Authors & Presenters

With more than 40 years of experience as an educator, J. Richard Dewey is currently a university teacher, a master PLC coach and PLC virtual coach for Solution Tree, and a recognized authority on best practices in school improvement and successful leadership.

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Michelle Dillard is an assistant superintendent for Jefferson County Public Schools in Louisville, Kentucky, where she oversees two high schools, three middle schools, fifteen elementary schools, and three Success Pathways schools.

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Instruction Professional Learning Communities

Louise E. Donaghey is an international educator and trainer with more than 20 years of experience. A former classroom teacher and Primary Years Programme coordinator, Louise currently serves as an elementary instructional coach at Singapore American School.

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Leadership School Improvement Teams

Robert Eaker, EdD, is a professor emeritus at Middle Tennessee State University, where he also served as dean of the College of Education and interim vice president and provost.

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Assessment Leadership Teams

Cassandra Erkens is a presenter, facilitator, coach, trainer of trainers, keynote speaker, author, and above all, a teacher. She presents nationally and internationally on assessment, instruction, school improvement, and professional learning communities.

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Response to Intervention

Darin L. Fahrney, PhD, is principal of the High School Division at Singapore American School. He is a former support services coordinator and deputy principal at SAS.

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Response to Intervention Teams

Paul C. Farmer is a practitioner who has worked at the classroom, building, and central office levels. As principal of Joyce Kilmer Middle School, Paul was one of the first principals in Fairfax County, Virginia, to build a PLC.

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21st Century Skills Instruction Technology

William M. Ferriter is a sixth-grade science teacher in a professional learning community near Raleigh, North Carolina. A National Board Certified Teacher, he has designed professional development courses for educators nationwide.

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Instruction Literacy Mathematics Professional Learning Communities

Whitney K. Freije is an instructional coach and mathematics teacher for the Windsor Central School District in upstate New York. She has previously served as a K–5 literacy coach and an elementary teacher.

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