Authors & Presenters

Julie A. Schmidt has served as a school psychologist, Director of Student Services, Associate Superintendent of Student Services, and recently retired from Kildeer Countryside CCSD 96 in Illinois after serving as Superintendent of Schools for 13 years. The district began its professional learning communities (PLC) journey nearly 25 years ago, and all seven schools have been recognized as Model PLC at Work^® schools. She is passionate about ensuring ALL students have an opportunity to thrive and reach their goals.

Sarah Schuhl specializes in professional learning communities, mathematics, assessment, school improvement, and RTI. She has been a secondary mathematics teacher, high school instructional coach, and K–12 mathematics specialist.

Ryan Scott has 15 years of experience in science education. He is currently a classroom teacher and facilitator coach at the 2017 DuFour Award-winning Fern Creek High School in Louisville, Kentucky.

David Scott, EdD, is an educator with over 30 years of experience in education as a math teacher, assistant principal, principal, professional learning director, and curriculum and instruction director.

Ryan Searle is the curriculum director for Carbon County School District #2 in Saratoga, Wyoming. He has served in K–12 administration roles for over 15 years at the elementary and secondary levels, most recently as principal of Rawlins Middle School.

Jennifer Shaver, EdD, has been in education for over 15 years, serving as a teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, and most recently head principal. She opened a new elementary school in 2020.

Mary Shay, EdD, is a Colorado-based educational leader, practitioner, and researcher with almost 30 years of experience in public education. She specializes in effective leadership to maximize the collaborative capacity of teams, thereby enhancing student achievement and learning.

Christie Shealy, EdD, is the director of student services in Anderson School District One in South Carolina. She has worked with the district’s math, English language, mental health, testing, and accountability programs. Dr. Shealy specializes in developing and sustaining professional learning communities at various levels.

Kathryn E. Sheridan is the early literacy and language director for Kildeer Countryside Community SD 96 in Illinois. She has previously served as a teacher, instructional coach, middle school assistant principal, and elementary principal.

Cara Shores is coordinator of exceptional education in Bartow County Schools, a Model Professional Learning Communities at Work® district. She works with K–12 educators and students with IEPs, coordinates professional learning, oversees multitiered systems of supports, and is an instructional coach.