Authors & Presenters

With more than 30 years of experience in education, Tracy Nelson specializes in supporting districts, buildings, and teams in developing and implementing practices that bring clarity and focus to professional learning communities

Dr. Molly Ness is a former classroom teacher, a reading researcher, and a teacher educator. She spent 16 years as an associate professor of childhood education at Fordham University. She has extensive experience in reading clinics, consulting with school districts, leading professional development, and advising school systems on research-based reading instruction.

Joanna Newton, PhD, is a professor of education at Notre Dame of Maryland University, where she specializes in literacy instruction. She has been an elementary classroom teacher, literacy coach, reading intervention specialist, and curriculum developer.

LeAnn Nickelsen, an author and a former teacher, is an expert on brain research strategies, best practices in literacy, and other high-impact tools that close and prevent gaps in high-poverty schools.

Sandi Novak, a consultant, has more than 30 years of experience in education and has served as an assistant superintendent, principal, and teacher.

Rebekah O’Dell teaches middle school English in Richmond, Virginia. She is the co-founder of the popular blog Moving Writers and coauthor of three books on writing instruction. Rebekah leads professional development workshops to educators across the country.

Leanne Olinger is a literacy specialist and instructional coach for the Fort Mill School District in South Carolina. She has served as a public educator for 18 years and is dedicated to providing individualized learning experiences to educators and students alike.

Mark Onuscheck is director of curriculum, instruction, and assessment at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Illinois. He is a former English teacher and director of communication arts.

Beth Pandolpho is an instructional coach for grades 6–12, and she has taught English at the high school and college level for over 20 years. She is passionate about engaging in work that promotes equity and access for both teachers and students.

Gwen J. Pauloski, EdD, is a writer and educator specializing in adolescent literacy and pedagogy. She currently teaches in the University of Houston’s educator preparation program.