Transforming Educational Systems

Kolbe sitting on a white couch and smiling toward camera

My vision is to transform the way we develop and work in public educational systems.

I’m an innovative teacher, a perpetual question-asker, and a curious traveler who is passionate about cultural relevancy in secondary coursework, supporting young adults in their transitions to adulthood, helping students celebrate their authenticity and ownership of their education, and supporting teachers in practice.

Let’s journey together!

How to work with me…

I offer academic coaching for high school and college-level students, professional development and mentorship for educators, and training for high school advanced academic programs.

My approach is to work with you as a partner in thought, using my expertise to help navigate the specifics of your setting. I want our work to be based on love for the subject and each other’s humanity, focused on addressing systemic issues and cultivating a space to make public education more human.

  • College Essay Writing: I work with rising seniors to uncover and tell their unique stories through application materials that authentically represent themselves

  • AP English Literature Tutoring: Wondering how to approach the three FRQs? In need of MCQ strategies? Let’s spend some time preparing you for your exam.

  • Graduate and Doctoral Writing: I provide a range of coaching services, including writing the literature review, research practices, APA formatting, and dissertation defense preparation

  • Writing Fundamentals for High School: Let’s work together to improve your writing skills for analytical and creative pieces

  • Educator Coaching: Let’s work together on ways to build courses and lessons that follow culturally relevant pedagogy. My specialties are in Advanced Placement and secondary English.

  • Educational Consulting: Hire me to consult with your admin team, or provide training for an advanced academics department or teachers about cultural capital and culturally relevant pedagogy.

  • Features Writing: Hire me to write about education or travel.

Kolbe in Cadiz, laying on a brick wall looking out towatd the ocean

About Kolbe Ricks

kolbe sitting cross+legged on a couch looking toward the camera soft smiling and playing with her hair

My doctoral work focused on the role of cultural capital in student outcomes in Advanced Placement courses. This demonstrates my understanding that exclusionary systems will do exactly as intended, and it is up to us, transformational thinkers, to change the system completely.

My educational philosophy draws upon my scientific research, reading and learning from others’ lived experiences, my unique academic experience as a homeschool student, and my travels, which allow me to experience things differently.

I believe learning is experiential, guided by those doing the learning, and collaborative, building upon each other’s existing knowledge to create meaning.

The Fun Stuff

One of the best ways to describe me is with some of my favorite feelings: the push and pull of ocean waves, mud between my toes, and the light coating of dust on my skin after a day spent outside.

I love traveling, and that is a major part of my life. I’ve visited more than 40 countries, lived abroad, and am always planning my next trip. Sharing stories and adventure recommendations is one of my favorite conversations! I also love language. I speak Spanish and am learning French.

Raise your hands, fellow adrenaline junkies! Movement is a must for my own mental health care, so I find it by bouldering on a rock wall, zipping down a mountain on a pair of skis, or going full throttle on jet skis in the ocean. Count me in for all the adventures!

I love Formula 1 and spend most of my early Sunday mornings watching the races with my coffee and croissants. My favorite driver is Lewis Hamilton, not only for his racing prowess but also for his commitment to uplifting others in sport.

Credentials

B.A. in Broadcast Journalism, Spanish

M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction - Academic Coaching

Ed.D. in School Improvement - Design-Based Implementation Research

Mindfulness in Schools Certification

AFAA Group Fitness Instructor + CPR/First Aid

Texas Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association (TISCA) Member

Experience

12 years in public education teaching grades 6-12 in English, Creative Writing, Journalism, AP English Literature and Composition, AP African American Studies, AVID, OnRamps Rhetoric - the University of Texas at Austin dual-enrollment program, coaching cross country, and swimming. Experience leading academic teams, including an Advanced Placement program, college readiness, and new teacher mentorship programs.