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The Parents’ Guide to Elementary School

Hi, I’m Natalie, your guide through the school system, and your partner in navigating it with confidence.

Support your child’s learning journey with real answers, expert insights, and approachable advice and strategies from someone who fosters academic growth and partnerships. That’s where I come in.

I offer clarity, context, and conversation through keynote speaking and workshops for schools, businesses, and parent groups.

Follow on Instagram, watch videos, and subscribe to my YouTube channel.

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I came in with little knowledge and feel more knowledgeable with immediate next steps- thank you!

Megan

I learned a lot about the magnet zones and its impact on applications. I had no idea about tracks. I walked away with a ton of new information to choose my child’s school.

Amanda

The Primary Focus Workshop is extremely informative. Natalie is engaging and answered all the questions we had. I highly recommend this workshop anyone trying to navigate schools in Charlotte.

Katy

We Cover Topics You’re Actually Worried About

Nov 15
I went to a conference in a male dominated field: here's what I learned

I went to a conference in a male dominated field: here's what I learned

This was my first conference in a male dominated field and outside of education; I learned that these professionals act very differently than what I am used to.
2 min read
Nov 08
This will get you dancing 🕺

This will get you dancing 🕺

I've got 3 things to share with you today- let's start with the fun one
2 min read
Nov 01
I didn't think this would happen only 5 months out of the classroom

I didn't think this would happen only 5 months out of the classroom

I've been doing some consulting lately. It's been interesting to work with a client to translate what they want into a product.
2 min read
Oct 25
My last week of teaching...after 10 years

My last week of teaching...after 10 years

Oct 25
My last week teaching after 10 years

My last week teaching after 10 years

Sharing my story has been an important part of the videos I make for Primary Focus. Today I am releasing my vlog on my last few weeks teaching.
1 min read
Oct 18
3 Reasons Why Teachers Don't Need Merit Pay

3 Reasons Why Teachers Don't Need Merit Pay

Merit Pay has been a looming controversy for North Carolina teachers. It's been proposed before, but now state superintendent Catherine Truitt has been pushing this as a way to overhaul the way teachers are paid in North Carolina.
2 min read
Oct 06
Just get to work!

Just get to work!

One of the biggest issues families face in homework time is whining. This can turn a simple 10 minute routine into 45 minutes of fighting and 2 excedrin 😤.
2 min read
Sep 27
Struggling with homework? Read this!

Struggling with homework? Read this!

It takes a lot of patience to sit next to a child after a long day and encourage them to independently complete something you could do in 30 seconds. I'm going to give you a few simple tips to keep your child on task and model study skills they will need for college and beyond.
2 min read
Sep 21
Banned Children's Books - The ridiculous reason these books were banned

Banned Children's Books - The ridiculous reason these books were banned

Miss Natalie is reviewing famously banned (almost banned) books this week. In this video she reviews classics Where the Wild
1 min read
Sep 20
Why ban books when you could ban homework?

Why ban books when you could ban homework?

When I taught, I personally hated assigning homework, but I can't say all teachers feel the same. In fact, homework is a huge controversy in schools and each one I taught at had a different policy.
2 min read
Sep 19
Banned Book Review: Hop on Pop, by Dr. Seuss

Banned Book Review: Hop on Pop, by Dr. Seuss

Miss Natalie is reviewing famously banned (almost banned) books this week. We'll start off with a review of
1 min read
Sep 14
I met Vivo the Kinkajou! Well, kind of...

I met Vivo the Kinkajou! Well, kind of...

Watch Miss Natalie meet the cutest animal around- a kinkajou (honeybear) and realize what a rascal she is! See if
1 min read

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