Authors & Presenters

Dr. Derek Voiles is the assistant principal at Lincoln Heights Middle School in Morristown, Tennessee. With more than 15 years of experience in education, he emphasizes collaboration as a tool for better learning, particularly through professional learning communities.

Justin Wagner is the superintendent of the Woodbine Community School District and the IGNITE Pathways regional center. An award-winning administrator with nearly 30 years of experience in education and the military, he has served as teacher, assistant principal, principal, director, and superintendent.

Karly Ward is an experienced educational leader with over 17 years in teaching and administration. She specializes in visionary leadership, sustaining a healthy school environment, and ensuring system fidelity.

Laurie is a highly experienced teacher in both general education and special education and has embraced leadership roles throughout her career to exemplify best practices and improve student growth.

Dr. Jeff Washington is the principal of a Professional Learning Community (PLC) at Work® elementary school in Georgia. With a nearly 20-year career spanning various educational fields, his work has helped generate successful outcomes for schools and stakeholders.

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.

Nathan L. Wear is the associate superintendent and chief academic officer of Linn-Mar CSD in Marion, Iowa. He has served as an elementary teacher and as an elementary and high school principal.

Dr. Kevin Weck is a dedicated educational leader, currently serving as the principal of Westmont High School in Illinois. With a background as a former social studies teacher, he brings a deep understanding of classroom dynamics and instructional strategies.

Mark Weichel, EdD, is assistant superintendent for teaching and learning at Westside Community Schools in Omaha, Nebraska. The district has received local and national attention for its commitment to collaboration, innovation, technology integration, and personalized learning.

Paul M. White, PhD, is the superintendent of New Prairie United School Corporation in Northern Indiana. He has experience as a secondary-level special education teacher, social studies teacher, middle school principal, and high school principal.