Authors & Presenters

Jennifer Gracyalny, EdD, serves as the assistant superintendent of teaching and learning in the Pulaski Community School District in Wisconsin. She has served as an elementary principal, middle school associate principal, and secondary agriscience teacher/FFA advisor.

Thomas R. Guskey, PhD, is senior research scholar at the University of Louisville and professor emeritus in the College of Education at the University of Kentucky. A graduate of the University of Chicago, he began his career in education as a middle school teacher and later served as a school administrator in the Chicago Public Schools.

Tammy Heflebower, EdD, is a highly sought-after school leader and presenter with vast experience in urban, rural, and suburban districts throughout the United States, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Great Britain, and the Netherlands.

Tom Hierck has been an educator since 1983 in a career that has spanned all grade levels. He has been a teacher, an administrator, a district leader, a department of education project leader, and an executive director.

Garnet Hillman is an educator, author, presenter, and learner. She has served as an instructional coach at Caruso Middle School and as a Spanish teacher at Lockport Township High School, both in Illinois.

Jan K. Hoegh has been a classroom teacher, building-level leader, professional development specialist, assistant high school principal, and curriculum coordinator.

Chris Jakicic, EdD, an author and a consultant, was principal of Woodlawn Middle School in Illinois from 1999 to 2007. She began her career teaching middle school science.

Jaretha Jordan, EdD, is the chief academic officer for Duncanville Independent School District in Texas. With more than 20 years in education, she has served as a curriculum director, principal supervisor, professional development facilitator, administrator, and teacher.

April Severino Kennedy is an award-winning speaker, literacy consultant, former principal, and educator. She is a dynamic and energetic presenter whose accolades include being Florida’s Teacher of the Year and a nominee for Disney’s American Teacher Award.

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.