Authors & Presenters

JoEllen McCarthy is a literacy expert, speaker, and author dedicated to integrating academic and affective learning through inclusive mentor texts. She supports educators and students by promoting joyful, student-centered literacy practices that connect reading, writing, and life skills.

Karla McCarty, EdD, has over 25 years of experience in K-12 education as a chief academic officer, director of district wide programs, school counselor, and teacher.

Emily McClain lived and led the work of professional learning communities as an elementary school teacher, school and district instructional coach, and district literacy specialist. She continues her passion by supporting districts and schools across the nation as a coach, presenter, and author.

Katherine McCluskey is the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning and Accountability at Glen Ellyn School District 41 in Illinois. A former K–12 teacher, she has worked with students and staff with a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds.

Mary McCorvey has worked in public education for over 20 years. As an instructional specialist, she works with K–12 teachers and administrators to support students receiving special education services in inclusive settings.

Carissa R. McCray, PhD, is an English instructor in K–12 education who has worked in Duval County and rural Sumter County, Florida. She has refined her craft to focus on redefining the educational trajectory for students of color.

Shawn W. McCusker has 25 years of experience as a teacher and leader and is currently the director of professional learning at Digital Promise, a nonprofit dedicated to closing the digital learning gap.

G. Williamson McDiarmid is the dean and Alumni Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Distinguished Chair of Education at East China Normal University in Shanghai, China.

Michael McDowell, EdD, has been a public school educator for the past 18 years serving in the roles of classroom teacher, academic and athletic coach, school principal, assistant superintendent of personnel and instruction, and superintendent.

Carolyn McKanders is director emeritus for Thinking Collaborative, the home of the Adaptive Schools Seminars® and Cognitive Coaching Seminars®. Her passion is supporting quality human relationships through the promotion of self-love, communication, collaboration, and leadership skills development.