Sumthin' to Say-Aspire to Inspire

I am a children’s author and literacy advocate with a Master’s Degree in Education (M.Ed.) and a passion for creating engaging, culturally relevant learning experiences for students. My work is rooted in supporting literacy development, critical thinking, and meaningful classroom discussions. I have experience working with students and educators through school visits, classroom presentations, and literacy-focused events. My instructional resources are designed to support English Language Arts and Social Studies learning while encouraging students to explore culture, identity, and history in thoughtful and accessible ways. In addition to my work as an author, I have experience in educational settings, including time spent as a substitute teacher, which informs my approach to creating practical, classroom-ready materials that teachers can confidently use with their students.

My teaching style is student-centered, discussion-driven, and rooted in culturally responsive instruction. I believe students learn best when they are encouraged to ask questions, share their perspectives, and make meaningful connections between their own experiences and the content they are learning. My resources are designed to be engaging, accessible, and easy to implement in the classroom. I focus on creating opportunities for critical thinking, reflection, and open dialogue, while supporting diverse learning styles through flexible and adaptable activities. I strive to create lessons that not only build literacy skills, but also foster curiosity, confidence, and a deeper understanding of culture, history, and identity.

I was honored to serve as a featured speaker at a conference hosted by the University at Buffalo’s Center for K–12 Black History and Racial Literacy Education, where I presented on How to Teach Black History. This experience allowed me to share strategies for engaging students in meaningful, culturally responsive learning. During my time as a substitute teacher, I was granted a special permit to lead a classroom for a full academic year. In this role, I assumed all responsibilities of a classroom teacher, including lesson planning, student assessment, parent communication, and assigning final grades. That same year, I also led the school’s Black History Program, creating an experience that celebrated culture, history, and student voice. One of the most meaningful rewards from my time in the classroom was the strong connection I built with students and families. I received consistent positive feedback from parents throughout the year, and at the end of the school year, students and families expressed their appreciation through thoughtful notes and gifts. I was invited to return the following year.

I earned an Associate of Arts degree from Contra Costa College, a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from California State University, East Bay, and a Master of Education (M.Ed.) from Holy Names University, where I developed a strong foundation in literacy and student-centered learning.

Hello! I’m Ramona L. Thomas, M.Ed., a children’s author, literacy advocate, and educator with a passion for helping students connect to learning through culture, history, and storytelling. I created Kyndle Serves Up History and its accompanying Teacher’s Guide to support meaningful classroom conversations and provide educators with engaging, standards-aligned resources that integrate English Language Arts and Social Studies. My work is rooted in culturally responsive teaching and designed to help students explore identity, build confidence, and think critically about the world around them. Through school visits, presentations, and classroom engagement, I enjoy connecting with students and educators in ways that bring stories to life and make learning both relevant and memorable. Thank you for being here and for all that you do for your students!