Founder, President, & Content Creator
About Jo
Jo Stevens, M.Ed., is a founding member and educational leader with 28 years of experience supporting student achievement in elementary and district settings. She has served in roles ranging from classroom teacher to ESOL Curriculum Specialist, with a focus on literacy, language acquisition, and equitable access. As a former district and state trainer, she supports educators in implementing research-based practices that build strong, confident readers. She holds degrees in Elementary Education and Reading (Reading Specialist certification) and an ESOL endorsement.
Betsy Kinkade
Founder & Board Member
About Betsy
Betsy Kinkade, M.Ed., is a founding member and veteran educational leader with over 35 years of experience in elementary and district-level education. She has served in roles ranging from classroom teacher, counselor, and principal to District Director of Migrant and ESOL Programs, with a focus on equity, multilingual learners, and high-quality instruction. As a district leader, she directed K–12 Migrant and English Learner initiatives, led large-scale professional learning, and ensured compliance with state and federal regulations. She holds degrees in Elementary Education along with certifications in School Counseling, School Administration, and ESOL.
Anna Johnson
Content Creator
About Anna
Anna Johnson has 28 years of experience as an educator, including roles as an elementary classroom teacher, independent curriculum consultant, college professor, and literacy coach. Her expertise includes facilitation, coaching, editing, program alignment, and data-based problem solving. Anna holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction, and an ESOL endorsement.
For Background Knowledge Project, Anna develops and edits lesson texts and instructional slide decks that support teachers and their students' access to rigorous concepts at developmentally appropriate levels. She is passionate about fine-tuning lessons so that a rich academic product fosters a love of learning and curiosity for both teachers and students.
Jenny Felts
Content Creator
About Jenny
Jenny Felts brings 26 years of experience in elementary education, serving as both a classroom teacher and literacy coach. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, a Master of Science in Reading, and an ESOL endorsement. Her professional expertise includes K–5 literacy instruction, early literacy development, the Science of Reading, and supporting English learners.
For Background Knowledge Project, Jenny develops teacher resources that help educators deliver engaging, knowledge-rich instruction. Guided by her belief that building knowledge supports readers, she is passionate about creating practical, research-based tools that strengthen students’ language, vocabulary, and reading comprehension while supporting teachers in their daily practice.
Renee Huhman
Content Creator
About Renee
With 23 years of experience in elementary education, Renee Huhman has served as both a classroom teacher and literacy coach. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and holds an ESOL endorsement. Her professional interests include K–5 literacy, the Science of Reading, morphology, syntax, and instructional practices that support English learners.
As a content creator for Background Knowledge Project, Renee develops informational texts and teacher resources designed to build students’ knowledge and language through meaningful literacy experiences. She enjoys creating materials that are both engaging for students and practical for teachers, helping classrooms implement research-based instruction that supports strong readers and confident learners.
