Nathan Whitman leads one of five high school cohorts comprising educators from different teaching settings across the country who are convening as a group to determine the specific areas of focus of their work. This cohort will identify high-need materials and produce them quickly for immediate use.
Meet the Cohort
Nathan G. Whitman is an English teacher and adjunct instructor in Derby, Kansas. He holds an MA in English literature, a BA in creative writing, and a BA in secondary education—all from Wichita State University. A recipient of the 2014 Horizon Award for teaching from the Kansas State Department of Education, the USD 369 2020 High School Teacher of Excellence Award, and a founder of the Voices of Kansas literary journal for students, when he’s not writing or spending time with his cats and husband, he’s volunteering for the National Council of Teachers of English as part of its Committee on Affiliates, and he presently serves as the Past President of the Kansas Association of Teachers of English.
Originally from Philadelphia, Tara Ann Carter received her BA in English from Millersville University, and an MA in non-traditional literature from Villanova University. She spent the first seven years of her career as a dual certified English/social studies teacher in the School District of Philadelphia. She transitioned into independent education, spending time in Florida, before moving to California. She has participated in over sixteen unique teacher travel research programs—including two unique experiences in 2025: visiting the island of Oahu to research the ties that bind East Asia to the US and trekking to the Caucuses, funded via the Genocide Education Project. In addition to teaching AP language, she is transitioning into the role of director of educational technology at Milken, where she will lead the school’s vision of ethical and appropriate technology usage. She enjoys reading memoirs, long distance running and experiencing contemporary art in Los Angeles.
Brandy Lindstrom teaches Honors American Literature and ENG 101/105 at Bellarmine Preparatory School in Tacoma, WA. A graduate of Boston College, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English, theology, and secondary education (2000) and an EdM from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education (2002). With over two decades in English education, she continually refines her practice to help students become critical readers and effective writers. Her current teacher research explores how AI is reshaping student cognition and authorship, emphasizing the role of English teachers in maintaining intellectual rigor as traditional writing assessments are reframed. In her first year as an instructional coach, she collaborates with and supports colleagues while leading professional development on AI, classroom technology, and assessment practices. She has presented nationally, including a session with the Assembly on Computers in English at the NCTE Annual Convention in 2025.
Tom Stephens is an educator with over twenty years of experience in Iowa public schools. Focusing on language arts, communication, and theatre courses, Stephens has spent his career fostering inclusive environments and developing innovative curricula to meet the changing interests and needs of students. He has designed and implemented courses in contemporary literature, dystopian literature, public speaking, interpersonal communication, and theatre. Stephens has directed fifty theatrical productions including mainstage shows at the Iowa and International Thespian Festivals. He was inducted into the Iowa Thespian Hall of Fame in 2023. As an undergrad, Stephens was a founding member of UNICoTE, the University of Northern Iowa affiliate of NCTE. As an ELA classroom teacher Stephens has participated in professional learning communities centered on standards-based grading, curriculum development, and student-focused interventions. Stephens holds a bachelor’s in English from the University of Northern Iowa and a master’s in education from the University of Illinois.
Taylor Young (she/her) is a Secondary ELA Academic Specialist with Jefferson County Public Schools in Kentucky and holds a PhD in education and social change from Bellarmine University. She previously served as a high school English and African American literature teacher for six years, teaching grades 9, 11, and 12, where she also advised the Black Student Union and mentored new teachers. Taylor is a member of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) and is passionate about Black women teacher retention, teacher retention and workforce diversity, educational equity and culturally responsive pedagogy, adolescent literacy, and curriculum and instruction. She was recognized as the JCPS Educator of Color High School Teacher of the Year in 2024 and has contributed to the field through presentations within her district and at NCTE.