Read. Write. Think.

Growing up, Renee hated school. Had it not been for Renee’s love of field hockey, she probably would have given up on it completely. When it came time to choose what she would study in college, she opted for what would keep her on the hockey field longer: teaching. Not teaching students, but coaching athletes. After graduation, Renee took a coaching position at Columbia University and reluctantly put her teaching credentials down as a substitute. Upon discovering that New York City had some of the most brilliant students and teachers she’d ever met, Renee decided she wanted to teach full-time. Renee landed a full-time position at PS 126 in Manhattan when one Tuesday morning, a few days into the school year in 2001, the events of September 11 happened. As the school closed for several days, it became clear there would be a new normal upon returning to the classroom. Teaching and living in NYC before and after 9/11 is ingrained into how Renee operates both personally and professionally. She chooses to view everything in the best light possible and to expect and believe in the best from people. Looking to expand her reach in how she could support teachers and improve the experience of school for students, Renee shifted gears to work as a Staff Developer at the Reading and Writing Project and an adjunct professor at Teachers College, both at Columbia University. She also co-founded Growing Educators, a literacy consulting company in Los Angeles, CA. Today, Renee is the Founder of Read. Write. Think. With Renee, a thinking partnership and consulting service that offers 1:1 coaching, expert advice, resources, and events to caregivers, teachers, and principals to help students and children read, write, and think brilliantly. Renee believes in and supports teachers and caregivers in their professional learning, using tools and resources for lasting results.