Authors & Presenters

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.

Christie Shealy, EdD, is the director of testing and accountability for Anderson School District One in South Carolina. Likewise, she coordinates the multilingual learners program in the district. Dr. Shealy has served in many capacities within the field of mathematics, and she specializes in developing professional learning communities at various levels.

Stephenie Smith is an assistant principal at Hazel Green Elementary School in Alabama. Previously, she served as instructional coach at Sparkman Middle School, a Model PLC at Work® school in Alabama that has earned Highly Effective Schools Accreditation. With a background as a middle school science teacher, she works with teachers, school administrators, and district leaders to implement effective professional learning communities (PLCs) and response to intervention (RTI) in order to close achievement gaps in key subgroups. Her focus is emphasizing teacher expertise and building collective efficacy through PLCs.

Jennifer L. Sparrow is deputy superintendent of Singapore American School. She spent 13 years as a middle school teacher and 11 years as a schoolwide administrator.

With over 30 years of experience in K–12 education, author and education expert Jeanne Spiller is an associate with Solution Tree, supporting schools and districts through workshops, coaching, and collaborative initiatives to enhance instruction, foster innovation, and promote equity.

Brian M. Stack is a superintendent of schools in New Hampshire and a former principal who specializes in supporting teachers and administrators in developing, sustaining, and enhancing structures to support all learners.

Erica Strick is the principal of Floyd L. Bell Elementary, a Model PLC at Work® school in the Windsor Central School District. With over a decade of experience, Erica continuously implements systematic strategies that effectively address the achievement gap.

Eric Twadell, PhD, is superintendent of Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois. He has been a social studies teacher, curriculum director, and assistant superintendent for leadership and organizational development.

Jonathan G. Vander Els specializes in supporting teachers and administrators in schools and districts across the country in developing, sustaining, and enhancing structures to support all learners.

Nathan L. Wear is the associate superintendent and chief academic officer of Linn-Mar CSD in Marion, Iowa. He has served as an elementary teacher and as an elementary and high school principal.