Authors & Presenters

Heather Silvia is a presenter with over 30 years of experience as an educational leader and inspirational keynote speaker. A Model PLC at Work® principal, she maintains laser focus on collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and leadership development.

Julia A. Simms, an author, is director of content and resources at Marzano Resources. A former classroom teacher, she and her team develop research-based resources and provide support to educators as they put them into practice.

Passionate about innovation, critical thinking, and deep learning, Shannon Simpson has been active in education for over 30 years, serving in various teaching roles and capacities.

Shawn Slakk, Chief Learning Officer for ABCDS&S Consulting, works with teachers, administrators, schools, and state agencies to offer strategies and support for multilingual learners and their classmates, in grades K–12 and adults.

Dena D. Slanda, PhD, is a research associate in the College of Innovation and Education at the University of Central Florida. She is also a professor in residence for the Teacher Quality Partnership grant project, which emphasizes mathematics and disciplinary literacy for preservice teachers.

Cara Slattery is an author, consultant, and teacher. She has also served as a magnet program coordinator, data and assessment coach, enrichment specialist, and technology integrationist.

Colin Sloper has been a teacher, assistant principal, and principal in government schools since 1983. In the course of his career, he has been involved in the establishment of five new state government schools.

Jordan Smith is the professional learning community (PLC) coach at Bowman Middle School in Plano, Texas. Previously a science teacher and instructional coach, she now works with collaborative teams and their leaders to ensure student growth through the PLC process.

During her more than 15 years in education, Tina Smith has proudly served Pasadena Independent School District, a Model PLC at Work® district, as a four-year, district-level summer school program manager while working as assistant principal at Nelda Sullivan Middle School, a Model PLC at Work school.

Rea Smith is an elementary mathematics and science curriculum specialist in northwestern Arkansas. She passionately supports the work of professional learning communities with a focus on common assessments to improve student and teacher learning.