Ellen is a former reading teacher and special educator who has made meeting the needs of students a lifelong mission. She has developed and managed successful co-teaching programs, diagnostic centers, and after-school interventions. A noted authority on multiple intelligence-based strategies, Ellen is the author of The MI Strategy Bank: 800+ Strategies for the Elementary Classroom.

Carlton brings over 30 years of experience as a successful kindergarten teacher to each presentation. His outstanding approach to classroom teaching has earned him wide recognition, including Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers and the National Honor Roll’s Outstanding American Teachers. Carlton believes strongly that all children can learn, and that learning occurs when teachers believe in themselves, believe in children, and believe that they can make a difference in the lives they touch everyday.

Maria is a former consultant and staff development coordinator, a riveting speaker, and an inspiration to all who meet her. For 20 years, she has pioneered the development of techniques and materials that support guided reading and writing and differentiated learning. Powerful and passionate, her presentations teach, refresh, and motivate.

An internationally renowned consultant and trainer, Anne has worked with students and teachers for 25 years as a special education teacher and university faculty member. She has published several books and videos. As a professional development specialist, Anne focuses on creative, practical solutions for effectively including students with diverse learning needs in general education classrooms.

A nationally recognized presenter, author, and humorist, Jack was the 2009 Ohio Middle Level Educator of the Year. He is known for his practical teaching ideas and uncanny insight into the nature of the young adolescent. Jack is the author of Managing the Madness: A Practical Guide to Middle Grades Classrooms.

Danny is a prolific author and sought-after trainer who has dedicated his life to the education of inner-city students. He specializes in strategies that improve reading attitudes and aptitudes and motivate teachers to create reading programs that instill a lifelong love of reading. An avid writer, Danny is the author of numerous books, including Readers for Life: The Ultimate Reading Fitness Guide.

Bill is a developmental school psychologist and a leading presenter in the area of mental health. He travels the country sharing his solutions to educator burn-out, classroom management problems, and stress. He is the author of several books including Discipline with the Brain in Mind.

Power-Up Pre-Conference Presenter

Jackie is an Elementary Instructional Technology Specialist and trainer with more than twenty one years in education. She has taught students in several grade levels and has trained thousands of teachers. Jackie’s humorous and engaging teaching style inspires teachers to improve instruction by engaging learners and differentiating instruction via technology resources.

When it comes to educational presenters, Lori Elliott is the total package. As a National Board Certified classroom teacher and trainer and one of SDE’s most-requested presenters, she is contagiously passionate about teaching with technology. Her dynamic sessions are enriched by her hands-on experience with integrated curriculum, technology, and brain-based learning. Lori is the author of the popular classroom-technology guide, Teach Like a Techie.

Sharon is an internationally recognized literacy expert with 30+ years of educational experience as a classroom teacher, administrator, university professor, staff development trainer, and consultant. She is the author of the best-selling book, How to Teach Reading When You Are Not a Reading Teacher.

Offering over 18 years of classroom experience, Char has earned a national reputation as a renowned education speaker and author. She works extensively in the areas of writing, math, and classroom management to help teachers help all children learn. Char has developed curriculum materials in writing, math, language arts, reading, and social studies. And, she is the author of several books, including Differentiated Instruction: Different Strategies for Different Learners and Math Strategies You Can Count On.

Robert has 40 years of teaching experience. He is a learning disability and reading specialist who offers teachers multi-sensory instructional methods and techniques to help children learn and overcome failure. Robert believes all children can and want to learn— and his greatest joy is helping teachers rise to the challenge

Jim has emerged as the nation’s Spokesperson for School Success. An internationally renowned educator and popular speaker, he offers practical instructional strategies to help all students learn. Jim is the author of many popular professional books, including the bestselling, Differentiated Instruction: Different Strategies for Different Learners and Differentiating Textbooks and Death of Common Sense in Our Schools And What YOU Can Do About It!

Power-Up Pre-Conference Presenter

Lucy is an education technology consultant. She began her 20 year career in education as a primary grade teacher in the Chicago Public Schools. She went on to work at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, the Urban Education Institute, and most recently, at the Center for Elementary Mathematics and Science Education. Additionally, Lucy is an Apple Distinguished Educator and Google Certified Teacher.

Kathy is a National Board Certified early childhood education specialist with over 15 years of teaching experience. She’s an expert at differentiating instruction in the early childhood classroom. Kathy’s exemplary performance earned her the 2008 Teacher of the Year for her district as well as two nominations for Disney Teacher of the Year.

Bryan is a seasoned elementary school principal, instructional specialist, professional development director, and author. He is also an expert on brain-compatible teaching. His focus is on applications of brain research and ways teachers can engage students, address gender differences, and manage their classrooms.

Diane is an Associate Professor of Education, a consultant, and a professional development trainer. She has taught elementary and secondary students, and has served as a gifted education teacher and administrator, as well as an instructional specialist. Diane’s book, Making Differentiation a Habit, won the Association of Educational Publishers 2010 Distinguished Achievement Award.

Betty is a veteran educator with more than 24 years of exemplary teaching experience. Betty’s high energy, humor, and keen insights have made her a very popular presenter at many state, national, and international conferences. She is a former Teacher of the Year and has enthusiastically shared her strategies with fellow educators since 1982. Betty is also the coauthor of the bestselling books Differentiated Instruction: Different Strategies for Different Learners, Differentiating Textbooks, and 6 Ways to Teach the 6 Traits of Writing.

Robert is an award winning educator, special education administrator, professor, school psychologist, and expert in developing practical, easy-to-implement strategies that lead to desired outcomes. With training that combines educational strategies with psychological principles, he has helped and inspired thousands of educators who work in the most challenging schools in our nation. Robert has repeatedly proven that there is undiscovered strength in every challenging situation and every challenging person.

