Professional Learning Communities at Work®

Greg Kushnir is an educational leader and presenter with over three decades of dedicated service in public education, specializing in oral language, reading, and writing disabilities. He is committed to enhancing educational outcomes for all students.

As an author and a leader in the field, Sharon V. Kramer, PhD, emphasizes the importance of creating and using quality assessments as a continual part of the learning process. Dr. Kramer served as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction of Kildeer Countryside School District 96 in Illinois.

Dr. Jennifer Chastain is currently a principal in the Raymore-Peculiar School District located in the Kansas City area. She is passionate about fostering a positive collaborative school culture where students and educators learn at high levels.

Kristina Leckliter is an innovative educational leader who has served as an elementary teacher, instructional coach, reading specialist, and induction mentor specialist. She is also a professional learning community trainer for a Model Professional Learning Community at Work® district in Phoenix, Arizona.

Rachel Hankerson is currently the principal of Yulupa Elementary School. Rachel has emphasized the importance of working as a team to ensure continuous improvement through professional learning communities, and as a leader, she is able to break down large concepts into manageable chunks, ensuring that her staff feels confident.

Josh Huwig currently serves as an elementary school principal with over 10 years of administrative experience. He has served as a high school teacher, dean of students, assistant principal, and elementary school principal.

Dr. Kevin Weck is a dedicated educational leader, currently serving as the principal of Westmont High School in Illinois. With a background as a former social studies teacher, he brings a deep understanding of classroom dynamics and instructional strategies.

Ted Goergen, EdD, is the director of student activities at the award-winning Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois. A practitioner for 20 years, he also served as a middle and high school science teacher and curriculum team leader.

Cassandra Erkens is the author of eight books with more currently in progress, as well as chapters in several anthologies. Additionally, she is a facilitator, a trainer of trainers, an educator, and a coach. Her work focuses on educational topics, including assessment, instruction, leadership, school improvement, and professional learning communities.

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.