Leadership

Michael Meechin is an award-winning educational leader, strategist, and thought partner. Currently, Michael supports schools and districts nationwide to move their work forward by breaking down systemic barriers to improvement.

Tim Solley is an experienced leadership coach for the Alabama Department of Education’s Office of School Improvement. With more than 35 years of service in public education, he was previously a classroom teacher, K–12 school administrator, and assistant superintendent.

Evisha Ford, EdD, is the founding executive director of the iCan Dream Center in Illinois and a sought-after thought leader specializing in trauma-compassionate leadership, equity, and diverse learners. She is a former assistant superintendent and director of special education.

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.

Dr. Daman Harris is an award-winning education leader focused on equity, instructional leadership, student advancement, and educator development.

As educators and leaders across the nation grapple with the challenge of changing policies, practices, and procedures to ensure high levels of learning for all students, the inability to effectively change the mindsets of colleagues, faculty, and staff is proving to be the biggest hurdle of all. Hence, in order for systems to change, outlooks will also need to change.

Kyle is the principal of Powell Middle School in Powell, Wyoming. Prior to administration, he was an elementary teacher where he developed the passion for professional learning communities and the power behind building a strong culture and teamwork in a school.

Margaret Coughlan, EdD, is a classroom teacher, district leader, researcher, and adjunct faculty member at Saint Mary’s College of California. Her professional work includes teaching elementary students, teachers, and graduate school master’s candidates.

Building and sustaining a culture of collective responsibility requires a learning environment that fosters reflection, dialogue, and the courage to act. To create a culture of empowerment and a commitment to continuous improvement, educators need to engage in meaningful conversations about professional best practices.

Mark Anthony Gooden, PhD, is a Christian Johnson Endeavor professor of education leadership at Teachers College, Columbia University. Dr. Gooden has spent over two decades in higher education developing and teaching courses in culturally responsive leadership, race, law, and research methods.