Authors & Presenters

Dr. Spiller is executive director of Title IX Compliance and Investigations, a new division in Richardson ISD that he has been appointed to onboard. Previously he served for eight years as the Lake Highlands Learning Community executive director in Richardson ISD, a district with more than 10,500 preK–12 students. Darwin has served as classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal, and school support officer.

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.

Kwame Stephens has over 20 years’ experience in education, having served as a teacher, high school principal, and consultant. In his current role, Kwame develops and facilitates professional learning opportunities in the areas of school improvement and leadership development.

With a career spanning over three decades, Tesha Ferriby Thomas, EdD, is a seasoned educator whose dedication to fostering collaborative learning environments has significantly enhanced educational practices and student outcomes in schools nationwide.

Mona Toncheff, an educational presenter and author, has over 30 years of experience in public education. Mona works with educators and leaders nationwide to build collaborative teams and ensure all students receive high-quality mathematics instruction.

Matthew Treadway, EdD, is the former principal of Freedom Elementary School in Shepherdsville, Kentucky, where he led his staff in developing a collaborative culture centered on the three big ideas of a professional learning community.

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.

Eddie Velez is the former principal at Kennedy High School in Fremont, California. He specializes in building leadership capacity, building PLC culture, implementing RTI, and coaching collaborative teams. He has a genuine connection and care for every school he serves and is respected for his ability to meet schools “where they are” without compromising the end goal of creating equitable opportunities for all students.

Jon Yost is the recently retired associate superintendent of curriculum and instruction for Sanger Unified School District in California. He has worked in public education at the elementary, secondary, and district levels.

Gwendolyn Zimmermann, PhD, is director of assessment, research, and evaluation at Adlai E. Stevenson High School District 125, a model professional learning community district in Lincolnshire, Illinois.