Shanna Peeples, the 2015 National Teacher of the Year, took the road less travelled on the way to her classroom. She worked as a disc jockey, medical assistant, and journalist before teaching, as she says, chose her.
Matthew Kane is the Director of Research and Writing at The Learner First, where he focuses on the role and experiences of school systems in developing the learning outcomes that contribute to lifelong success, connect us with one another, and make a difference in our communities.
Kawai Lai is a designer, facilitator, and strategy consultant helping organizations make the abstract more concrete. She is a co-founder of VizLit, an organization with the mission to unlock the visual minds of students and educators.
Dr. Salome Thomas-EL has been a teacher and principal in Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE since 1987. He is currently the Head of School at Thomas Edison Public Charter School in Wilmington, DE. Thomas-EL received national acclaim as a teacher and chess coach at Vaux Middle School, where his students have gone on to win world recognition as Eight-Time National Chess Champions. Principal EL was a regular contributor on “The Dr.
Dr. Joseph Jones is Director of Assessment and Accountability, overseeing teacher effectiveness and student achievement in the New Castle County Vocational-Technical School District in Delaware. Joe is a former high school social studies teacher, assistant principal, and principal.
Dr. T.J. Vari is Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools and District Operations in the Appoquinimink School District, the fastest growing school district in Delaware. He is a former middle school assistant principal and principal and former high school English teacher and department chair. His master’s degree is in school leadership and his doctorate is in innovation and leadership where he accepted an Award for Academic Excellence given to one doctoral student per graduating class.
Keara Mascareñaz is the Managing Partner, Organizational Design at Education Elements. She focuses on organizational design and how to build and scale a culture of innovation in large systems. Keara leads work in in change management, leadership development, school design, and strategic planning.
Mirko Chardin is the Founding Head of School of the Putnam Avenue Upper School in Cambridge, MA. Mirko's work has involved all areas of school management and student support.