Authors & Presenters

Eileen Depka, PhD, has a background in assessment, common assessment design, rubric development, standards-based assessment, question design, classroom questioning practices, positive practices in grading and reporting, and the implementation of standards-based grading and reporting.

Joshua Depoe, EdD, is the principal at Benton Elementary in the Neosho School District in Southwest Missouri. During his 17 years as an educator, he has also served as a classroom teacher and an assistant principal. His work has focused on ensuring all students achieve at high levels.

Matt Devan is director of school support and improvement for Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland. He provides guidance and feedback to schools as they develop professional learning communities.

Linnea Devine, LICSW, is a licensed therapist, consultant, fierce advocate, and former school social worker who is deeply passionate about creating space for educators to explore and deepen both mental and physical wellness mindsets. Her expertise includes mental health literacy, compassion fatigue, trauma, and empowerment of educators.

With more than 40 years of experience as an educator, J. Richard Dewey is currently a university teacher, a master PLC coach and PLC virtual coach for Solution Tree, and a recognized authority on best practices in school improvement and successful leadership.

Donyall D. Dickey, EdD, is a nationally recognized authority on curriculum, instruction, organizational development, and district improvement. He has over 20 years of experience as an educational leader, guiding the way for educators to see enhanced student achievement and school improvement.

Jennifer Dickson is an educator and presenter with a passion for working with preK–5 educators to ensure all students learn at high levels. With more than 25 years of experience in public school education, she loves to work with teams all over the country to implement and improve professional learning community practices.

Melissa Dickson, EdM, is an outstanding presenter and educator. She is passionate about providing teachers with research-based ideas and strategies that they implement immediately. In her decades as an educator, Melissa has been a literacy coach, staff developer, site-based team leader, mentor teacher, inclusion teacher, classroom teacher, and early childhood teacher.

Heather K. Dillard, EdD, is an associate professor of education at Middle Tennessee State University. She has authored and coauthored book chapters, research articles, and magazine articles, primarily about Professional Learning Communities at Work®.

Michelle Dillard is an assistant superintendent for Jefferson County Public Schools in Louisville, Kentucky, where she oversees two high schools, three middle schools, fifteen elementary schools, and three Success Pathways schools.