Instruction

Jennifer Parker, EdD, brings over three decades of experience as an educator, school leader, county consultant, state project lead, and faculty member, with expertise spanning instructional technology, coaching, and school improvement. Today, as an educational consultant, she facilitates professional learning on instructional coaching, AI strategy and implementation, and data-driven continuous improvement. Her AI workshops focus on creating district-to-classroom policies that balance purpose with AI literacy, ethics, academic integrity, and data privacy.

Closing student achievement gaps requires specific actions focused on acceleration and leveling up strategies to achieve grade-level proficiency or beyond. Acceleration is the pathway; we cannot continue to go backward if our goal is to move forward. Discover how to erase inequities in student learning while building hope and confidence in both teachers and students. This is equity in action.

Jennifer McCarty Plucker, EdD, is the director of learning and development and a literacy consultant at Mackin Educational Resources in Burnsville, Minnesota. Her current work with educators is grounded in an inquiry approach that puts students in the driver’s seat for learning.

Join us at the Effective Instruction Institute to elevate your instructional practices and boost student achievement! Effective Tier 1 instruction allows students to thrive while minimizing the need for additional support. By mastering grade-level essential standards, students build a solid academic foundation that supports lifelong learning. At the Effective Instruction Institute, teachers will sharpen their instructional skills to ensure student achievement. Learn how to support students to and through proficiency by attending the Effective Instruction Institute.

Nathan L. Wear is the associate superintendent and chief academic officer of Linn-Mar CSD in Marion, Iowa. He has served as an elementary teacher and as an elementary and high school principal.

Beth Pandolpho is an instructional coach for grades 6–12, and she has taught English at the high school and college level for over 20 years. She is passionate about engaging in work that promotes equity and access for both teachers and students.

Tracey A. Hulen is an elementary and middle school mathematics and SEL specialist who has experience leading two professional learning communities in Fairfax County, Virginia, to Model PLC status.

Emily Feltner, EdD, has over 30 years of experience at all levels in education. She works with schools and districts in the areas of leadership, literacy, and school improvement.

James A. Nottingham is the creator of the Learning Pit®, author of 12 books, is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and is listed in The Future 500, which lists the United Kingdom’s most forward-thinking and creative innovators.

Instructional leaders (e.g., coaches, principals, and teacher leaders) work with teachers to improve educational outcomes for their students. This role can be overwhelming, especially when students and teachers have lost a full year of academic instruction.