School Improvement

Greg Curtis is an author and presenter. He has spent more than 30 years working with schools around the world as a teacher, curriculum and professional learning director, leadership trainer, strategic planner, and IT director.

Jane Bluestein, PhD, has worked with students at all grade levels as a classroom teacher, crisis-intervention counselor, volunteer with high-risk youths, and supervisor. Dr. Bluestein currently heads Instructional Support Services, a consulting and resource firm in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Dr. Pamela Swanson is an acclaimed educational leader with nearly four decades of experience. Most recently, she served as superintendent of Westminster Public Schools in Colorado, where she led the district’s transformation to a preK–12 competency-based education system.

Dr. Oliver Grenham is a visionary educational leader known for his expertise in competency-based learning, school transformation, and leadership development. He has pioneered innovative preK–12 systems, earned prestigious awards, and continues to advocate for student-centered learning.

Breauna C. Wall, EdD, is an esteemed education professional with over a decade of experience as a leader, scholar, and practitioner. She champions equitable and collaborative education, with a focus on empowering educators through transformative knowledge, training, and support.

The impact of Covid-19 will have a long-lasting effect on every facet of our society. Very few institutions were more disrupted than schools. The pandemic affected staffing, funding, morale, and the continuity of student learning. Participants explore the history of the field of education and examine why the tenants of the PLC at Work process were important before the global pandemic and why they are even more important after the pandemic. This is not the time to back away from the PLC at Work process; this is the time to reinforce its foundation.

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.

Christopher Jenson, MD, is a senior adviser for public health concerns in school districts and educational operations. Dr. Jenson brings a unique set of skills, knowledge, and experiences to his advisory role.