ABOUT US

Katie Strawser was born and raised in northwest Indiana. She attended Purdue University where she received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education as well as her reading endorsement. 

 

After graduation, Katie began her teaching career in Dublin City Schools. Over 6 years, she taught at 2 schools and grew alongside 6 classes of third graders. Throughout her years teaching, her passion for children’s literature grew. She worked to create a community around reading and the power of books. 

 

Once her first daughter was born, she transitioned to a role staying home and surrounding her children with adventures, play, and literature. As each of her three children grew, she noticed the power of play and how it molded each of their personalities in different ways. 

 

Now that Cora (9), Isla (5), and Wells (2) are in school, she is excited to watch other learners grow and continue to learn from them. She cannot wait to share her passion for literacy with the community of Dublin and central Ohio once again.

Josie Stewart is OH so happy you are here! She has been honored to teach for 35 years. During her career in education she has been a classroom teacher, a reading teacher, a member of the curriculum department, and an instructional coach.

 

Her degrees include a Bachelors of Science and a Masters in Reading both from The Ohio State University. She was the co-founder of a publishing company where she wrote and produced books for young readers.

 

Josie has loved working with children of all ages and her passions include learning from children, encouraging children’s interests and observing children make discoveries and growth in literacy and math. Watching her two daughters grow and become educators as well has been pure joy!  Speaking of joy - playing with her two young granddaughters who are imaginative, energetic, and inventive is a true gift!

Franki has spent the past 35 years in education. She taught in Dublin City Schools for over 30 years and has co-authored several books for teachers. Franki holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Reading from Bowling Green State University. Franki also served as president of the National Council of Teachers of English.

 

Franki is a lifelong learner and her passion has always been on teaching that is responsive to each individual child. Areas of focus include early and elementary literacy development, student-driven reading choices, classroom design, quality children’s literature, project-based learning and digital literacy. 

 

Most recently Franki served as the Executive Director of SproutFive’s Professional Learning Institute. There she supported teachers in implementing best practices with 0-5 year olds. 

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