Meet the Teacher

Hi, I’m Catherine, the educator behind The Brown Bag Teacher. I live in Kentucky, and my work centers on helping teachers understand how children learn and build instruction that supports their thinking.

I started The Brown Bag Teacher in 2013, sharing what I was learning in the classroom. I expected to spend my career in the primary grades, but my first classroom was fifth grade. That experience sparked my love of morphology, meaningful reading and writing, and a classroom library that helped every student find a book worth reading.

Later, I returned to my hometown to teach first grade, followed by combination kindergarten–first and first–second grade classrooms. Teaching across grade levels pushed me to look closely at students’ understanding, plan purposeful practice, and build routines that helped children work independently. Those lessons still shape the resources I create.

After earning my master’s degree in Literacy Education in 2018, I moved into instructional coaching. I partnered with teachers to plan, model lessons, co-teach, and work through the questions that emerge during instruction. My work expanded into district and regional support, connecting literacy research, instructional materials, and student learning.

Today, I support educators through coaching and professional learning at Green River Regional Educational Cooperative, including my work with Elevate Academy. I also supervise teacher candidates through Western Kentucky University. I hold master’s degrees in Literacy Education and Principal Leadership, with additional preparation in structured literacy and mathematics instruction.

Here at The Brown Bag Teacher, you’ll find a particular focus on K–2 math and upper-elementary morphology, alongside reading, writing, and classroom routines. I want teachers to leave with a clearer understanding of what students are showing them and a practical next step.

I’m a book lover, a chocolate enthusiast, and someone who appreciates a good nap. I’m glad you’re here.