Teach intentionally.
Culturally Intentional Education for Secondary English Classrooms.
Who we are.
The CIE Teaching and Learning Lab exists to transform how secondary English is taught in Title I schools. Founded by Monique Constance, M.Ed., a veteran secondary English educator with deep experience in , CIE Lab brings together research, practice, and culturally intentional design to equip teachers and programs with the tools they need for rigorous, equitable instruction.
Our mission and our vision.
At The CIE Teaching and Learning Lab, our mission is to develop and support teachers through a community of praxis, where professional learning, curriculum design, and dialogue honor the art of teaching English.
Guided by the CIE Framework and our three tenets: Know Thyself, Make Meaning, Make Space, we achieve our mission through deep literary study that bridges the Science of Reading, the Science of Writing, and the craft of teaching. By equipping educators with the tools and frameworks they need, we help create classrooms that validate students, elevate rigor, and expand access to advanced English instruction in Title I schools.
We envision secondary English classrooms where every student, from emerging readers to AP and IB scholars, experiences advanced literacy instruction that is rigorous, Culturally Intentional, and affirming. These classrooms close achievement gaps by centering students’ voices, validating their identities, and equipping them with the skills to thrive as readers, writers, and thinkers.
We believe the art of teaching is as vital as the science of learning , and when brought together with intention, both teachers and students flourish.
Our core values.
Intellect (n.)
We honor the life of the mind by holding space for rigor, depth, and sustained inquiry. Intellect for us means more than mastering standards, it is the pursuit of wisdom, analysis, and creativity that stretches both teachers and students. At The CIE Lab, we believe that intellect thrives when paired with intention and care.
Love (n.)
Love grounds our practice in care, dignity, and humanity. We affirm that instruction should not only sharpen minds but also nurture spirits. For us, love is expressed in how we design curriculum that validates students’ experiences and honors the labor of teachers.
Curiosity (n.)
Curiosity is the spark that drives both learning and teaching forward. We encourage teachers and students alike to ask questions, follow ideas across genres, and imagine possibilities beyond the page. In our work, curiosity becomes a method: a way of engaging literature that keeps classrooms vibrant and alive.
Respect (n.)
Respect means recognizing the value of every voice in the classroom and every educator in the profession. We build communities of praxis where dialogue is central, and diverse identities and perspectives shape the learning experience. Respect is the foundation that allows rigor, curiosity, and love to flourish together.