The Teacher You Want to Be: Essays about Children, Learning, and Teaching

Ellin Oliver Keene is a distinguished educator and author whose groundbreaking work in literacy education has transformed how teachers approach reading comprehension instruction. With decades of experience in the classroom and as a staff developer, she has dedicated her career to helping students develop deep thinking skills and meaningful connections with text. Her research-based approach to teaching reading strategies has been implemented in schools across the country, empowering educators to create more engaging and effective learning environments.

As a Senior Consultant with the Public Education & Business Coalition in Denver, Colorado, Keene has worked extensively with teachers and administrators to improve literacy outcomes for students of all backgrounds. Her innovative methods focus on teaching students to use comprehension strategies such as making connections, asking questions, and determining importance—skills that extend far beyond reading to support critical thinking across all subject areas.

Through her publications with QEP Books and other educational publishers, Keene continues to share her expertise with educators worldwide. Her practical, classroom-tested strategies reflect her deep understanding of how children learn and her unwavering commitment to ensuring that all students develop the skills they need to become thoughtful, engaged readers and learners. Her work stands as a testament to the power of excellent teaching to change lives and open new possibilities for students everywhere.