Authors & Presenters

Dr. Jill Kind is the director of learning and achievement for Osseo Area Schools in a diverse suburb of Minneapolis. Her areas of focus are curriculum, assessment and standards-based instruction, and grading at the secondary or system levels.

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.

As an author and a leader in the field, Sharon V. Kramer, PhD, emphasizes the importance of creating and using quality assessments as a continual part of the learning process. Dr. Kramer served as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction of Kildeer Countryside School District 96 in Illinois.

Darcy Kraus is an independent educational consultant with over 37 years of experience specializing in building- and district-level leadership.

Dr. Jamie Lakey is a middle school principal dedicated to transforming her second campus into a Model PLC at Work® school. With deep expertise in instructional and assessment design, Dr. Lakey focuses on creating professional learning that leads to effective implementation and sustainable change.

Gearl Loden is the superintendent of Nixa Public Schools. Under Dr. Loden’s leadership, Nixa Public Schools has been recognized as a Model PLC at Work® district and includes multiple Model PLC at Work schools.

Ryan Mahn is currently the assistant principal at a K–6 STEAM elementary school. He is passionate about fostering innovative learning environments, STEAM education, and transforming school culture to prepare students for a bright future.

Thomas W. Many, EdD, works with teachers, administrators, school boards, parents, and other education stakeholders on organizational leadership, implementation and change, and Professional Learning Communities at Work™ strategies and concepts.

With more than 35 years of experience as an educator, Peter Marshall most recently served as a school administrator and in a central office position as the principal for leadership and staff development.

Terri L. Martin, EdD, is executive vice president of business development at Solution Tree and Marzano Resources. She has experience as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal, adjunct professor, and director of school improvement initiatives.