Professional Learning Communities

Denise Houghton has more than 27 years of experience in education and 18 years in leading teams of educators to ensure students are learning at high levels. She has served as a teacher, instructional facilitator, and education consultant working at elementary, intermediate, and high school levels.

Josh Chastain, EdD, is currently the superintendent of Harrisonville Schools in Missouri. In his 25 years of educational experience, he has served as an elementary school teacher in Springfield, Missouri, a principal at multiple levels, and the director of curriculum, instruction, and assessment, professional development, digital learning, and federal programs in Nixa, Missouri.

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.

Jalal Masri is the professional learning community coach at Bernice Ayer Middle School in San Clemente, California. In this role, he leads sitewide professional learning, supports teacher team collaboration, and oversees the school’s intervention system.

Hope Meares is a digital learning coach in Anderson School District One, located in upstate South Carolina. She works with teachers on the implementation of digital learning strategies in their classrooms while also supporting professional learning communities in the district.

Ryan Searle is the curriculum director for Carbon County School District #2 in Saratoga, Wyoming. He has served in K–12 administration roles for over 15 years at the elementary and secondary levels, most recently as principal of Rawlins Middle School.

Lee Wright, EdD, has been an educator for over 25 years in various roles as a teacher/coach, principal, and district executive leader in Tomball, Texas. He is currently the assistant superintendent for strategic innovation in Tomball ISD.

Dr. Derek Voiles is the assistant principal at Lincoln Heights Middle School in Morristown, Tennessee. With more than 15 years of experience in education, he emphasizes collaboration as a tool for better learning, particularly through professional learning communities.

With over 25 years of experience in elementary education, including five years in early learning, Janel Ross specializes in the implementation of professional learning communities and multitiered systems of supports at the elementary level.

Ann Alfonso has been the principal of Bethke Elementary, a Model Professional Learning Communities at Work® school in Timnath, Colorado, since 2008. She is passionate about sustaining a positive, inclusive culture and developing young educators.