Contact Us 

Jackie Ronning

Early Literacy Coordinator

jackie.ronning@mt.gov

406.438.0522

Jackie earned her BS in Elementary Education and her MA in Reading. Since 2004, Jackie has taught many ages and grades, but preschool through third is her favorite place to be. Before working for OPI, she had taught Preschool, Kindergarten, and First grade. Most recently, she was the Literacy Coach, the Assessment and Intervention Coordinator, as well as the Preschool Coordinator for a K-12 school. Jackie joined OPI in the CETA (Continuing Education and Technical Assistance) unit and worked with the state’s Gifted and Talented and MTSS Grants. She is now with the SIPL (Standards, Instruction, and Professional Learning) unit, working with Early Literacy initiatives. Jackie’s educational interests are anything to do with the Science of Reading, Dyslexia, and Reading/ Literacy Intervention. In her spare time, she enjoys life in the foothills of the Beartooth Mountains, flower gardening, and spending time with her husband, children, and pets. 

Kimberly Evans

Early Literacy Research Analyst

kimberly.evans@mt.gov

406.594.7053

Kimberly Evans comes to OPI with a wide variety of experience in education.  She started as an elementary school teacher in a one school district.  She then moved on to teach at a charter school with Independent Study High School students, and most recently worked with homeschool families and their parent educators. She graduated from California State University, Sacramento with a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies. Then she continued her education at UC Davis, earning her multi-subject CLAD teaching credential.  When she first came to the OPI, she was one of the Teacher Learning Hub Coordinators.  She works in the Teaching and Learning Department on the Early Literacy Team, helping implement the programs created under HB 352. She is eager to learn more about how to support educators in the field and spread the word about the Science of Reading and effective reading/literacy interventions. She enjoys running, reading, and spending time with her family and pets in her free time.