Cathy Collier The WISE Owl

I was in the classroom for more than 30 years either teaching early learners or supporting early learners and teachers as a reading specialist. My passion is creating things that make kindergarten teachers lives easier. I also LOVE presenting to teachers. I have presented at several state reading conferences and the International Literacy Association Conferences in Chicago, New Orleans, and San Diego. I'm always up for traveling to a conference. If you'd like to know, just ask.

I believe teaching must be systematic and intentional. I believe in promoting independence through hands-on experiences.

I was the Reading Teacher of the Year for Chesapeake Public Schools in 2007. I am a past BOD member and Past President of the Virginia State Reading Association. I was selected as Vice Chair of the Governor's Teacher Cabinet in 2013-14. I was also on the Board of Directors for the International Literacy Association (but these ideas are mine and are not endorsed by organization in any way). In 2020, I published a book with Teacher Created Materials. The book, The Road to Independent Reading and Writing, is a step-by-step guide for teachers to teach reading and writing to early learners.

My undergraduate in Special Education was earned in 1989 from Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia. I received my Master's of Education and my Reading Certificate from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia in 1996 and 2009, respectively. In 2015, I was honored as a Darden Fellow for the Old Dominion University College of Education.

My blog is www.cathycollier.com