Authors & Presenters

Jana Claxton currently serves as the executive director of curriculum and instruction at Irving ISD in Irving, Texas. Her zeal lies in implementing high-impact instructional strategies, fostering clarity within collaborative teams, and championing student-centered learning approaches. With over 19 years of dedicated service in education, Jana boasts a diverse portfolio, having held roles ranging from professional learning coordinator to strategic design coach, and from RTI facilitator to classroom teacher.

Dr. Robin Cleckley, a dedicated educator with more than 20 years of experience in elementary education, is currently the mathematics and science instructional coach at Saluda River Academy for the Arts Elementary in West Columbia, South Carolina.

Dr. Lindsey Cochran, EdD, serves as the principal of Hillcrest Elementary in Morristown, Tennessee. Her leadership at Lincoln Heights Middle School earned Model PLC at Work® recognition and Tennessee Reward School status, highlighting her commitment to collaboration and student growth.

Janna Cochrane is principal of North Greenville Elementary School in Wisconsin. She has over 20 years’ experience as an elementary principal in three different districts. Prior to that, she taught fourth grade for 9 years.

Amy Cockcroft has more than 30 years of experience in education. She has served as a math teacher; principal; director of professional learning; executive director of curriculum, instruction, and assessment; and assistant superintendent.

Daniel Cohan retired in 2023 as chief of schools for the Jefferson County Public School District in Colorado, where he supervised elementary, middle, and high schools, K–12.

Richard K. Cohen is Chief Academic Officer for secondary education at Edison Township Public Schools in New Jersey. He is a former assistant superintendent and principal of Moss School (PreK and Kindergarten) in the Metuchen School District in New Jersey. He serves as faculty for Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and he is a former principal of Red Bank Primary School in New Jersey.

Alan J. Cohen was a tenured teacher with the New York City Department of Education. He taught children from many different socioeconomic backgrounds and with a wide range of behavioral needs.

Leigh Colburn is a career educator and community leader with ten years of service as the principal of Marietta High School in Georgia. She specializes in promoting school equity through wraparound service opportunities.

Karina Cole is the director of curriculum for the Neosho School District. She has 19 years of experience as a classroom teacher and instructional coach and has supported buildings in two districts to become Model Professional Learning Communities at Work® schools.