Literacy

Katherine Gillies is the lead architect of districtwide literacy improvement at Niles North High School, D219, in Illinois. Her work includes building a comprehensive system of intervention and support for struggling readers and developing a research-based curriculum to ensure continued literacy growth for all students.

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.

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.

Beth Pandolpho is an instructional coach for grades 6–12, and she has taught English at the high school and college level for over 20 years. She is passionate about engaging in work that promotes equity and access for both teachers and students.

Lisa May is an award-winning literacy coach at Kildeer Countryside School District 96, a Model PLC School District. With more than twenty years in the field of education, she has classroom experience ranging from kindergarten through fourth grade.

Sheila Mulder, EdD, is an assistant professor at Dakota State University in South Dakota. She is passionate about employing high-impact, evidence-based instructional strategies, along with feedback and differentiation practices, to ensure learning for all students.

Heather Babb has served in education for almost 20 years. Through her leadership, she guided her department, school, and district through the transition to a professional learning community (PLC), ultimately resulting in being recognized as a Model PLC at Work® school.

Angela Hanlin is a passionate leader committed to driving change in schools and classrooms. Under her guidance, Matthews Elementary achieved remarkable success, reaching a 100 percent proficiency level.

Pati Montgomery is the founder of Schools Cubed, a school consulting firm that specializes in collaborating with school and district leadership to increase reading and educational outcomes for all students.

Abby Morris, EdD, specializes in developing effective teaching strategies and fostering a collaborative environment. She is a passionate 4th-generation educator with over 15 years of experience in Houston area public schools, specializing in literacy, instructional coaching, and school leadership.