Professional Learning Communities

James Savage is an associate professor and postgraduate student at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. There, he teaches English academic writing courses while pursuing his PhD in writing and rhetoric. He has more than 20 years of experience as an educator teaching age groups ranging from seventh grade to post-secondary graduate students.

Renee Tristan is an English language arts content specialist for Tomball Independent School District in Northwest Houston, TX. As an instructional leader and literacy coach, her work focuses on the implementation of standards-aligned teaching and higher levels of literacy for all students.

Doug Gee is the superintendent of Clear Lake School District in Iowa. He has been an educator for over thirty five years, also serving as principal, teacher, and coach in various size districts.

Ashley Andriot serves the Kentucky Department of Education as a literacy coaching specialist. She is devoted to building teacher capacity and motivating and inspiring teachers to meet their full potential through high-quality professional development sessions.

Ann-Bailey Lipsett is a special education specialist and DIR/Floortime practitioner with twenty years of experience working with children, families, and schools.

Jen Minor has over 28 years of experience in education as a principal supervisor, principal, assistant principal, PLC Coach, and teacher. Her guidance for administrators and teachers significantly contributed to the district being recognized as a Model PLC School District in May 2021. Jen supports schools throughout the country with the professional learning community and response to intervention school improvement processes.

Brian Buckhalter, affectionately known as Dr. Buck, is a presenter with nearly 20 years of experience. He specializes in helping teachers and students build conceptual understanding in tandem with procedural application of mathematics skills and concepts.

Erika Chapa serves as the director of intervention, Section 504, and dyslexia for Pasadena Independent School District in Texas. Erika led Pasadena ISD towards full implementation of intervention structures and supports across 68 campuses.

Blake Clark brings a wealth of experience from various educational settings, including schools, districts, and charter schools across North America. He is a firm believer that schools can achieve their fullest potential through collaborative efforts centered on intentional learning.

Kimber Fessler serves as the principal of Clark Elementary in Evanston, Wyoming. An educator for nearly 20 years, she has experience in classroom teaching both primary and intermediate grades, instructional coaching (K–6), and administration.