After 24 years as a middle school teacher and 9 years as a district literacy coach, Anne is fully equipped to give teachers practical suggestions for their instructional concerns. Lively, practical, and humorous, she shows teachers how to use what they already have to enhance teaching and learning. Anne delivers practical, easy-to-implement activities aligned to the Common Core State Standards.

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.

As a math and science teacher, Kathleen specializes in innovative and engaging curriculum development. She has served as a district technology coach, math coach, and middle school curriculum writer and staff developer. She is co-author of a widely distributed math intervention program.

Richard holds a BS in Education, an MS in Curriculum and Instruction, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership. Through 20+ years in education, he has taught elementary, middle, and graduate level students. Richard’s areas of expertise are brain-friendly learning, differentiated instruction, and gifted education. He travels internationally to promote learning through engaging, enriching, and enhancing experiences. Richard is the author of Advancing Differentiation: Thinking and Learning for the 21st Century.

Power-Up Pre-Conference Presenter

Tim is a full time classroom teacher and an enthusiastic promoter of educational technology. He taught for three years in central China before settling into his teaching career in Oregon. Tim is passionate about infusing technology into his teaching and providing his students with opportunities to learn with technology. He lends a strong voice to the promotion of technology in education through his involvement in Oregon's EdTech Professional Development Cadre and the Central Oregon Technology Team.

Wendell is a writing specialist, author, and presenter known for dramatically raising writing and reading scores in Title I schools. An experienced school-based literacy coach and teacher, he inspires teachers with his balanced literacy approach to reading and writing skills instruction.

Bobb is an author, former district director of staff support, and organizational consultant. He has served on many national and state task forces and committees focused on reading, thinking skills, technology, and assessment. Bobb's command of how to build high-performance schools and classrooms makes him a stand-out and sought-after presenter.

Bill is an internationally recognized educational consultant, former classroom teacher and principal, and featured speaker at many conferences. Combining humor, magic, and research in his presentations, he delivers eye-opening insights that entertain and enlighten audiences. He is the author of numerous books, including Master Schedule Design for Middle Level Schools Escaping.

Cheryl is an energetic and inspirational educator and motivational trainer. A highly sought-after presenter, she has worked with teachers at professional development conferences and seminars in over 30 states. Cheryl brings 17 years of classroom experience and a toolkit full of research-based best practices to every session. She demonstrates how to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of each learner in the classroom with practical, brain-compatible, research-driven ideas that can easily be implemented the very next day.

For over 20 years, Melissa has been dedicated to serving the educational needs of teachers and students, as a literacy coach, staff developer, and classroom teacher. She is passionate about providing educators with quick-to-implement, research-based strategies. Melissa’s ability to provide relevant information with humor makes her a popular presenter.

Compelling, provocative, and inspiring, Rick is an award-winning, 25-year classroom teacher, world-recognized consultant, and former instructional coach, school administrator, and university professor. A well-known speaker at conferences nationwide, he is the author of Building Character & Community in the Classroom.

In her role as a teacher, administrator, literacy specialist, and education consultant, Lynne has dedicated her career to improving children's literacy skills. She has consulted with over 700 schools throughout her state and across the nation. Lynne is the author of five teacher resources, including her popular Method Mania series.

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.

Karen is president of an educational mobile computing company, creator of an educational website, award-wining author and blogger, and podcast host. She is also a 15-year classroom veteran and a national consultant, known for her unique insights into technology and differentiated instruction.

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.

A classroom teacher for 25 years, Kelly is currently a fulltime high school English teacher. He is the former co-director of the South Basin Writing Project at California State University, Long Beach. Kelly is the author of Reading Reasons: Motivational Mini-Lessons for the Middle and High School, Deeper Reading: Comprehending Challenging Texts, Teaching Adolescent Writers, Readicide: How Schools Are Killing Reading and What You Can Do About It, and Write Like This.

One of the nation’s finest teacher-trainers, Kim draws upon her experiences as a classroom teacher, art teacher, administrator, and education consultant for her practical, classroom-based presentations. She is committed to helping educators improve instruction and maximize student success. Kim is coauthor of The Write Connection: A Differentiated Approach to Writing.

