Kristen Rhodes Beland is a 2019-20 Teach Plus Rhode Island Policy Fellow. A returning Fellow, Kristen is a 4th grade teacher at the Suzanne M. Henseler Quidnessett Elementary School in North Kingstown, RI. Previously, she served as an integration specialist implementing the SmART program developed by Brown University and has been involved in the integration of technology into the district, leading professional development in digital citizenship for the N.K. Google Summits. She was lead theatrical director, bringing together groups of 75 students to gain confidence through acting. She has published op-eds on empathy and on the importance of trust driving student relationships. Kristen has led her school to become trauma-informed and has become a strong advocate for SEL. She was a 2013 Golden Apple Recipient. Kristen graduated with a BA in Interdisciplinary Arts from Salve Regina University.
