Teachers are the cornerstone of a democratic society rooted in empathy, justice, and critical thinking. We must treat teachers in a way that reflects this truth by valuing their expertise, shifting structures to promote sustainability, and creating opportunities for collaboration, growth, and leadership. When teachers are respected, students will thrive.”
Brianna’s Story
Brianna entered the field of education because she sees schooling as an avenue for creating a more just world. She has committed herself to working with students and teachers from historically underserved backgrounds in urban settings. She taught high school science for over ten years in schools in Colorado and Rhode Island, ultimately finding her home at Blackstone Academy, a school that embodies many of the values that are important to her: community, democracy, justice, collaboration, diversity, shared leadership, and inquiry-based learning. At Blackstone, she collaborated with colleagues to create and lead a “coaching corps” of teachers coaching other teachers. She is passionate about developing mutual support networks for educators because she believes deeply in the power of teachers learning from other teachers.
Brianna has also worked in Brown University’s teacher education program in a variety of roles: Mentor Teacher, Teacher Residency Site Leader/Adjunct Lecturer, and Visiting Lecturer. Currently, she is directing Brown’s Teacher Induction Program, which is designed to provide support to recent graduates of their MAT program. In all her roles–whether working with K-12 students or teachers–she seeks to cultivate curiosity, critical consciousness, and an ethic of care. She strives to support students and teachers in becoming agents of change.
Brianna earned her B.A. in Neuroscience from Pomona College and her M.A.T. in Secondary Science Teaching from Brown University. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. at Boston College. She is interested in how teachers can be supported in adopting culturally responsive teaching practices, becoming leaders for equity, and persevering in the teaching profession, especially in urban schools that have notoriously high teacher turnover.
Brianna enjoys traveling, reading, cooking, baking, connecting with friends and family, and making music, especially in community with others. A Colorado native, she loves spending time outside, whether hiking, biking, running, climbing, or kayaking.
Knowles Academy Courses Taught
Designing Instructional Tasks to Increase Student Engagement and Learning in Science
Implementing Teacher Coaching to Improve Classroom Practice and Student Learning