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Our Literacy Consultants

Jackson Consulting literacy consultants embody three main attributes:

Jill Jackson

Jill addresses the key issues in reading education and how best to instruct teachers and school administrators on best practices. She has exceptional knowledge of the systemic change process and expertly demonstrates educational strategies that advance student reading achievement at all grade levels. Whether she's in the classroom demonstrating lessons, strategizing with the superintendent or training veteran literacy coaches, Jill's advice and assistance are deeply rooted in the reality of school life and focused on unambiguous next steps that lead to clear outcomes.

Jill's field experience includes: Owner and Managing Director of Jackson Consulting, Senior Educational Consultant, Presenter and Keynote Speaker at State and National Conferences, Professional Program Manager and Educational Services Manager for CORE (Consortium on Reading Excellence), Reading Specialist, School Site Administrator and a Classroom Teacher. Jill obtained a B.A. in Liberal Studies with an English Emphasis from University of Redlands and a M.A. in Education specializing in Educational Management from University of La Verne.

Earnie Lewis

Earnie knows what works in schools and is an expert at building school leaders who know not only how to lead, but how to recognize and coach teachers to greater excellence in their literacy skills.

Earnie's field experience includes: Educational Consultant for Boise State University's Center for School Improvement & Policy Studies and Idaho's State Department of Education, State Department of Education (SDE) Title I Presenter, School-wide trainer for the Title I SDE program, Title I - Migrant, ELL and LEP Director and Teacher, Principal and a Classroom Teacher. Earnie received a B.A. in Elementary Education from Northwest Nazarene College and a M.Ed. in Administration from the College of Idaho. Accolades include being recognized as one of the top 10 Elementary School Principals in Idaho.

Maria Randle

Maria is an expert at the intricacies of teaching reading and leading educators to greater levels of confidence in their literacy skills. She is a resource for differentiating instruction and is a great support to our clients on how to rally leadership and coaching roles to improve the quality of instruction for all students.

Maria's field experience includes: Expert Instructional Coach - University of Oregon Center on Teaching and Learning for ECRI and SET-R Grants, Regional Coordinator for Oregon Reading First Project, Reading First Literacy Coach, Presenter at National Conferences and a Classroom Teacher. Maria received her B.S. in Elementary Education from Western Oregon University and a M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from Lesley University. Distinctions include earning a National Board Certification for Early Childhood Generalists.

Kathi Tiefenthaler

Kathi presents to our team a deep knowledge of state, district and school-level reform and is an expert in guiding our clients in making important decisions and helping then steer clear of efforts that might not have maximum instructional impact. Her ability to support our clients in staying the course and analyze what is working and what needs to be changed is a great asset to our clients as they navigate their reform efforts.

Kathi's field experience includes: School Improvement Unit Director for the Office of Public Instruction in Montana, Trainer and Presenter at Conferences, Interventionist, Montana Reading First Specialist and a Classroom Teacher. Kathi received her B.S. in Elementary Education from Moorhead State University and a M.Ed. in Literacy from Lesley University. Distinctions include being named a Reading Fellow for the REA Grant.

Lynda Collins

Lynda brings her highly successful state-level leadership experiences and lessons-learned to our clients. She provides large-scale improvement knowledge and wisdom to our clients as they work to move their entire system to higher levels of achievement.

Lynda's field experience includes: Wyoming Department of Education Early Learning/Literacy Supervisor, Reading First State Coordinator for Wyoming Department of Education, Presenter, Principal, Assistant Principal and a Classroom Teacher. Lynda received her B.S in Elementary Education and M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from Black Hills State University. Distinctions include completing an Administrative Endorsement Program at the University of Wyoming.

Gwen Poole

Gwen is a "teacher's teacher" and provides deep knowledge and experience in program implementation and in working with diverse populations. Her knowledge of the realities of school life and her ability to navigate tough spots during implementation benefits the reform process.

Gwen's field experience includes: Instructional Specialist and Response to Intervention Consultant for the Montana Office of Public Instruction, SRA Consultant-Corrective Reading and Reading Mastery, Title I Instructor, Gifted and Talented Instructor, Reading First Reading Coach, Presenter and a Classroom Teacher. Gwen received her B.S. in Elementary Education from Montana State University-Billings. Distinctions include being named Lame Deer Schools Teacher of the Year.

Diane Olson

Diane offers her life-long-learner perspective and gives each educator the straight story on what needs to happen to improve the core of instruction. Diane's successful experience in leading school districts through program improvement efforts grounds each of her interactions in what is possible.

Diane's field experience includes: Director of Educational Service Agency (ESA), Educational Specialist for ESA, Regional Leader and Literacy Coach for South Dakota Reads, Reading Recovery Teacher, Presenter and a Classroom Teacher. Diane received her B.S. in Elementary Education and M.A. in Elementary Education from University of South Dakota. She is currently pursuing an Ed.D. in Adult and Higher Education from University of South Dakota.

Jill Hartley

Jill brings her expertise as a literacy coach to our team and our clients and helps remind us all that the coaching role is essential to supporting and professionally developing each teacher, each week. Jill is known for her "get it done" attitude, which enables our clients to use time on what's possible and to prioritize their work so that they realize success quickly.

Jill's field experience includes: Early Childhood Education Instructional Coach, K-6 Instructional Coach, Trainer, Presenter and Classroom Teacher. Jill received her B.A. in Comparative History of Ideas from University of Washington-Seattle, Teacher Certification Program form University of Washington–Tacoma, Professional Certification from Pacific Lutheran University and is currently pursuing a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Lesley University.

Chelssee De Barra

Chelssee shares her state level and large district knowledge with our clients to help build their literacy improvement systems. Chelssee's to-the-point consulting style serves our clientele well, as she is able to comfortably address the tough-to-navigate issues and to provide logical solutions.

Chelssee's field experience includes: School Administration Consultant for the State of Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, Independent Literacy Consultant, District K-8 Lead Literacy Teacher and Literacy Coach, Site Literacy Coordinator and Coach, Interventionist and Classroom Teacher. Chelssee received her B.A. in English, Spanish and Women's Studies from the University of Wisconsin and a M.A. in Teaching from Webster University.