We help teachers thrive with simple and effective strategies for teaching reading and writing.
Warren, Indiana
Joined June 2010
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▶️This school year we have focused on increasing student's writing skills with a writing program called @SmekensEd . Students have been sharpening their skills all year in this area, thus we are excited to be conducting a✏️📝contest this month! #spartanstrong #spartansadvance
Teacher Tools is back—and we’re jumping straight into the heart of narrative writing. ✏️
This week, Kristi McCullough shows how planning the middle of a narrative first helps students stay focused on the action that actually drives the story forward. No wandering beginnings.
No rushed endings. Just purposeful planning that keeps the story moving.
👉 Grab the free Plan Narrative Writing tool: smekenseducation.com/teacher…
Welcome back! 👋
January is here—and there’s a lot of good work ahead.
This month brings several chances to set yourself up for success—especially with Test-Ready Writers coming to Cincinnati, Louisville, and virtually.
If writing instruction has felt heavy or unclear, this is the moment to step back, sharpen your approach, and walk away with strategies you can actually use right away.
New semester. Clear plan. Stronger writing. ✍️
Register now: smekenseducation.com/test-re…
From everyone on the Smekens team, we hope your holiday season brought rest, warmth, and a chance to recharge—surrounded by the people you love. ❤️
Tired of teaching skills that don’t stick? 😩
That’s because students need to see the thinking, not just hear the definition.
Think-Alouds make the process visible—step by step, decision by decision. 🧠
Stop teaching what a skill is.
Start showing how to actually do it.
The Smekens team of consultants came together this week for our annual year-end gathering—mapping out goals, refining plans, and wrapping up another incredible season of work. 🎁✨
But the real magic of this meeting isn’t found in the agendas or action steps.
Cincinnati teachers—this one’s for you! ✨
Our Test-Ready Writers workshop is coming to Cincinnati on January 13, and it’s a full day of practical, ready-to-use strategies that help students read closely, think critically, and write clearly under pressure.
📍 Holiday Inn Cincinnati North – West Chester
🕣 8:30 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. ET
If you want your students to feel confident tackling on-demand writing this spring, this workshop is the boost your team needs.
Seats are filling—Learn more and get registered! ✏️📚 smekenseducation.com/test-re…
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Smekens. 🦃🍂
Today, we’re especially grateful for the educators who show up with heart, consistency, and care day after day.
Wishing you rest, joy, and time with the people who matter most.
If you’re on TikTok, you have to be following Kristina. 👇
If you like our Teacher Tools… if you like our workshops… if you like clear, no-nonsense instruction… you’ll be so glad she’s on your FYP.
Go give her a follow on TikTok: @kristinasmekens 🎥✨
🚨December is almost here—don’t let these workshop dates sneak up on you!
Our Test-Ready Writers sessions start next week, and the December stops are right around the corner.
Here’s where we’ll be:
📍 Dec 3 — Indianapolis, IN
📍 Dec 10 — Merrillville, IN
📍 Dec 11 — Chicago, IL
These days are all about helping teachers show students how to read closely, think clearly, and write with confidence under pressure. If test-season writing always feels rushed, overwhelming, or disconnected—this workshop will change your approach.
❄️And if December’s a blur, don’t worry—January dates are still ahead.
➡️ Save your spot. smekenseducation.com/test-re…
✏️ Indianapolis teachers—this one’s for you!
📍 Holiday Inn | Indianapolis Airport
🗓️ December 3 | 8:30 A.M.–3:00 P.M. ET
When the test prompt hits the page, students have to do three things—read closely, think critically, and write clearly.
All at once.
Under pressure.
That’s what Test-Ready Writers is all about.
Spend the day with Kristina Smekens learning how to teach those thinking routines—so when test day comes, your students don’t freeze… they focus.
Seats are limited—grab yours now!
👉smekenseducation.com/test-re…