Authors & Presenters

Katy Sue Traicoff is an experienced educational leader with a deep understanding of the value of collaborative decision making within professional learning communities and a passion for fostering collaborative environments and supporting the professional development of educators.

Matthew Treadway, EdD, is the former principal of Freedom Elementary School in Shepherdsville, Kentucky, where he led his staff in developing a collaborative culture centered on the three big ideas of a professional learning community.

Eric Twadell, PhD, is superintendent of Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois. He has been a social studies teacher, curriculum director, and assistant superintendent for leadership and organizational development.

Jonathan G. Vander Els specializes in supporting teachers and administrators in schools and districts across the country in developing, sustaining, and enhancing structures to support all learners.

Eddie Velez is the former principal at Kennedy High School in Fremont, California. He specializes in building leadership capacity, building PLC culture, implementing RTI, and coaching collaborative teams. He has a genuine connection and care for every school he serves and is respected for his ability to meet schools “where they are” without compromising the end goal of creating equitable opportunities for all students.

Jamie Virga, EdD, has over 35 years of experience as a teacher, principal, professional developer, principal coach, and associate superintendent. He works to support schools and districts with implementing Professional Learning Communities at Work® and RTI at Work™ processes.

Cindy Watters is currently the principal of Whittier Elementary School in Seattle Public Schools. With experience in large urban school districts and international schools, Cindy has worked and led in a wide variety of settings around the world.

Gerald R. Williams has over 15 years’ experience implementing and supporting PLC and RTI work in schools and districts. Most recently, he served as the executive director of elementary education for the Nampa School District in Idaho.

Dr. Amy Williams brings over 25 years of experience in education, specializing in fostering inclusive practices and systems-level change to improve student outcomes.

Vicki Wilson is an author with 30 years of experience as a public school educator, having served as a classroom teacher and a principal. Her work focuses on leveraging best practices to ensure that all students learn at high levels.