An Interview with Sue Hucul

Sue Hucul is Collaborative Classroom’s Manager of Educational Partnerships for Massachusetts and Connecticut. She has worked in Springfield, East Longmeadow, and Holyoke Public Schools as a classroom teacher, literacy coach, and Director of English Language Arts (ELA).

Sue earned her MEd from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, with a focus on language and literacy. In her previous positions, she has overseen the implementation and instructional coaching of SIPPS, Being a Reader, Being a Writer, and Making Meaning in the districts she served. Sue also serves on the board of The Reading Circuit, a nonprofit organization that helps connect researchers, educators, and families by building circuits of knowledge and practice aligned with the science of reading.

Tell us a little about your background as an educator. What did you do before joining Collaborative Classroom?

I was a career changer. After working in Marketing and Advertising for 15 years, I moved from Boston back to my hometown of Springfield, MA, and began substitute teaching. I had found my calling! I enrolled in a Master’s program and became an ESL (English as Second Language) teacher in Springfield, where I was proud to work as a classroom teacher and instructional coach for over 10 years. From 2018–2022 I served as the Director of ELA for Holyoke Public Schools.

How did you find out about Collaborative Classroom and the Manager of Educational Partnerships role?

I was fortunate to have worked as a Cornerstone Coach for Springfield Public Schools, where I began to carry out the vision of Collaborative Classroom by providing tailored, high-quality professional learning for Being a Reader and Being a Writer across 32 elementary schools. Collaborative Classroom’s acquisition of Cornerstone provided me with a deeper understanding of the “why” and “how” of our programming and the importance of building community with students of all ages.  

As a teacher, coach, and district leader, I have experienced the incredible sense of joy that comes with transforming classrooms and teacher practice. In 2022, I reached out to my Manager of Educational Partnerships, Kim Still, to ask if CC had any opportunities that might fit my background. Kim had just been promoted to a new role as Director of Sales Enablement, creating the opening for a Manager of Educational Partnerships for Western MA and CT.

Given my history, admiration, and understanding of the organization, I was invited to apply for the position, and I’m truly grateful I did! The MEP role is designed for someone who understands the many challenges classroom teachers and leaders face and how our programming can support high-quality literacy instruction and effective MTSS implementation to align across all tiers of instruction.

Collaborative Classroom is a mission-driven nonprofit. What was it about our mission that drew you to the organization? What’s your “why” for joining Collaborative Classroom?

The part of our mission that drives my ambition for success is rooted in my firm belief that relationships impact child outcomes and improve teacher practice. I have personally experienced the power of building and sustaining classroom communities with children and adults. It is powerful to see agency and independence develop through our programming and collaboration with others.  

What’s your favorite part of your role as a Manager of Educational Partnerships?

The piece of our work that brings me the most joy is supporting district and school leaders who need help providing strong curriculum resources and tailored professional learning for their teachers. They are always so appreciative of our approach and the quality of our training.

It is truly inspiring for leaders to witness the results of their investment as teacher training translates to student learning and achievement in classrooms.

What are some other projects or passions in your career? 

After working in urban districts for many years, I have seen first-hand the impact of educational inequities on students of color and those experiencing poverty. I continue to follow the work of Zaretta Hammond, who has helped provide a concrete understanding of what all students need and how teachers can become culturally responsive educators who understand the critical need for structured literacy instruction to ensure reading success.  

In your role, you get to spend time in lots of different classrooms. What is something exciting or inspiring that you’re seeing out there in schools right now?

I am very excited about the shift in small group reading instruction.  Schools and districts are beginning to understand more about the progression of foundational skills and how to support the critical need for working on these skills. Our programs are beautifully designed for teachers to be able to accurately assess and plan for instruction based on where students are and offer flexibility and guidance for teacher decision making “in the moment.” 

One final question: Reflecting on your own lived experiences as a teacher or as a student, what was one experience that was particularly memorable or impactful for you?

As an eighth grader, I remember being so inspired by my middle school ELA teacher Melanie Kasperian. Her passion and ability to share and explore texts that provoke critical thinking and create emotional connections made a lifelong impact on me and continues to inspire me today.

What I remember most vividly were the conversations that ensued during and after her lessons.  As students, we were able to have open, authentic, and sensitive conversations because she developed a community of trust where we felt comfortable taking risks, disagreeing with one another, and learning how to effectively collaborate. This is a testament to all educators who continue to strive for excellence and love serving their students—the heart of our work!  

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Visit our Field Team page to meet our other Managers of Educational Partnerships.