About Us

Our Vision: Cambridge Public Schools scholars are empowered to use literacy as a tool for communication, self-expression, access and agency. Instruction is research-based, joyful, rigorous and relevant, building a wealth of vocabulary and content knowledge through rich texts and media. Scholars develop their voice and independence as critically conscious readers, writers, speakers and learners through materials that are inclusive of diverse authors, genres, cultures and perspectives. Scholars are empowered with the knowledge and skills to live choice-filled lives that positively impact the world around them.

Emily Bryan (she/her) is the CPS Director of ELA/Literacy. In partnership with school and district educators, administrators, and departments, Emily develops and leads data-informed initiatives that support the consistent and cohesive implementation of evidence-based, inclusive, and culturally responsive literacy instruction. She believes that school communities hold incredible power and potential to ensure all students achieve at the highest levels and are prepared to live lives of choice and opportunity.  Before joining CPS in 2022, Emily served as a principal in Boston Public Schools and taught middle school ELA and Social Studies in Dorchester and Charlestown. She is also one of two proud moms raising two boys, along with a dog, two fish, and sometimes more. You can reach her at ebryan@cpsd.us.

Schedule a 30-120 min. meeting with Emily (in-person or virtually) by clicking here.  Prior notice is not necessary! 

Katie Gribben (she/her) is the District Instructional Lead for ELA/Literacy, Upper Schools for Cambridge Public Schools. Katie's role is to lead, support and empower excellent ELA and Literacy instruction in grades 6-8. Prior to taking on this role, Katie was a building-based Literacy Coach at Rindge Avenue Upper Campus for 10 years, and a 7th and 8th Grade ELA teacher at Cambridgeport School. Katie has also taught ELA and history in NYC and Phoenix, AZ. Katie wants all members of the Upper School ELA Dept (students & educators) to feel a sense of community, joy and pride in our work. Katie can be reached at kgribben@cpsd.us 

Jenn Hamilton (she/her) is the High School ELA Dean of Curriculum. She has a diverse and accomplished career in education, teaching for 17 years in communities such as Chelsea and Boston, as well as leadership roles in Boston and Plymouth Public Schools. Her passion for making a difference in the lives of all students led to the creation of the "Level Up" program at CRLS, which she regards as one of her greatest professional accomplishments. Outside of work, Jenn has a love for the beach, cooking for any gameday, and attending concerts. She has a strong interest in personal storytelling and authenticity in literature, therefore prefers to listen to memoirs read by the author and reads historical fiction novels. Jenn can be reached at jhamilton@cpsd.us 

Maria Marroquin, is the Lead Teacher for JK-2 in Cambridge Public Schools. Maria collaborates with different departments, teachers, coaches and coordinators to align, support and implement equitable learning experiences for students across the district. Prior to joining Cambridge Public Schools in SY2022, Maria held a variety of roles in Boston Public Schools such as a special educator (JK-5), a reading interventionist, Wilson Reading System practitioner, and classroom teacher. Maria was raised in Cambridge and is a former CRLS graduate. She is a proud mother of two daughters and enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Maria can be reached at mmarroquin@cpsd.us 

Kathy Simpson (she/her) is the District Instructional Lead for grades 3-5 ELA/Literacy. She has worked for CPS as a teacher, building-based literacy coach and District-based literacy coach for 30 years. As a partner with literacy coaches, interventionists, educators and school leaders, Kathy supports the development, implementation, and evaluation of research- based, culturally responsive, and engaging instructional practices. Literacy empowers our scholars with the means to communicate and provides opportunities to develop skills that enable positive impact in our communities and larger world. Kathy has two amazing children, a husband who loves to cook (thank goodness), a dog, cat and some fish. She loves to sing, spend time with family and friends, and is an avid video gamer. Kathy can be reached at ksimpson@cpsd.us. 

Alice Wong Tucker  (she/her) is the District Instructional Lead for elementary ELA/Literacy.  She began her teaching career in Boston Public Schools where she taught 1st-3rd grade. Alice also served as a literacy specialist in Newton Public Schools where she provided coaching and professional development, and contributed to the design of her school's MTSS framework and the selection of a new elementary literacy curriculum. In 2021, Alice founded the Literacy Equity Project, an anti-racist, culturally responsive training institute for early childhood educators. Alice has a Master’s in Elementary Education from Lesley University, a Master’s in Educational Policy and Management from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education, and a CAS in Language and Literacy from MGH Institute of Health Professions.  Alice has three children and loves spending time with her family. Alice can be reached at awongtucker@cpsd.us