OUR TEAM
WHO WE ARE
Our organization was founded by Susan Mackey, Jo Stevens, and Betsy Kinkade, three educators with more than a century of combined experience across schools, districts, and instructional roles. What unites us is a shared belief in the transformative power of knowledge-building instruction.
Over the course of our careers, we have worked as classroom teachers, an EL specialist and director, a school counselor, academic coaches, building and district administrators, curriculum developers, presenters, and educational consultants. This broad range of experience allows us to understand the realities of classrooms and the pressures on teachers, while also bringing a district-level perspective on what drives lasting change. We have partnered with schools serving students from varied cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. These experiences guide our work and remind us that effective instruction must be practical, inclusive, and grounded in real classroom needs.
As founders, Susan, Jo, and Betsy bring complementary strengths, shared values, and a deep commitment to supporting educators and improving learning for all students.
Susan Mackey
Founder
About Susan Mackey
Susan Mackey, M.Ed., is a founding member, educational leader, and nonprofit advocate with over three decades of experience advancing high-quality, equitable learning opportunities. She has served at multiple levels of K–8 education—from classroom teacher to literacy coach, curriculum specialist, and Executive Director of Curriculum & Instruction—bringing a systems-level perspective to improving teaching and learning.
Susan’s work centers on literacy, structured curriculum design, and professional learning grounded in the Science of Reading. She served as a state trainer for Early Literacy (K–1) and the Science of Reading (K–12) and has worked nationally as a consultant and trainer, supporting schools and organizations in implementing evidence-based practices that lead to lasting student success. Her nonprofit leadership reflects a deep belief that strong instruction changes lives and communities.
Susan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Arkansas and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in TESOL from John Brown University.
Jo Stevens
Founder
About Jo Stevens
Jo Stevens, M.Ed., is a founding member and dedicated educational leader with 28 years of experience supporting student achievement across elementary and district-level settings. She has served in a range of roles—including Title I Instructional Assistant, Elementary Classroom Teacher, Academic Literacy Facilitator, and ESOL Curriculum Specialist—bringing a deep, practical understanding of how strong instruction, effective curriculum, and responsive teaching support diverse learners.
Throughout her career, Jo has been committed to literacy development, language acquisition, and equitable access to high-quality instruction. She has led literacy and English language development initiatives, served as a district curriculum trainer, and partnered closely with educators to strengthen instructional practice. As a state trainer, she has facilitated professional learning in Effective Literacy (Grades 2–4) and the Science of Reading (K–12), emphasizing research-based strategies that build confident, capable readers.
Jo holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood from the University of Wyoming and a Master’s degree in Reading with Reading Specialist certification from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She also holds an ESOL endorsement from John Brown University. Her work reflects a deep commitment to empowering educators and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Betsy Kinkade
Founder
About Betsy Kinkade
Betsy Kinkade, M.Ed., is a founding member and seasoned educational leader with over 35 years of experience across elementary and district-level education. She has served in numerous K–12 roles—including classroom teacher, school counselor, assistant principal, elementary principal, and District Director of Migrant and ESOL Programs—bringing a holistic understanding of how schools, families, and communities work together to support children.
Betsy’s career has been grounded in a strong commitment to equity, access, and high-quality instruction for multilingual learners and underserved students. As a district leader overseeing K–12 Migrant and English Learner programs, she directed large-scale instructional initiatives, ensured compliance with state and federal regulations, and led professional learning at the building, district, state, and national levels. Her work emphasizes culturally responsive practices, strong language development, and systems that empower both educators and students.
Betsy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of the Ozarks and a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Arkansas. She also holds certifications in School Counseling from John Brown University, School Administration from Harding University, and English as a Second Language (ESL) from the University of Arkansas.
