Professional Learning Communities

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.

Keri Greener serves as assistant superintendent in Box Elder School District. An educator for more than 34 years, she has been an elementary school teacher, literacy coach, district literacy specialist, principal, and director of assessment and professional development.

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.

As educators and leaders across the nation grapple with the challenge of changing policies, practices, and procedures to ensure high levels of learning for all students, the inability to effectively change the mindsets of colleagues, faculty, and staff is proving to be the biggest hurdle of all. Hence, in order for systems to change, outlooks will also need to change.