Testimonials

Phonics Things is a prime illustration of the way that phonics and reading can and should be taught—by informed teachers [and parents], using their wisdom and creativity to make something that has traditionally been taught in the most mundane ways (drill, repetition, worksheets, and rote memorization) into a learning activity that students will find incredibly engaging and satisfying-in both scientific and artistic terms. Brian is an extraordinary teacher who has shown us how school, teaching, and learning can be for students and teachers. Bravo!

Timothy Rasinski, Ph.D.
Professor Literacy Education
Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, USA

The past two years that I worked with Mr. Kissman have earned me more professional growth than I have ever had in such a short period of time. His knowledge and experience in the field of literacy and learning have had a great impact on the whole school, as well as on individual teachers and students. His passion and dedication to the profession are quite motivating for me as well as the other faculty to study, attempt, and implement the latest techniques that research has proven to be most beneficial for the learning process. As the team of the elementary school, we noticed that in one year the students' academic achievement had prominently improved in reading and writing and thinking. This makes me realize that the impact of Mr. Kissman's program exceeds any other approach I have experienced. If this approach to teaching is applied across different disciplines, students' growth in all academic areas will exceed any previous years. I realize the impact and the efforts of Mr. Kissman's work must proceed and develop in the years to come to insure that students are working to their full potential at all times and excel in learning.

Lina K. Hoteit
3rd Grade Lead Teacher
Lebanese International School, Doha, Qatar

Brian Kissman has served as a thoughtful mentor throughout my time at Hong Kong International School. Early in my career at HKIS, Mr. Kissman modeled a series of lessons so that I could learn the pacing and style of the Readers' and Writers' Workshop. Before, during, and after each lesson, he would narrate the steps in the lesson to make explicit the purpose of his techniques and strategies. Throughout this service, Mr. Kissman has improved the quality of instruction at HKIS as well as the comprehension of the pedagogy.

Jesse L. Meyer
5th Grade Teacher
Hong Kong International School

Brian has had a huge impact on teaching and learning at the English Modern School. He is passionate about literacy and learning, and has a very clear vision of how and what children learn. His lesson delivery is dynamic and very engaging. His work for teachers, students, and parents (Phonics Things and Literacy Mats) has raised academic achievement throughout the school. Professional development is hands-on and is research-based on the most effective best practices from around the world. Brian's modeling of lessons for teachers is very structured and clear. His creative delivery of lessons to students help teachers improve and reflect upon their own practices through encouraging them to reflect upon best practices modeled. His workshops for parents build the partnership between the school and home. Brian's own work on Conversation, Reading, Writing, and Presentation (Phonics Things and Literacy Mats) is hugely innovative. Clear structures and graphic organizers have made the delivery of the fundamentals of literacy very effective. Through Brian's work this past school year, we have transformed learning at our school and the students' attitude toward education. Students who had great difficulty in Language Arts lessons are now independent, guiding their own learning, and becoming lifelong learners. They are reading and writing at levels much higher than before. Teachers are much more aware of how to deliver quality lessons so that students are engaged and enriched in their learning. The legacy of Brian Kissman will resonate at EMS for years to come. The methodology that he has implemented and the workshop model that he has developed has already, in just 18 months, proved to be extremely effective and successful. As it is built upon over the coming years, the end result will ensure that EMS becomes a shining light in Qatar Education.

Timothy Hurley
Principal
English Modern School, Doha, Qatar

Brian Kissman empowers teachers to improve their craft. He does this by modeling lessons, providing hands-on resources, providing great keynote presentations, and coaching teachers to unpack curriculum documents so that they are quickly and easily accessible. I don't think I have ever met another educator who is able to produce and create such amazing graphic organizers and learning material as Brian can! His books are powerful learning tools!

Skylie Bevear
Middle School Language Arts Teacher
Hong Kong International School

Brian Kissman is a plain spoken, dynamic and dedicated educator of a caliber that is not often seen, even amongst international educators. His practice is simple: he first observes, then offers ideas, tools, and modeling opportunities to assist teachers and groups with broad planning, program implementation, and specific target lessons that have immediate impact on student learning.

Brad Powers
5th Grade Teacher
Hong Kong International School

I can single handedly count the number of educators who have impacted my teaching in such a profound way and Brian Kissman is one of those few people. As a teacher of twenty-two years, I can say I have learned more from Brian in the short time I have worked with him than from all the professional development I have had over the years. I am more confident using the Readers' and Writers' Workshop models, I am better at assessing my students individual needs and planning small lessons to meet those needs, and I am a better teacher because of Brian Kissman.

Allison Scott
3rd Grade Teacher
Hong Kong International School

Literacy Mats has everything I need to plan engaging lessons for reading, writing, speaking, and listening - learning objectives, enduring understandings, essential questions, graphic organizers, and rubrics. Learning becomes explicit and intentional. It is amazing how this learning tool is used by students, parents, and teachers alike. It truly is a curriculum off the shelf.

Barry Mernin
Teacher/ Principal
Sapporo International School, Japan

The results of Brian's approach and training are outstanding. 90% of my students improved their reading comprehension and writing skills. They developed a sense of responsibility for their own learning and became more critical on themselves as dynamic achievers. They enjoy reading and writing, and they are more engaged and interested in school activities and learning. It is really amazing to witness the changes that occurred throughout the school in such a short period of time.

Andreia Barbu
6th Grade Teacher
English Modern School, Doha, Qatar