Authors & Presenters

Maureen M. Rubenstein is a literacy coach and special education instructor in Lincolnshire, Illinois. She works with other literacy coaches to coordinate and implement book clubs, PD sessions, and coaching sessions.

Chepina Rumsey, PhD, is an associate professor of mathematics education at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). In addition to teaching, Chepina leads professional development initiatives and contributes as a consultant for curriculum development companies.

Emily R. Peluso is a school-based speech-language pathologist (SLP) at Mildred B. Moss Elementary School of Metuchen School District. She is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and maintains the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence.

Daniel Russell Jr., EdD, is the coordinator of research and development and lead cultural and linguistic responsiveness (CLR) coach for the Center for Culturally Responsive Teaching and Learning. There, he leads training and professional development and provides one-on-one coaching.

Beth Russell, EdD, has worked with numerous urban and suburban school systems introducing personality type theory and teaching its value as a tool for differentiation, classroom management, culturally responsive teaching, instructional coaching, and collaboration.

Mike Ruyle, EdD, has served as a classroom teacher, athletic coach, school principal, program director, university professor, and professional development presenter over a 30-year career.

Kevin Ryan, EdD, is the assistant superintendent for teaching and learning at North Shore School District 112 in Illinois. In his role, he is responsible for overseeing curriculum, instruction, and assessment to improve student growth and success.

Bo Ryan is principal of the Ana Grace Academy of the Arts Elementary Magnet School in Bloomfield, Connecticut. He is passionate about building and sustaining professional learning communities (PLCs) and has led two different schools to Model PLC at Work® certification.

Farshid Safi, PhD, is an assistant professor of mathematics education at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando. Dr. Safi focuses on developing prospective teachers’ conceptual understanding of elementary and secondary mathematics, as well as connecting mathematical topics through the use of technology and dynamic software.

Clara Sale-Davis takes no excuses for low performance, and she sets an inspiring example for all students, noting that “all means all.” Born, raised, and educated in Texas, she worked in the Brazosport Independent School District in Freeport for 32 years.