We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kathryn Carter a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kathryn, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with education – we’d love to hear your thoughts about how we can better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career

To prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career, they must possess strong literacy skills; the ability to think, problem solve, collaborate, write, speak and listen. Children in pre-school would receive high quality literacy instruction, beginning with foundational skills, from well trained teachers. Children need access to quality books that portray positive diverse images of children from all walks of life. All teachers would receive rigorous training in college to be able to provide literacy instruction for children with various learning styles and abilities. Teachers would receive ongoing training to be able to identify children with reading challenges. 

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a TEDx speaker, award winning children’s author, education consultant and creator of the Rockstar Reader Academy ©. My goal is to elevate, energize, and encourage children to become rock star readers. During my 35-year education career, I served as the Director of Language Arts and Testing, reading specialist, and classroom teacher.

At a very early age, I knew I wanted to become a teacher. I have been in love with teaching and reading my entire life. From a very young age, my favorite after school activity was “teaching” my dolls and toys how to “read,” The passion for sharing the joy of reading is in my DNA!

In undergrad, I majored in education. However, when I graduated, I spent the entire year as a per diem substitute teacher. Throughout that year, I met many children with various reading challenges in different schools across different school districts. That experience compelled me to return to school to learn how to strengthen children’s literacy. In graduate school, I studied to become a reading specialist to be better able to meet the needs of children.

(One story that sticks out is a young man that was in my 6th grade remedial reading class. “Chris” was often in the main office for various reasons. He was a handful to teach because of the various issues and challenges that he faced in his life. These issues would often keep him from focusing on school and being able to self-regulate his behavior. I have a heart for all children. However, the children who were dealing with life issues, through no fault of their own, had a special place in my heart. After the first few days in my class and a discussion with his homeroom teacher, I knew that he required special care. Fortunately, there were a variety of books in my classroom to meet the various interests of my students. Providing a choice of books on topics that “Chris” was interested in enabled him to make progress and eventually excel.)

Through my company, KP Carter Writes, LLC, I motivate children to have successful productive lives and be transformed through my children’s books, literacy coaching, and workshops. The Rockstar Reader Academy© serves children and parents. I coach children to improve their literacy skills and inspire them to develop the lifelong love of reading. I am affectionately known as “The Literacy Whisperer” because I understand children’s needs and I know how to support them on the path to success.

My historical fiction Lizzie B. Hayes series inspires readers ages 8-12 to be courageous, manage their emotions, be bully proof, and learn significant historical information.

Ten Steps to Reading Success© is my signature workshop series. I offer parents, caregivers, and schools the opportunity to acquire evidence-based strategies and tips to increase children’s literacy outcomes and cultivate a lifelong love of literacy.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

I am always looking for ways to enrich the lives of my clients. One way has been to publish a regular newsletter. This practice helps me keep in touch with and serve my clients. Through the newsletter, I share insights, practical tips, workshop experiences, and proven strategies to elevate children’s literacy. Clients are offered sneak peaks about my upcoming book projects, VIP tickets to my author visits, and special discounts on my children’s books and workshop series.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I have always had a passion for children’s literacy. My focus has always been to help children be prepared to live successful lives and make the world a better place. Throughout my 35-year career in education, I was determined to do everything within my power to help children develop a lifelong love for literacy and be critical thinkers and problem solvers. From my role as a classroom teacher leading up to the Director of Language Arts and Testing, I worked tirelessly to create curriculum, instructional methods, and a safe caring environment for children to develop and grow into the best versions of themselves.

Relying on my proven track record of success, I continue to serve the needs of children in my next phase of life. As an education consultant and best-selling, award winning children’s author, I have the opportunity to continue building future leaders. Parents, educators, and literacy advocates know that they can trust my integrity and that children are the heart of my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kpcarterwrites.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literacywhisperer/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kpcarterauthor/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathrynpcarter/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kpcarter8226