For many students, ninth grade is the beginning of a transformative journey toward self-discovery and growth. It’s the start of high school, and this pivotal year can feel like stepping into the unknown. At Northfield High School, advisory teachers Cole Ritter and Kedi Ochs turn that uncertainty into confidence, empowering students to find their voice and take charge of their future.
Cole and Kedi have made it their mission to create environments where students feel included and heard. Their classrooms are intentional spaces where students are encouraged to speak up, own their learning and lead with courage.
Cole, a proud Denver native, has a decade of experience and brings a deep belief in the power of identity.
“We spend the first semester focusing on identity work and getting to know ourselves,” Cole explained. “We learn a lot about communication — written, verbal and self communication. All those things come together to help students identify what they need and how to get those needs met.”
His lessons begin with icebreakers and real-life scenarios, sparking honest conversations and self-reflection. For Cole, advisory is about helping students discover who they are and what they need to thrive. He believes that when students feel safe and supported, they can break down barriers and become powerful in their own lives.
Kedi brings his own spark to the team. Born in Namibia and raised in Iowa, he’s known for his warmth and humor. Visitors to his classroom are greeted by a chorus of “hellos” — a testament to the welcoming environment he’s built.
“We greet people in this classroom,” Kedi said.
In Kedi’s classroom, laughter blends with meaningful conversations about life, goals and even tough topics like discrimination.
For Kedi, teaching is about showing students how to study, collaborate and learn to navigate the world beyond the classroom.
“By teaching students how to be part of a community, they practice essential life skills,” he said. “Ultimately, when you give students a voice and the tools to advocate for themselves, that’s true power.”
Helping Students Claim Their Power
Advisory at Northfield goes beyond schedules and grades. Cole and Kedi’s curriculum covers executive functioning, self-advocacy, time management, goal setting and social-emotional wellness.
A key part of their approach is first understanding what challenges exist, and then working to dismantle those barriers. Both emphasize the importance of every student having a trusted adult and a safe space to grow.
“For students to be powerful means embracing every opportunity – inside and outside of the school – and using it to grow. It’s about speaking up for themselves, advocating for what they need and striving to become the best version of themselves that they can be,” Cole said.
Moments That Matter
The impact of their work is visible every day. Cole recalls a lesson on derogatory language where students shared moments when they chose to be upstanders rather than bystanders.
“It was awesome to see the students taking responsibility for the environment around them,” he reflected.
For Kedi, these moments happen frequently and organically. Students hold each other accountable, engage in open dialogue and take initiative to help redirect peers.
“We’ve had serious conversations about discrimination,” Kedi said. “Students challenge each other’s thinking. Instead of teachers leading, students use their voices to share different perspectives and support one another.”
A Team That Models Belonging
Behind the scenes, Cole and Kedi are part of a diverse, dynamic team that reflects the community they serve.
“We collaborate really well and make sure all students get the same experience,” Cole said. “We’re all teachers of each other’s students.”
Their department meetings are often lively and full of laughter, but always centered on the goal of helping students succeed.
Kedi added with a smile, “We have a lot of fun, but we keep the main thing the main thing: focusing on academics and getting our students where they need to be.”
Creating a Culture of Confidence and Power
Their work embodies Northfield’s spirit of innovation, inclusion and resilience. They design lessons that meet students where they are, create safe spaces for curiosity and show up every day with honesty and joy.
As Kedi put it, “We’re giving students a safe space to be themselves, be confident and thrive. And in doing so, we’re not just teaching lessons, we’re giving students the power to change their own lives.”