Authors & Presenters

Kim Bailey is former director of professional development and instructional support for the Capistrano Unified School District in California. She also served as an adjunct faculty member at Chapman University in California.

Austin Buffum, EdD, has more than 45 years of experience in public schools. His many roles include serving as former senior deputy superintendent of the Capistrano Unified School District in California.

Daniel Cohan retired in 2023 as chief of schools for the Jefferson County Public School District in Colorado, where he supervised elementary, middle, and high schools, K–12.

Luis F. Cruz, PhD, is a sought-after presenter, coach, thought leader, and accomplished author with over 30 years of experience in education.

Darin L. Fahrney, PhD, is the coordinator for strategic implementation and an upper school teacher at the American International School of Zagreb, Croatia. He brings a broad range of experience and expertise to his work, having previously served as a high school principal, learning support coordinator, gifted and talented coordinator, contributing author, researcher, and consultant.

Paul C. Farmer is a practitioner who has worked at the classroom, building, and central office levels. As principal of Joyce Kilmer Middle School, Paul was one of the first principals in Fairfax County, Virginia, to build a PLC.

Paul Goldberg, EdD, is superintendent at East Prairie School District in Skokie, IL. He has led diverse, low-income schools to high levels of success.

Brandon Jones, an author and consultant, works with educators to implement the Professional Learning Communities at Work® and RTI at Work™ processes. As a practitioner, he has served as a high school teacher and assistant principal, as well as a principal at the elementary, middle, and secondary level.

Dennis King, EdD, has focused on school improvement throughout his career, first as a practicing school administrator and now as an educational presenter. His 28 years in education include teaching in an alternative school, an urban high school, and two suburban school districts where he also served as a district administrator.

Greg Kushnir is an educational leader and presenter with over three decades of dedicated service in public education, specializing in oral language, reading, and writing disabilities. He is committed to enhancing educational outcomes for all students.