Katherine McKnight

Dr. Katherine McKnight is a dynamic presenter, dedicated teacher, and award-winning author. She began her career in education over 30 years ago as a middle school and high school English and social studies teacher in the Chicago Public Schools. In addition to speaking at professional development conferences, she is a regular consultant in schools and classrooms across the United States, in addition to speaking internationally.

McKnight’s 15-year distinguished university career culminated in her assignment to Distinguished Professor of Research at National Louis University. She is the founder of Engaging Learners, an educational company built around her successful Literacy & Learning Center model. Her work in educational leadership, literacy, and student skill development has resulted in unprecedented academic achievement in many struggling schools.

McKnight has received several awards for her publications and teaching at the university level. She has authored 20 books that support educational strategies to engage all learners. Her titles include the bestseller "The Teacher’s Big Book of Graphic Organizers," winner of the 2013 Teachers’ Choice Award, and Literacy & Learning Centers for the Big Kids, grades 4-12. In 2008, she co-authored the popular book "The Second City Guide to Improv in the Classroom: Using Improvisation to Teach Skills and Boost Learning." Most recently, she founded Morning Meeting webinars during the COVID-19 pandemic as a weekly forum to bring together educators to engage in professional learning.