Authors & Presenters

Jana Claxton currently serves as the executive director of curriculum and instruction at Irving ISD in Irving, Texas. Her zeal lies in implementing high-impact instructional strategies, fostering clarity within collaborative teams, and championing student-centered learning approaches. With over 19 years of dedicated service in education, Jana boasts a diverse portfolio, having held roles ranging from professional learning coordinator to strategic design coach, and from RTI facilitator to classroom teacher.

Dr. Lindsey Cochran, EdD, serves as the principal of Hillcrest Elementary in Morristown, Tennessee. Her leadership at Lincoln Heights Middle School earned Model PLC at Work® recognition and Tennessee Reward School status, highlighting her commitment to collaboration and student growth.

Thomas Crook is a seasoned superintendent with over 20 years of experience in education. Under his leadership, Canisteo-Greenwood Elementary School in Canisteo, New York, achieved Model PLC at Work® school status within its first year in the New York State PLC Project.

Wendy Daniels is a professional development specialist and instructional designer, empowering educators through coaching, professional learning communities, literacy frameworks, and assessment design to improve student outcomes from early childhood to K–12.

Shawn DeRose is an accomplished educator and school leader with over 20 years of experience in educational administration. Under Shawn’s leadership, both Annandale High School and Glasgow Middle School achieved recognition as a Model PLC at Work® School.

Britney Dueling is an MTSS specialist for a Model PLC at Work® district in Phoenix, Arizona. She supports districtwide implementation of RTI at Work™ practices across K–6, K–8, middle schools, and high schools.

Amanda Dunn, EdD, currently serves as an academic coordinator in the north Houston area. She has over 20 years of experience teaching fine arts, special populations, and English in addition to leading the professional learning communities process.

Dr. Kristian Edgeman has over 15 years of experience in education and currently serves as principal of Ringgold Elementary School in Ringgold, Georgia. Throughout her career, she has played a key role in helping schools achieve Model PLC at Work® status.

Lori Emmington is a seasoned educational leader with over 25 years of experience helping teachers, schools, and districts build and sustain strong professional learning communities that drive student success.

Cassandra Erkens is the author of eight books with more currently in progress, as well as chapters in several anthologies. Additionally, she is a facilitator, a trainer of trainers, an educator, and a coach. Her work focuses on educational topics, including assessment, instruction, leadership, school improvement, and professional learning communities.