Polly Base primarily serves as the English Language Arts Curriculum Specialist for the GEAR UP for MY SUCCESS grant at the K20 Center for Educational & Community Renewal. In this role, she coaches, mentors, and supports ELA teachers in the 23 rural schools in Oklahoma which are served by the grant. Collaborating with teachers and co-workers to develop authentic field proven ELA lessons as well as creating and implementing professional development is also a part of her responsibilities. Polly’s mission is to encourage teachers to be innovative, creative and motivated educators who are determined to lead the next generation with positivity and kindness. Ms. Base is also a passionate proponent of the development of early educator training. She supports this passion through her participation in the Uplifting Classrooms professional development. Polly has served in education for fifteen years as an educator, Reading Sufficiency tutor, team leader, department head, mentor teacher and University of Oklahoma intern mentor.