Authors & Presenters

Doug Lillydahl is director of communication arts at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Illinois. He guides literacy interventions and ELA staff development, oversees assessment, and supports curricular and instructional evolution.

Jill Lizier is a districtwide director of curriculum, instruction, and assessment in Exeter, New Hampshire, and has previously served as an assistant principal and special education building coordinator, a curriculum coordinator for an elementary school, and first-grade teacher.

Gearl Loden is the superintendent of Nixa Public Schools. Under Dr. Loden’s leadership, Nixa Public Schools has been recognized as a Model PLC at Work® district and includes multiple Model PLC at Work schools.

Dave Ludy is a former principal of a Model PLC at WorkⓇ in Wisconsin. His work is focused on implementing the PLC process and he has extensive experience with rural school districts.

James Luttrell has more than 20 years of experience in education—from preschool to high school and from rural to urban. He specializes in data analysis protocols, improving school culture, and implementing professional learning communities (PLC) processes.

Colby Lynch has been a secondary educator for 15 years. He is currently the assistant principal of Douglas High School and has previously served as a high school principal, junior high assistant principal/activities director, and high school English teacher.

Kyle Machen, EdD, the principal of Benton Middle School in Louisiana, has been an educator for close to 20 years. Under his leadership, Benton Middle School was recognized as Louisiana’s first Model PLC.

Paula Maeker is an educator, consultant, and advocate for learner-centered education. She has more than twenty-three years’ experience as an elementary teacher, literacy specialist, instructional coach, Title 1 program coordinator, campus administrator, director of elementary literacy, and director of instructional design.

Michael J. Maffoni, an educator since 1987, has a diverse background that includes experience as a teacher, principal, and central administrator in a variety of districts in Colorado. He also teaches courses in educational leadership as an affiliate faculty member at Regis University.

Ryan Mahn is currently the assistant principal at a K–6 STEAM elementary school. He is passionate about fostering innovative learning environments, STEAM education, and transforming school culture to prepare students for a bright future.