Authors & Presenters

Timothy V. Rasinski, PhD, is a professor of literacy education at Kent State University. He focuses on reading fluency and word study, reading in the elementary and middle grades, and readers who struggle.

Amy Rasmussen is a literacy evangelist, presenter, and blogger. She specializes in supporting teachers as they embrace literacy practices that help secondary students grow in their identities as communicators.

Carol Rothenberg has worked with elementary and secondary schools through the New Arrival Center for the San Diego Unified School District, training teachers and administrators on effective programs and instruction for English learners.

Jan Rozzelle, EdD, has developed leadership programs for superintendents, principals, and teachers. She’s also provided professional development to several school districts and directs a statewide adolescent literacy project for instructional leadership teams.

Maureen M. Rubenstein is a literacy coach and special education instructor in Lincolnshire, Illinois. She works with other literacy coaches to coordinate and implement book clubs, PD sessions, and coaching sessions.

Carol Scearce has three major areas of focus: adolescent literacy, her most recent focus; effective teaching strategies; and team building for leadership and middle school teams.

Kathryn E. Sheridan is the early literacy and language director for Kildeer Countryside Community SD 96 in Illinois. She has previously served as a teacher, instructional coach, middle school assistant principal, and elementary principal.

Artia Shorter is a dedicated assistant principal at a Title I elementary school in Georgia. With extensive experience working with students living in poverty in Title I schools, Artia is passionate about guiding educators through the professional learning community process and building shared knowledge amongst professional learning teams to increase the cognitive rigor of students.

Lyndsi Smith, PhD, has served the education community for over 20 years in a variety of capacities. Throughout her career, Dr. Smith has delivered professional learning workshops, provided in-classroom instructional support, and presented at local, state, and national conferences.

With over 30 years of experience in K–12 education, author and education expert Jeanne Spiller is an associate with Solution Tree, supporting schools and districts through workshops, coaching, and collaborative initiatives to enhance instruction, foster innovation, and promote equity.