Authors & Presenters

Jane Pedersen, EdD, is the director of student services in Fremont School District 79 in Illinois. She has previously served as assistant director of educational services, an elementary school assistant principal, and a school psychologist for Kildeer Countryside School District 96 in Illinois.

Michael Pedrotty is the principal of Elm Grove Middle School in Bossier City, Louisiana, and is a firm believer in the power and efficacy of the professional learning community process, having served as the instructional coach at Benton Middle School when it became the very first Model Professional Learning Community at Work® school in the state of Louisiana.

Garrick Peterson helps teachers and administrators become high-functioning PLCs with a specific focus on making the connection between assessment and intervention.

Barbara Phillips is an educational presenter and researcher from upstate New York with over 20 years of experience in public education. She specializes in effective instruction and leveraging teacher strengths to maximize student achievement and learning.

David Pillar, EdD, a former Model PLC at Work® middle school principal, is assistant director at Hoosier Hills Career Center with the Monroe County Community School Corporation in Bloomington, Indiana.

Karen Power is an educational presenter and a former teacher, principal, superintendent, and senior advisor for professional learning and leadership. Karen has implemented the PLC process both as a principal and as a superintendent, and for several years, she has supported collaborative work in schools to meet the needs of students.

Maren Powers is an award-winning teacher, instructional coach and author. Because of her experience as a practitioner, she has learned how to do the work successfully. Maren is passionate about helping other educators implement, coach, and lead through the PLC process.

Nathaniel Provencio is associate superintendent in Prince William County, Virginia. Under his leadership, Minnieville Elementary School was recognized as a Model Professional Learning Community and was the 2019 winner of the prestigious DuFour Award.

Mary Ann Ranells, Ph.D., has over 45 years of experience in education as a teacher, principal, district administrator, and superintendent. She is passionate about coaching educators in professional learning communities to ensure high levels of learning for all.

Keri Rathbun, EdD, is the director of Coordinated School Health and Career Counseling for Fort Smith Public Schools, Arkansas. She has worked in education for more than 20 years and served as an administrator at the middle and high school levels.