Authors & Presenters

Yong Zhao, PhD, is a Foundation Distinguished Professor of education at the University of Kansas and a professor of educational leadership at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education. He is an internationally known scholar, author, and speaker.

Amanda Ziaer is the principal of Hunt Middle School in Frisco, Texas. Previously, she served as principal of Coppell Middle School-North, where she led the school in achieving Model PLC status.

Jon-Eric Ziaer is the principal of Reedy High School in Frisco, Texas. Previously, he served as associate principal at Liberty High School in Frisco ISD, which he helped lead to Model PLC status. He was previously a curriculum director and a high school social studies teacher.

Bill Zima is the director of implementation for Marzano Academies, working with schools to help realize their unique vision of high reliability organizations that build agency in all learners.

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.

Allison Zmuda is an education consultant specializing in curriculum, assessment, and instruction. She works with national and international educators to design learning experiences that are relevant, meaningful, challenging, and appropriate.

Staci M. Zolkoski, PhD, is an associate professor of special education at the University of Texas at Tyler. She currently teaches classroom management, as well as courses in special education, behavior disorders, and educational strategies.

Tammy Zunker has more than 30 years of experience in education. She specializes in working closely with instructional leaders, math coaches, and math teachers to leverage the professional learning communities process. Her focus is on strengthening collaborative planning to significantly impact teaching and learning outcomes.

Darlyne de Haan, EdD, is an instructional specialist for the New Jersey Department of Education, where she provided professional development to over 30 school districts labeled as either in need of improvement or a failing school.