About Us

BELLA Learning is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving teaching and learning through high-quality professional learning for educators.

Our work is grounded in research-based instructional practices that support diverse learners, including multilingual learners, while helping educators create engaging and effective learning environments for every student.

Our Partnership

We partner with schools, districts, and educational organizations to support evidence-based instruction, literacy development, inclusive classroom practices, and educator capacity-building that benefits all learners.

The BELLA professional learning framework was originally developed through FigStar Learning, an educational curriculum and learning design company.

BELLA Learning was established to expand access to the BELLA framework and provide implementation support, coaching, and professional learning partnerships for educators and school systems.

Board Leadership

BELLA Learning is led by a team of nationally recognized experts in literacy, research, and education.

Dr. Leslie Babinski

Dr. Leslie Babinski

Executive Director and Board Chair

Dr. Steve Amendum

Dr. Steve Amendum

Chief Academic Officer and Vice Chair

James T. Amendum

Secretary

Beth Hoos

Treasurer

Virginia R. Amendum

Board Member

Susan Greene

Board Member

Carrie Ruddy

Board Member

Turning literacy priorities into classroom practice.

BELLA Learning is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing teaching and learning through evidence-based professional learning for educators.

BELLA Learning

Dr. Leslie Babinski

Dr. Babinski is a Research Professor at Duke University and a leading expert in K–2 literacy instruction and teacher professional learning. She has led multiple federally funded research studies and played a central role in the development of the BELLA model. Her work focuses on bridging research and practice to strengthen instruction and improve outcomes for diverse learners.
 

Dr. Steve Amendum

Dr. Amendum is a Professor at the University of Delaware and a nationally recognized scholar in early literacy and multilingual learner instruction. He has led large-scale randomized controlled trials evaluating BELLA and brings deep expertise in evidence-based practices and instructional improvement.

James T. Amendum

Former Assistant Superintendent and longtime educational leader with experience spanning classroom teaching, school leadership, and district administration.

Beth Hoos

Education and wellness advocate focused on supporting multilingual learners and strengthening community partnerships to serve children and families.
 

Virginia R. Amendum

Nonprofit executive and early childhood leader with extensive experience scaling organizations, securing funding, and building high-quality programs for children and families.

Susan Greene

Entrepreneur, strategist, and Professor of the Practice at UNC Chapel Hill with expertise in innovation, leadership, and organizational strategy across sectors.

Carrie Ruddy

Chief Communications and Marketing Officer at Trane Technologies, with deep expertise in brand strategy, communications, and stakeholder engagement.