What is The Knowledge Collective?
The Knowledge Collective was founded by Kristen Zakierski, an educator with nearly two decades of on-the-ground experience.
Kristen founded TKC on the principle that schools needed a more customized approach to their teaching, learning, and professional development programs. With a deep background in data-driven programming, Kristen knew that she was uniquely positioned to help schools cultivate their visions for success and design programming to actualize it. Since launching the business, Kristen has been able to help countless schools achieve their goals. Read more about her results here.
In addition to her work with schools, Kristen is passionate about helping parents navigate their children’s education to empower families to feel confident that students are achieving their full potential. You can learn more about her work with parents here.
Meet Kristen
Kristen Zakierski, the founder and heart of The Knowledge Collective, has dedicated her decades-long career to helping students reach their full potential through her time in the classroom, her work with school administrations across the country, and her newest venture focusing on empowering parents.
Before beginning her work in the educational consulting space in 2019, she led the regional academic team for KIPP NYC tasked with overhauling elementary schools’ curriculum and assessment design, instructional practices, and professional development strategy for leaders and teachers. Prior to KIPP, Kristen was the principal of Success Academy Crown Heights, a Title I school in Brooklyn, NY that was ranked the #1 top-performing elementary school in New York State under her leadership, with 100% of students passing the state math exam (95% earning the highest possible score) and 98% passing ELA.
Kristen started her career as an elementary education corps member for Teach for America, eventually rising to the role of Manager of Teacher Leadership Development at Teach for America where she was an integral part of the Elementary Math Design Group, using data to transform the organization's collective approach to math instruction.
Kristen graduated from Vanderbilt University with a double major in Cognitive Studies and Child Development. She received her master's degree in teaching from Pace University. Kristen lives in New York with her family.
The Pillars of TKC’s Approach
Empowering our Partners
Our goal is to create changemakers in our schools and advocates at home. We do the work with you, not for you - but we will provide you with the tools for continuous improvement.
Concrete, Measurable Impact
Working with TKC means committing to your goals. We will hold our partners accountable because we know we can and will meet any expectation we set.
Innovative Thinking
We are able to offer a variety of services based on our wealth of experience, content knowledge, and continual learning. We are not pigeon-holed into one realm of education or schooling.
Contact us
Are you a school looking for help with teacher training, curriculum development, or strategic planning? Or are you a parent who wants more information about how TKC can help you be the best advocate for your learners? Drop us a line and we’d be happy to discuss more!