Professional Learning Communities

Jeff Byrnes is the current assistant superintendent for teaching and learning in the St. Helens School District in St. Helens, Oregon. With over 25 years of experience in education, Jeff specializes in the implementation of professional learning communities and multitiered systems of supports. He is certified to lead in Professional Learning Communities (PLC) at Work® and Response to Intervention (RTI) at Work™. He has also served as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal in Arizona and Washington.

Stephanie Discher serves as the director of elementary education for Wasatch County School District in Utah. With a sincere passion for empowering educators, she is dedicated to fostering a deep understanding of and appreciation for the professional learning community process.

Jeremy Muse, EdD, has worked in education for more than 24 years. After leading annual student growth during his five years as principal of a K–8 school, he was named the 2022 Louisiana Middle School Principal of the Year.

Jody Gallimore, EdM, specializes in implementing professional learning communities (PLC) in the elementary and middle school settings. With over 38 years of experience, her roles of teacher, school leader, and district office leader enable her to coach using both experience and evidence-based practices.

Haley James is the supervisor of instruction for Madison County Schools in Alabama. She previously served as an elementary principal, preK–12 assistant principal, instructional coach, and elementary teacher.

Jennifer Taylor serves as an instructional coach at Riverton Intermediate School. Prior to her current role, she supported administrators and teachers in the professional learning communities (PLC) process as a district instructional specialist.

Kyle is the principal of Powell Middle School in Powell, Wyoming. Prior to administration, he was an elementary teacher where he developed the passion for professional learning communities and the power behind building a strong culture and teamwork in a school.

Kristina Leckliter is an innovative educational leader who has served as an elementary teacher, instructional coach, reading specialist, and induction mentor specialist. She is also a professional learning community trainer for a Model Professional Learning Community at Work® district in Phoenix, Arizona.

Brooke Gantt serves as the Nixa Public Schools curriculum specialist. Her 23-year journey in public education encompasses roles as an urban and suburban classroom teacher, instructional coach, and education advocate.

Rachel Hankerson is currently the principal of Yulupa Elementary School. Rachel has emphasized the importance of working as a team to ensure continuous improvement through professional learning communities, and as a leader, she is able to break down large concepts into manageable chunks, ensuring that her staff feels confident.