Authors & Presenters

Geri Parscale spent 28 years in education and has worked as a classroom teacher, principal, professional development director, and finally deputy superintendent of Fort Leavenworth Schools, USD 207. Her mode of operation was always the same: learning for all kids.

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

Jon Potter, PhD, is a senior technical assistance specialist with American Institutes for Research. Dr. Potter has worked in education for more than 16 years, supporting school districts in developing and sustaining MTSS/RTI.

Dr. Will Remmert is an author and educational presenter with over 25 years of experience as a principal, teacher, coach, and Solution Tree associate working with preK–12 and district-level educators across the country.

Rich Rodriguez is principal of TeWinkle Intermediate School in Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) in California. He led the implementation of an effective reading and math intervention model.

Paula Rogers is an educational speaker who supports schools in the implementation of PLC and RTI. Paula retired in 2015 after a career in public education as the deputy superintendent for instruction, accountability, and human resources for Hallsville ISD, a midsize district in East Texas with five Title 1 campuses.

Kimberly Salomonson provides coordination and professional development for state and district work in continuous quality improvement efforts. She served seven years as the director of pupil personnel services with the Sanger Unified School District.

Tom Schimmer is an author and a speaker with expertise in assessment, grading, leadership, and behavioral support. He is a former district-level leader, school administrator, and teacher.

Julie A. Schmidt has served as a school psychologist, Director of Student Services, Associate Superintendent of Student Services, and recently retired from Kildeer Countryside CCSD 96 in Illinois after serving as Superintendent of Schools for 13 years. The district began its professional learning communities (PLC) journey nearly 25 years ago, and all seven schools have been recognized as Model PLC at Work^® schools. She is passionate about ensuring ALL students have an opportunity to thrive and reach their goals.

Sarah Schuhl specializes in professional learning communities, mathematics, assessment, school improvement, and RTI. She has been a secondary mathematics teacher, high school instructional coach, and K–12 mathematics specialist.