Authors & Presenters

Cory A. Bennett, PhD, is a passionate educator who supports teachers and teacher leaders to create learning-centered experiences for all students by focusing on improving instructional and assessment practices.

Chris Bennett, EdD, is the executive director of middle schools and accountability for Cleveland County Schools in North Carolina. Under his leadership, Burns Middle School was designated a Model PLC School and earned Highly Effective Schools Accreditation.

Chris Bergmann serves as an assistant principal at Timnath Middle-High School in Colorado. Previously, he spent 17 years as an administrator, science teacher, and coach at Kinard Middle School, a Model PLC at Work® School.

Victoria L. Bernhardt, PhD, is executive director of the Education for the Future initiative and a professor in the College of Communication and Education at California State University, Chico.

Claudia Bertolone-Smith, PhD, has been an educator since 1990, with a wide range of educational experiences, including teaching first grade through seventh grade. In her current position, Dr. Bertolone-Smith teaches credential program courses in mathematics education.

Casey Bertram is superintendent of Bozeman Public Schools. He has more than 20 years’ experience as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, and principal at the elementary level, as well as 3 years’ experience in central office roles.

Dawn Billings has over 20 years of administrative experience in school and district improvement work, program management, professional development, and policy development and implementation.

Matthew Blackmore is an award-winning administrator who leads professional learning communities through best practices to ensure that all students learn at high levels. He currently serves as a high school principal for Dallas Center-Grimes School District in Grimes, Iowa.

Jane Bluestein, PhD, has worked with students at all grade levels as a classroom teacher, crisis-intervention counselor, volunteer with high-risk youths, and supervisor. Dr. Bluestein currently heads Instructional Support Services, a consulting and resource firm in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Steve Van Bockern is a professor of education at Augustana University in South Dakota. Formerly a teacher and principal, his research interests include resiliency, alternative education, restorative justice, bullying, discipline, and creating well-being.