Gretchen is an experienced early childhood educator, instructional support teacher, and staff development specialist. She believes in adapting classrooms so that ALL children learn, and offers teachers dozens of practical, hands-on strategies and activities to accomplish this goal. Gretchen is the bestselling author of I Can Learn! and More I Can Learn!

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 best-selling, Differentiated Instruction: Different Strategies for Different Learners and Differentiating Textbooks.

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.

Steph has spent the past forty years teaching and learning about reading and writing. She has taught regular and special education elementary students, and has been a city-wide staff developer in Denver. Steph is currently a private literacy consultant to schools and districts throughout the country. Her books include Nonfiction Matters, Comprehension and Collaboration, The Comprehension Toolkit Series, and more.

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 co-author of the bestselling books Differentiated Instruction: Different Strategies for Different Learners, Differentiating Textbooks, and 6 Ways to Teach the 6 Traits of Writing.

"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."

Drawing on a 30-year career focused on student success, Diane’s passion for encouraging young people to strive and succeed shines through every presentation. She enjoyed an exemplary career teaching middle and high school math. Diane’s message is timely, powerful, and relevant.

Award-winning educator, best-selling author, educational consultant, and motivational speaker, Baruti is on a mission to eliminate the attitude gap. He’s been Teacher of the Year in his district and county, and was in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers six times. He led the transformation of a New Jersey high school from a low-performing school to recognition as one of America's best high schools. He is the author of five books, including his national bestseller, Motivating Black Males to Achieve in School and in Life.

Linda is an author, curriculum and assessment specialist, widely recognized trainer, and firm believer in brain-compatible teaching. Today she prepares future teachers as a university professor of education. She is author of Brain Framing: Instructional Planning With the Brain in Mind.

Dr. Kronberg is an experienced consultant, trainer, and special education teacher. Her approach to differentiated instruction addresses a wide range of diverse learners including at-risk, ESL, special needs, gifted and mainstream students.

Catherine is a National Board Certified Teacher with a varied and rich teaching background. She has presented workshops at the district, state, and national level. Catherine believes in creating a child-centered and activity-based classroom where children may become lifelong lovers of learning. And, she is a Presidential Award winner for Excellence in Teaching Elementary Mathematics. She has recently released her second book, Mathematical ArtOFacts.

A National Board Certified Teacher with 20 years of experience working with children, Leneda believes math should be fun. And her enthusiasm and love of math shines through every presentation. Leneda received the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics.

Melissa’s life goal is to help as many teachers as she can benefit from balanced literacy best practices in early grade classrooms. She understands what it takes to inspire teachers to do their best. And her idea-packed sessions are often turning points for both new and veteran educators.

Admin Summit Pre-Conference Presenter

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.

Admin Summit Pre-Conference Presenter

During his eight years with the Chicago Public Schools, Ignacio has been a high school English teacher, reading teacher, AVID teacher, and instructional leader. His current work involves the creation, implementation, and assessment of instructional leadership teams. And, his ongoing government grant research includes increasing teacher retention in urban turnaround schools, new teacher induction, advocacy, and culturally responsive teaching.

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.

Cristal facilitates professional development seminars both nationally and internationally. Her presentations on instructional strategies have been widely acclaimed as engaging, upbeat, interactive, and highly practical. Cristal’s teaching experience spans a wide range of populations. She specializes in working with challenging student populations in urban education settings. Cristal received her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Arizona State University.

Power-Up & Admin Summit Pre-Conference Presenter

Katie is a well-known expert in adolescent literacy, inclusive classrooms, Common Core Standards, and integrating technology into the classroom. A 20-year classroom teaching veteran, she works with many schools to show how effective her proven literacy models are. Katie is the author of the best-selling The Teacher’s Big Book of Graphic Organizers.

