M. Colleen Cruz

Educator. Literacy Expert. Speaker. Writer. Parent. Consultant.

What people are saying:

  • "As someone who struggled in school, and as a parent of kids with learning disabilities, I know firsthand that teachers are a key reason for whether a child meets their potential or falters. If thoughtfully addressed, neurodivergence can go hand in hand with creative genius. This book is the book all teachers need in order to make sure all students have an equal chance to thrive."

    -Shepard Fairey, Artist and Activist, Los Angeles, CA - referring to Neurodiversity in the Literacy Classroom

  • "Colleen has been my writing teacher for over 15 years. She has exhibited grace, common sense, enthusiasm, and pointed direction to teacher-writers for their writing and their lives. I can't think of a better person to work with students and adults."

    Barbara Pinto, former educator and literacy coach, NYC

  • "She is the ultimate 'teacher's teacher'. Reading her words feels like she is right alongside you, guiding you, supporting you, and pulling the very best out of you every step of the way. Whether you meet Colleen through her books, presentations, or mentorship, she is the real deal."

    Sarah Scheldt, teacher, Oxford, Missippi

  • "Her depth of knowledge, her thoughtfulness, and her creative mind have my complete trust and respect."

    Australia Fernandez, dual language expert and former administrator

  • "She is an inspiration and forever champion of 'own voices'. Without a doubt, Colleen is the reason I am a writer, have published work, and a current MFA student. Colleen's secret sauce is her unwavering faith in you."

    Connie Pertuz-Meza, ICT teacher & writer, Brooklyn NY

  • "Colleen Cruz helped my school so much! Her whole staff PD on MTSS reminded all of us what teachers need to have in place. Watching her model Tier II instruction in our classrooms showed us a doable path to follow. Because of her expert knowledge, she left us with spot-on suggestions to grow as a middle school. "

    - Sally Donnelly, Dorothy Hamm Middle School, Arlington, VA

  • "Colleen is like Olivia Pope, the Fixer, for schools. If schools have something they need help with, almost anything to do with teaching and learning, Colleen is your go to person for problem solving."

    Dr. Cherry-Paul, founding director of Red Clay Educators

  • "She could be a stand-up comedian! The most fun I have ever had in PD while learning so much!"

    - NYC Public School Teacher, commenting on school-based professional development

  • “Colleen has an authentic point-of-view and presents from the heart. She is an Earth-shaker!”

    - Anonymous Minnesota educator, commenting on a one-day district workshop

  • "This was a two-fer. Content and practice - praxis at its most powerful."

    - Sarah Norsworthy, Maine DOE SEL Implementation Specialist, commenting on the Teach Black History All Year Institute

  • "Risk., Fail. Rise. Those are words that should guide all of us in our teaching (and our lives). In this brilliant book Colleen Cruz provides research, examples, tools and lessons to celebrate mistake-making and embracing those mistakes so that teachers and their students can do the real work of growth. Colleen shows us that the mistake is not the key, but it is the all important impetus that gives us insight into knowledge, abilities, purpose and what our next steps will be."

    An elementary principal, reviewing Risk. Fail. Rise.

Have We Met Before?

A not exhaustive sampling of places and organizations Colleen has worked with