"Reading gives us some place to go when we have to stay where we are."
-Mason Cooley
About Me
I’m an educator, instructional leader, and curriculum designer with a deep love for literature, thoughtful learning, and the kind of teaching that truly sticks with students long after they leave the classroom.
I’m originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, and will always consider myself a Midwest girl at heart. Give me the Great Lakes, a good breeze, and a change of seasons, and I’m happy. That said… I eventually decided I could live without quite so much snow, which led me to Florida after college. Now, my husband and I are raising our sons in Tampa, and we’re grateful every day for sunshine, family time, and a community we love.
Professionally, my roots are in English education, where I’ve had the privilege of teaching and building curriculum—especially in secondary-level world literature. There’s something incredibly meaningful about helping students connect with stories, wrestle with big ideas, and grow in both confidence and skill as readers and writers.
As I’ve stepped into school leadership, that passion has only grown. I care deeply about creating strong academic systems, supporting teachers, and making sure curriculum is not only engaging, but intentional, aligned, and meeting real student needs. I’m especially drawn to the work of identifying gaps in learning and building thoughtful, research-informed solutions that help students thrive.
About Lit with Lench
“Lit with Lench” started the same way a lot of good things in education do—out of necessity and a little bit of creative energy that refused to sit still.
While teaching, I had the opportunity to build curriculum from the ground up, which was equal parts challenging and exciting. I quickly realized two things: one, I loved the process, and two, I wanted to share what I was creating with other educators who might be looking for meaningful, ready-to-use resources.
The name itself is simple. “Lit” comes from literature—my first love in the classroom—but it also reflects the kind of learning experience I’ve always aimed to create: engaging, thoughtful, and (dare I say) something students actually want to be part of.
This space has grown into a collection of curriculum resources, reflections on teaching and learning, and ideas that continue to evolve alongside my work in education and leadership. If you spend any amount of time here, you’ll probably notice I’m someone who always has a new idea in the works—I’m constantly thinking about ways to improve systems, support teachers, and better serve students.
At the end of the day, everything you’ll find here is rooted in a simple goal: to create resources and share ideas that are practical, purposeful, and grounded in what actually works in real classrooms.
So whether you’re here for curriculum, inspiration, or just to explore a bit—welcome. I’m really glad you’re here.
My name is Madeline Lench.
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