Amy is a National Board Certified teacher known for her high-energy speaking style and highly practical instructional strategies. She is an expert on differentiated instruction, gifted and talented, content-area literacy, and enhancing the effectiveness of students as writers. She is author of Making Literature Circles Come Alive.

Winner of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching, John has taught science for over 40 years in grades ranging from kindergarten through college. Today, he continues to energetically develop fun, innovative strategies for capturing and keeping students’ attention and for inspiring them to want to learn science.

Robyn is a National Board Certified AP English Teacher. For over 15 years as a teacher, administrator, consultant, and speaker, she has championed equity, access, and rigor for all students—particularly students of color. By focusing on key principles of education rather than isolated strategies and canned approaches, Robyn shows teachers how to meet the learning needs of every student in the classroom, supporting struggling students without sacrificing rigor.

Mama J is a national consultant with a 20-year proven track record reaching and teaching today’s youth. Recognized as a master motivator, she is frequently rated “the best” keynote speaker and professional development trainer. Focused, passionate, and entertaining— that’s Mama J.

William has been a middle and high school language arts teacher, a language arts and social studies curriculum coordinator, and a consultant and trainer for school districts across the nation. Currently, he teaches college-level courses in literacy methods for pre-service teachers. His focus is new literacies—broadening conceptions of "literacy" to include alternative media such as video, blogging, and text messaging. His new book, The Socially Networked Classroom, adroitly explores classroom uses of social networking.

Tom is currently an Assistant Superintendent of Schools. He has taught both primary and intermediate grades and is a “recovering” elementary school principal. Tom has presented at numerous high-level education conferences and at workshops for local school districts and parent groups. He’s both passionate and frank when it comes to his feelings about teaching, learning, and leading.

Power-Up Pre-Conference Presenter

Gail is a teacher by calling and profession. A former classroom teacher of grades PreK through 8, she now works for herself providing meaningful, practical professional development specializing in powerful ways to use technologies to improve teaching and learning. Gail has a Master’s in Educational Computing. She tries to learn at least three new things every day.

As a national presenter with 11 books in print, LeAnn shares up-to-date research and strategies on brain-related topics, differentiation, reading and vocabulary strategies, and more. She couples a passion for engaging all students with a lively speaking style to make every presentation a starting point for classroom joy and success. LeAnn's book, Deeper Learning: 7 Powerful Strategies for In Depth and Longer Lasting Learning was coauthored with brain expert Eric Jensen.

Currently a professor of Education, Kathy has extensive teaching experience from preschool through graduate school. An acclaimed educational consultant, author, and motivational speaker, she integrates state-of-the-art methods with practical insights from her own classroom experiences. Teachers rave about Kathy’s dynamic approach to teaching. Her innovative and interactive sessions are loaded with teacher-tested, ready-to-use materials and activities.

Sandi is a National Board Certified educator and an energetic presenter. She has spent her many years as a Kindergarten teacher developing new strategies and original materials for reaching each child’s needs. Sandi believes that children must learn discipline, responsibility, and self worth in order to accomplish goals and succeed in both school and life.

Laureen is a classroom teacher and best-selling author who has developed many activities and techniques for engaging students and creating independent learners. She is the author of Catch Your Kids Before They Fall: 140+ Skill-Builders to Boost Academic Success.

A former middle and high school math teacher, Paul is an expert on teaching math to students with learning disabilities and emotional and behavioral disorders. As a presenter, he delivers practical strategies that make a real positive difference for teachers. Paul has written four books on improving math instruction, including Computation of Fractions: Math interventions for Elementary and Middle Grades Students.

Damara is a highly skilled educational leader and former literacy and math coach. She has worked with at-risk students since she began teaching over 12 years ago. As a national presenter, she excites audiences with her research-based techniques and strategies, hand-picked for their easy application in the classroom.

Lisa draws on a multitude of teaching and administrative experiences to develop her compelling sessions. She has been a high school teacher, an administrator, and a professional development facilitator. Currently, she consults with schools, districts, and educational organizations. Lisa is author of the book No Parent Left Behind.

Kurt is a Google Certified Teacher, NBC Crystal Apple award winner, and eHow Education Expert with 16 years of classroom teaching experience. A dynamic speaker with unmatched motivational ability, he wows everyone in the room with the benefits of integrating computers into the classroom, and with his creative, new primary curriculum ideas.

Michael is an experienced classroom teacher, administrator, curriculum designer, educational consultant, conference presenter, and university-level guest speaker. His research centers on problem-based learning, specializing in the application of differentiated instructional practices, as well as the characteristics of effective schools, teachers, and instructional strategies. Michael holds a doctorate in Administrative Leadership.

Marsha is a highly sought-after teacher trainer and presenter with over 35 years of classroom and administrative experience. She has directed federal and state educational programs, and has been a leader and an advocate for at-risk children. Marsha has also developed nationally recognized programs that provide for the education of low-achieving students.

Judy was a practicing physician for 15 years before becoming the outstanding classroom teacher she is today. She is an expert in brain research who presents at many conferences and consults internationally. She started a foundation on mindfulness education and is the author of four books, including How Your Child Learns Best: Brain-Friendly Strategies You Can Use to Ignite Your Child’s Learning and Increase School Success.

One of the first National Board Certified teachers in America, Rick brings innovation, energy, validity, and high standards to his presentations, along with 30 years of outstanding teaching experience. Rick’s substantive presentations, sense of humor, and unconventional approaches make him an exceptionally sought-after presenter. He is the author of the award-winning book, Meet Me in the Middle, as well as several bestselling books.