Kim Yaris

Kim Yaris is a literacy consultant, writer, and former elementary teacher who coauthored the professional books Reading Wellness: Lessons in Independence and Proficiency and Who’s Doing the Work?: How to Say Less So Readers Can Do More with Jan Burkins. She and Burkins are known as the writers and thinkers behind Burkins and Yaris — Think Tank for 21st Century Literacy, whose blog and instructional resources have attracted a national audience and positioned them as thought leaders in the field of literacy instruction.

A former classroom teacher, Yaris has worked as a staff developer and literacy consultant, collaborating with schools and districts to support responsive, standards-aligned reading instruction that maintains teachers’ professional judgment. Her work and speaking focus on helping educators foster students’ independence, confidence, curiosity, and joy in reading, and on rethinking traditional scaffolding so that students take greater ownership of their learning.