Authors & Presenters

Christie Shealy, EdD, is the director of student services in Anderson School District One in South Carolina. She has worked with the district’s math, English language, mental health, testing, and accountability programs. Dr. Shealy specializes in developing and sustaining professional learning communities at various levels.

Dennis Shirley, EdD, is Duganne faculty fellow and professor at the Lynch School of Education and Human Development at Boston College. He holds a doctorate from Harvard University.

Sienna Shively is a principal coach in Phoenix, Arizona. Sienna has more than 25 years of experience working as a teacher, principal, director of curriculum and instruction, and principal coach.

Cindy Sholtys-Cromwell has spent the last 23 years as an administrator with the Kelso School District in Washington. She is currently the principal of Kelso Virtual Academy (K–12) along with the Kelso GED Program.

Dr. Ryan Sikkes is an educational consultant and presenter with over 20 years’ worth of experience in teaching and administration in Canada’s Yukon Territory. He is passionate about supporting schools and systems in their efforts to improve assessment and grading practices.

Dena D. Slanda, PhD, is a research associate in the College of Innovation and Education at the University of Central Florida. She is also a professor in residence for the Teacher Quality Partnership grant project, which emphasizes mathematics and disciplinary literacy for preservice teachers.

Rea Smith is an elementary mathematics and science curriculum specialist in northwestern Arkansas. She passionately supports the work of professional learning communities with a focus on common assessments to improve student and teacher learning.

Stephenie Smith is an assistant principal at Hazel Green Elementary School in Alabama. Previously, she served as instructional coach at Sparkman Middle School, a Model PLC at Work® school in Alabama that has earned Highly Effective Schools Accreditation. With a background as a middle school science teacher, she works with teachers, school administrators, and district leaders to implement effective professional learning communities (PLCs) and response to intervention (RTI) in order to close achievement gaps in key subgroups. Her focus is emphasizing teacher expertise and building collective efficacy through PLCs.

Jennifer L. Sparrow is deputy superintendent of Singapore American School. She spent 13 years as a middle school teacher and 11 years as a schoolwide administrator.

With over 30 years of experience in K–12 education, author and education expert Jeanne Spiller is an associate with Solution Tree, supporting schools and districts through workshops, coaching, and collaborative initiatives to enhance instruction, foster innovation, and promote equity.