An Interview with Tricia Bennett

As a mission-driven nonprofit organization, Collaborative Classroom is committed to impact, bringing our research-based curricula and professional learning to as many educators and students as possible. 

Our Managers of Educational Partnerships play a vital role in growing our impact, working in service of teaching and learning for school, district, and community partners nationwide.  

Managers of Educational Partnerships bring a wealth of expertise and wide-ranging experiences to their work. Educators themselves, they have served as classroom teachers, interventionists, literacy coaches, principals, and district leaders. Many have taught at the college level, presented at state and national conferences, and authored professional books. All of them share a deep commitment to serving educators and students.

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

I spent 17 years as an educator at a Title I elementary school in Sanford, FL. For the majority of my years, I taught 5th grade. I also spent time as a literacy coach and interventionist.  

As an educator, I was (and still am) passionate about all students having access to a strong reading foundation. Additionally, having access to great literature helps them get excited about reading. It helps them learn about themselves, others, and the world.

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

In my last several years as a teacher, I was also working as a professional learning consultant with Collaborative Classroom. I loved using Collaborative Classroom’s programs with my students and supporting educators across the country as they implemented the programs. 

Being a consultant is how I found out about the Florida Manager of Educational Partnerships role. When I got the job, I was nervous and sad about leaving my students and school. At the same time, I was excited to be able to work full time with Collaborative Classroom and to share our programs with Florida educators. 

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

Several things from our mission drew me to the work of Collaborative Classroom. I appreciate that Collaborative Classroom is focused on educating ALL students. I value that we are not just helping students to develop as readers and writers, but also as thinkers and citizens. 

As a teacher, I saw how using our programs, which supported academic AND social development, incorporated authentic literature and reading and writing experiences. Our CC programs gave my students choice and voice. They helped my students grow as learners more than ever, including showing above average growth on their state assessments. 

My “why” for joining Collaborative Classroom is to show others that literacy instruction can and should do all of those things for students. 

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

My favorite part of my role as Manager of Educational Partnerships is working alongside district and school leaders. I enjoy helping them come up with solutions to their specific challenges in their specific situations. 

It is inspiring to have an inside look at the many ways educators are trying to improve literacy for students across the state. I know it isn’t easy, but I love being part of the solution and value the relationships I build as we do that work. 

I also love that every day looks and feels different, just like teaching!

What are some other projects or passions in your career? 

I’m a big advocate for public schools. Moreover, I believe that the size of the school or the amount of resources available should not decrease the quality of instruction or curriculum that students receive. 

I know that teachers who feel supported make students feel supported, and administrators who feel supported make teachers feel supported. Consequently, I like to visit schools that need more support.

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 love getting to spend time in classrooms across the state as a part of my work. I am most impressed in classrooms where students really own their learning and show a strong sense of independence and choice. 

Seeing kids working and supporting themselves with classroom resources as teachers work with small groups or individual students is such a joy. My heart is happy when I see students make choices, engage with the work, help others, and become excited about their learning. I know those opportunities and skills make school fun for kids. Certainly, they will be useful as they navigate challenges ahead. 

Reflecting on your background as a teacher or as a student, could you share one particularly memorable experience?

I can still remember being a 4th grade student. My teacher read Where the Red Fern Grows aloud to our class. I remember that, at the sad part, she started crying and was visibly upset. She shared that her dog was sick and she was having a hard time.

I honestly can’t remember anything else I learned or did in my 4th grade class so vividly, but I will forever remember my teacher, that day, that book, and that feeling. It showed me how sharing books can connect people and help us understand each other and the world better. 

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