Hi, I’m Susie.

I’m an elementary educator with more than 20 years of experience working with children and families. I’m also a parent, so I know that understanding school can feel very different when it’s your own child sitting on the other side of the classroom door. Over the years, I’ve taught across elementary grades and developed a particular passion for literacy and helping children become confident, capable learners.

I created School, Decoded because I’ve seen how confusing school can sometimes feel from the parent side. There’s a lot teachers understand about assessment, learning, report cards, reading , classroom expectations and when a child might need extra support, but there isn’t always enough time or opportunity to explain it all to parents in a way that feels clear and useful.

My goal is to help bridge that gap. I’ll take you behind the scenes of elementary education, explain what teachers are really looking for, and help you know what questions to ask and how to support your child without feeling like you need to become their teacher.

School shouldn’t feel like a mystery. I hope School, Decoded helps you feel a little more informed, a little more confident, and a lot less alone when you’re trying to figure it all out.

—Susie