Admin Summit Pre-Conference Presenter

Anthony is one of the most sought after educational consultants in North America. As a practitioner for nearly twenty years, he has served as a middle school teacher, assistant principal, and middle and high school principal. Anthony was named Michigan Middle School Principal of the Year in 2005 after student proficiency on state assessments more than doubled in just five years. He is the author of Transforming School Culture: How to End Staff Division.

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 InDepth and LongerLasting Learning was coauthored with brain expert Eric Jensen.

Pat is a classroom innovator, powerful speaker, and classroom teacher with a 16-year proven track record. Her straightforward speaking style and creative strategies consistently earn her raves from audiences. Pat is the author of Create Independent Learners: TeacherTested Strategies for ALL Ability Levels, Grades 1-5.

A National Board Certified teacher, Julie fosters her students’ creativity and communication skills through collaboration with peers from around the world. Using open source technology tools, her students write and create real projects for real audiences and discover the relevance of what they do in the classroom and how it applies outside of the classroom walls. Julie is the author of Can We Skip Lunch and Keep Writing?

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.

An award-winning classroom teacher for 25 years, Lynda has emerged as one of the country’s most popular conference presenters and successful education consultants. She specializes in research-based strategies for creating a positive learning environment. She is the author of Common Sense Assessment in the Differentiated Classroom: Addressing Common Core.

As a speaker, Bill is a fresh voice with a contagious passion for differentiated instruction. A high school educator who has won numerous awards, he delivers upbeat content, solid strategies, and a positive and long-lasting impact on teachers.

Shannon is an educational consultant, special education teacher, and sought-after speaker. She is well known for her practical information, her enthusiastic style, and her expertise in Response to Intervention, data-driven instruction, differentiation, and more. Shannon is the author of Finger Funatics, a well-known fine-motor-development program.

High school principal, Google Certified Teacher, award-winning educational blogger, and innovative leader in the use of social media and web 2.0 technology, Eric is passionate about establishing and fostering learning environments that are student-centered, collaborative, and flexible—and that prepare all learners to succeed in the 21st century. As an educational administrator, he firmly believes that effective communication, listening, support, shared decision making, and the integration of technology are essential elements for transforming school cultures.

Dan is an independent educational consultant with wide-ranging experience in public and private school environments in both general and special education settings. He has worked as a behavior specialist, educational diagnostician, and director of a learning resource center. Dan has provided staff development in behavior, dropout prevention, school climate, and developmentally appropriate practices. He designed a three-year training program certifying individuals to serve as Behavior Specialists.

Marcia’s 30-year career in public education has included roles as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, language arts coordinator, and director of professional development. She has pioneered many strategies for actively engaging students. Marcia is the author of Worksheets Don't Grow Dendrites: 20 Instructional Strategies.

On a mission to promote scientific literacy, Diana has been a science educator for the past 28 years, as a classroom teacher, professional development instructor, curriculum specialist, featured speaker, and university professor. She is well known for her effective and innovative teaching style, as well as being able to captivate, motivate, and inspire participants during her presentations.

Marti offers 28 years of early childhood and administrative experience to help teachers acquire the skills and strategies necessary to maintain a safe and caring classroom. She is the co-author of two nationally acclaimed programs on conflict resolution and violence prevention as well as several other publications for teachers. An energetic and inspirational speaker, Marti provides her session participants with a tool bag full of skills and strategies they can use the next day.

Power-Up Pre-Conference Presenter

Tammy has had twenty five years of education experience, both in and out of the classroom. A school technology expert, she has developed numerous software applications for teachers and is the author of several best selling technology resource books. Tammy’s experiences as a parent, a teacher, a technology director, and a training specialist have enabled her to collaborate with other educators to build models of effective technology implementation that have the potential to truly transform schools.

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.

Wilkins brings to her teaching a fierce determination to honor individual perspectives and abilities, to inspire and nurture intellectual growth, and to make learning a joyful experience. She believes that to engage students, teachers must model the delights and passionate engagement of lifelong learning. Wilkins delivers strategies that are creative, practical, proven, supported by research, always minds-on, hands-on whenever possible, and featuring multiple use-‘em-tomorrow activities.