ABOUT ME
Jacqueline Kruft
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I’m an educator with 18 years of experience working across grades K–12 in both Howard and Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland. Over the years, I’ve served as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, and staff developer—but my passion has always centered on empowering students to learn to read.
I hold a B.A. in Psychology and Early Childhood Education and an M.S. in Education. I’m certified in IMSE’s Comprehensive Orton-Gillingham Plus, Morphology Plus, and Phonological Awareness programs. In 2012, I deepened my understanding of orthographic instruction by participating in the WordWorks Structured Word Inquiry Workshop led by Peter Bowers—whose work helped shape the foundation of IMSE’s literacy programs.
Currently, I teach Developmental Reading and Creative Writing to students in grades 9–12 in Montgomery County. I’m now in my seventh year of secondary education, and I remain deeply committed to helping adolescent readers access the instruction they need—and deserve—to thrive.
I can’t express the depth of fulfillment I experience through this work. I genuinely look forward to going to work every day. Sure, some days my students drive me bananas, and yes, I occasionally roll my eyes at policy—but at my core, I see it for what it is: an absolute privilege to give the gift of
Fun Fact: Pete Bower's Workshop was held in a bona fide yurt on Wolfe Island, Canada. Yup, that happened.
literacy. I live for challenges, and I think any teacher would agree—this career brings it on.
In my free time, I enjoy reading (follow me on goodreads!), cooking, DIY projects, fashion, swimming, running, biking, stand-up paddle boarding, yoga, and strength training. I participate in a couple of races each year—everything from half-marathons to swim marathons and triathlons (like I said, I live for challenges). My newest hobby is gardening—or more accurately, figuring out how to deter rabbits and deer from turning my yard into their summer buffet. And of course, I love spending time with my family, including my husband and six-year-old daughter.
This blog is a space to share what I’ve learned, what I’m still figuring out, and what I wish I’d had when I first started teaching struggling teen readers. I hope you find inspiration here—and maybe even a little joy.
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The Lit Stop - For Secondary Remedial Literacy Needs
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