STRIVE has been such an amazing partner in our beginning phases of transforming literacy practices in our district. Debbie’s expertise in implementing Instructional Frameworks at the secondary level is unsurpassed. All of our school leadership teams are 100% on board with this district initiative because of Debbie’s leadership in thinking ahead and in planning for putting one foot in front of the other. In addition, the feedback she brings to our district and school teams is actionable, purposeful, and is just enough at the right time.
-Kasey Andrade  coordinator, secondary literacy

Debbie Hunsaker, M.Ed.

Debbie Hunsaker, M.Ed., is the Owner and Lead Implementation Consultant of STRIVE Educational Consulting, a national organization dedicated to improving literacy and math achievement for all students. Debbie has devoted her career to elevating teaching and learning through evidence-based professional learning, leadership development, and sustainable systems of support for educators and schools.

At STRIVE, Debbie leads a team that partners with schools and districts across the country to meet them where they are and support them in building coherent systems for teaching and learning. STRIVE’s work focuses on helping educators plan, teach, and assess reading, writing, and math through aligned, research-driven professional development and implementation support. Core areas of expertise include building effective multi-tiered systems of support resulting in both growth and achievement in literacy and math. 

Prior to founding STRIVE, Debbie served as the Division Administrator for Educational Opportunity and Equity at the Montana Office of Public Instruction, where she led statewide literacy and equity initiatives to improve outcomes for all learners. She directed programs including Reading FirstEarly Reading FirstTitle I School Support, and the Montana Comprehensive Literacy Project.

Debbie is the author of multiple professional and children’s resources, including:

  • STRIVE’s Data System: A How-To on Planning, Teaching, and Assessing Reading Groups...soon to be Striving Readers

  • The STRIVE Coaching Handbook

  • Striving Writers

  • The Striving Mathematician System

  • L.I.T.E.R.A.C.Y. 

  • and the children’s book We Made Do

Debbie continues to collaborate with schools and state partners nationwide to transform research into action—helping educators build the knowledge, systems, and confidence to ensure every student and teacher thrives. Reach out for references and success stories through our partnerships with schools and districts.

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