Authors & Presenters

W. Richard Smith is former deputy superintendent of Sanger Unified School District in California. He has been involved in public education for more than 37 years.

Perry Soldwedel is a coach and consultant to district leaders. He specializes in systems thinking, shared leadership, strategic planning, data collection, measurement, and professional learning communities.

Tim Solley is an experienced leadership coach for the Alabama Department of Education’s Office of School Improvement. With more than 35 years of service in public education, he was previously a classroom teacher, K–12 school administrator, and assistant superintendent.

William A. Sommers, PhD, of Austin, Texas, is a teacher, principal, author, and leadership coach. He has also been a consultant for cognitive coaching, adaptive schools, brain research, poverty, habits of mind, conflict management, and classroom management strategies.

Bob Sonju is an award-winning educational leader, author, and speaker known for his energetic and passionate commitment to making the work of schools and teacher teams simple, doable, and impactful.

Thomas Soto, an assistant principal at Sanger High School, oversees English, English learners, and special education. He has worked with students from a variety of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.

David A. Sousa, EdD, is an author and international consultant. He has received numerous awards from professional associations, school districts, and educational foundations for his commitment to research, staff development, and science education.

Susan K. Sparks has served as a teacher, staff developer, and executive director. Her areas of expertise include consensus building, decision making, contract negotiations, conflict resolution, strategic planning, and professional learning communities.

Jennifer L. Sparrow is deputy superintendent of Singapore American School. She spent 13 years as a middle school teacher and 11 years as a schoolwide administrator.