Authors & Presenters

Passionate about innovation, critical thinking, and deep learning, Shannon Simpson has been active in education for over 30 years, serving in various teaching roles and capacities.

William A. Sommers, PhD, of Austin, Texas, is a teacher, principal, author, and leadership coach. He has also been a consultant for cognitive coaching, adaptive schools, brain research, poverty, habits of mind, conflict management, and classroom management strategies.

David A. Sousa, EdD, is an author and international consultant. He has received numerous awards from professional associations, school districts, and educational foundations for his commitment to research, staff development, and science education.

John Spencer is an assistant professor of educational technology at George Fox University. Previously, he spent twelve years as a middle school teacher at the Cartwright Elementary School District in Phoenix, Arizona.

Susan Olsen Stevens is an educator with experience that spans private, public, and international schools. Her mission is to inspire joy in reading and writing as a way to communicate important ideas.

Rebecca L. Stinson has over 20 years in education. Her roles include teacher, educational planner, and principal in the Chicago Public School System, where she has worked for the past several years.

Rebecca Stobaugh, PhD, is an assistant professor at Western Kentucky University. She teaches assessment and unit-planning courses, supervises first-year teachers, and consults with school districts on critical thinking, instructional strategies, assessment, technology integration, and other topics.

Patrick L. Sullivan, PhD, is an associate professor of mathematics at Missouri State University. He is a former principal, mathematics teacher, and a mathematics department head.

Makini Sutherland, EdD, is a mathematics educator with experience at the elementary, high school, and collegiate level. She has also facilitated training elementary teachers for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Jamaica mathematics project.

Rachel Swearengin teaches fifth grade in Olathe Public Schools and serves as a field educator for the Kansas State Department of Education, leading professional development and contributing to assessment and planning committees.