Authors & Presenters

Matt Thede is an assistant principal at Mount Vernon High School in Iowa. He has led curricular improvements and professional development initiatives in the areas of standards-based grading, unit design, instruction, and assessment.

Matthew Treadway, EdD, is the former principal of Freedom Elementary School in Shepherdsville, Kentucky, where he led his staff in developing a collaborative culture centered on the three big ideas of a professional learning community.

Eric Twadell, PhD, is superintendent of Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois. He has been a social studies teacher, curriculum director, and assistant superintendent for leadership and organizational development.

Eddie Velez is the former principal at Kennedy High School in Fremont, California. He specializes in building leadership capacity, building PLC culture, implementing RTI, and coaching collaborative teams. He has a genuine connection and care for every school he serves and is respected for his ability to meet schools “where they are” without compromising the end goal of creating equitable opportunities for all students.

Karly Ward is an experienced educational leader with over 17 years in teaching and administration. She specializes in visionary leadership, sustaining a healthy school environment, and ensuring system fidelity.

Bruce Wellman, a consultant, has served as a classroom teacher, curriculum coordinator, and staff developer in Oberlin, Ohio, and Concord, Massachusetts, public schools.

Dr. Amy Williams brings over 25 years of experience in education, specializing in fostering inclusive practices and systems-level change to improve student outcomes.

Kenneth C. Williams, a former teacher, assistant principal, and principal, shares his experience and expertise as a recognized trainer, speaker, coach, and presenter in education and leadership.

Dr. Julia “Jai” Wilson is an assistant principal for Jefferson County Public Schools in Louisville, Kentucky. She has been an educator for 27 years and specializes in building PLCs from the ground up, relationship building, and school culture.

Toby Youngs is principal of Windsor Central High School and director of physical education for the Windsor Central School District. With more than 17 years of educational experience, he focuses on building systems and programs to support learning for all students.