A note from Allison Herrick

Growing up, I loved school.

It was a place where I could go to be successful, hang out with friends, and play sports. As an (admittedly) lifelong people pleaser, it was easy for me; it just worked. Then, as a high school senior on the pre-med track, I volunteered to tutor students at the local elementary school. I met an amazing 2nd grade girl who was experiencing school in an entirely different way than I had as a young person. This second grader’s teacher thought she was struggling in class and needed support. As it turns out, she was brilliant - and debilitatingly shy. She wouldn't speak in class. After a few weeks working one-on-one with me, she started to participate in class. By the end of the year, she was the star student. It was at that moment that I experienced the power of a willing and eager adult investing the time to build relationships and nurture more than just the academic side of students. It has the power to impact how a student sees school - and more importantly, how they see themselves. The experience changed my career trajectory - from pre-med to education. 

After graduating from Wittenberg University, I joined Winn Holt Elementary School in Georgia. Just as I learned I could have an impact on students as a teacher, I learned I could impact the experience of both students and educators as an instructional coach. I transitioned from the classroom to working with educators and students of all ages as a coach. In my role as an instructional coach I support all content areas, however, I am drawn to literacy because I recognize it as a human right and a bedrock for success in life. 

I am excited to bring more than a decade of in-classroom experience to my work with you at Read Write Think with Renee. I bring my signature lighthearted, fun-loving energy that was essential to my role as a coach into my role as a literacy consultant.

I believe in the power of education;

Education strengthens and grows both students and teachers.

I believe we need to meet students where they are;

Students deserve to be able to comprehend what they read and communicate clearly through the written word, but that doesn’t come naturally to every student.

I believe in a more refined approach;

In teaching, sometimes it feels like we throw every strategy we have at students in hopes that something sticks. I want to provide simple tools and methods for a lasting impact on student learning. 

I believe in empowered decision making; 

I want educators to feel supported, heard, and empowered in how they make decisions for themselves, their students, their classrooms, their careers. 

Get in touch with Allison.

  • “I consider Renee Houser someone I can continuously lean on as a thought partner. She helps me feel more confident, keeps me student-centered, and encourages me to be a lifelong learner.”

    Demi Aguirre, ELA Support Coordinator in San Pedro Community of Schools

  • “Because I am always striving to implement the best teaching practices, I know that studying with Renee is a lifetime partnership!”

    Heidi Schaefer, 3rd grade teacher in Los Angeles Unified

  • “The teachers and students at Wingate Elementary School have a love for writing they’ve never had! They have increased their knowledge and understanding of the process and how to weave the language of “process learning” throughout their day.”

    Emerald Johnson, Instructional Support Specialist in Union County Public Schools

  • “Renee is always there and willing to answer any questions that we may have about our writing process as both writers, and as teachers of writing. She has truly helped us and students enjoy writing.”

    Kimberly Hawkin, 2nd grade teacher in Union County Public School

  • “Renee fueled us. Her energy is infectious. She has a genuine love and curiosity about her and really values every single teacher she works with.”

    Kristi Mirich, Cotsen Mentor in Los Angeles Unified School District

  • “Renee has a never-ending quest to get better. She’s always pushing to stay ahead. Renee is in this work for the right reason, and no one will outwork her when it comes to learning.”

    Lou Mardesich, Community of Schools Administrator in Los Angeles Unified School District