Professional Learning Communities

Paula Maeker is an educator, presenter, and advocate for learner-centered education. She has more than 23 years’ experience as an elementary teacher, literacy specialist, instructional coach, Title 1 program coordinator, campus administrator, director of elementary literacy, and director of instructional design.

Dr. Amy Williams brings over 25 years of experience in education, specializing in fostering inclusive practices and systems-level change to improve student outcomes.

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.

Dr. Aisha Thomas has been an educator for over 20 years, serving in all levels of school leadership at the middle school and elementary levels. She has helped lead two schools to receive the National Blue Ribbon Award.

Amy Gluck is assistant superintendent of teaching and learning in Grayslake CCSD 46 in Illinois. Her work focuses on ensuring all students achieve high levels of learning.

Shawn Creswell, author and presenter, has over 25 years of experience in education and has served as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal of two campuses, and district director of curriculum, instruction, and assessment. She is currently a school board member in her community.

Karly Ward is an experienced educational leader with over 17 years in teaching and administration. She specializes in visionary leadership, sustaining a healthy school environment, and ensuring system fidelity.

Karen Johnson is the coordinator of Language Acquisition for the Pleasanton Unified School District Pleasanton, California. She is passionate about the topics of equity, inclusion, and ensuring high levels of learning for all students.

Jill Lizier is a districtwide director of curriculum, instruction, and assessment in Exeter, New Hampshire, and has previously served as an assistant principal and special education building coordinator, a curriculum coordinator for an elementary school, and first-grade teacher.

Amy Moore leads Deer Valley Unified School District’s PLC vision and mission as the professional learning manager. In May 2021, Deer Valley Unified School District was recognized as a model PLC district.