Instruction

Key research and practical strategies enable all teachers to create a classroom environment where engagement is the norm, not the exception.

Peg Grafwallner is an instructional coach and reading specialist at Ronald Reagan College Preparatory High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. With over 25 years of experience in the field of education, Peg has also served as an English teacher and an alternative education teacher.

James Simons is an educator, writer, and coach passionate about meaningful learning and leadership. He partners with schools to support instructional growth, curriculum design, and educator development. His work appears in Inside Higher Ed and Edutopia.

Mary K. Gove, PhD, is professor emeritus at Cleveland State University and specializes in promoting a balanced approach to literacy education. Dr. Gove formerly taught grades K–6 and worked in an urban district as a full-time professional developer.

Jen Cullerton Johnson is an award-winning children’s author, educator, and environmental advocate. With nearly two decades of teaching experience, she’s worked with incarcerated youth and urban classrooms; taught abroad in Japan, Ecuador, and Argentina; and led nature-writing workshops in outdoor settings.

Brady Barr, PhD, is National Geographic’s reptile expert. Dr. Barr started his teaching career at North Central High School in Indiana, teaching subjects like zoology, biology, and earth and life sciences.

Michael McDowell, EdD, has been a public school educator for the past 18 years serving in the roles of classroom teacher, academic and athletic coach, school principal, assistant superintendent of personnel and instruction, and superintendent.

Shanna K. Helmke has been a dedicated educator since 2011. Alongside her work as an instructional coach, she also serves as an adjunct professor at Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, furthering her commitment to fostering excellence in education.

Nina Parrish has more than 18 years of experience working as a special education teacher, education center director, speaker, and educational presenter. She is the cofounder and chief academic officer of Parrish Learning Zone in Virginia.

Brett Erdmann is assistant director of science at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois. In his role, he continues to teach AP biology while also supporting teacher development and helping to lead science department initiatives.