Presenters

David Franklin, EdD, is an author, professor of education, and consultant and has worked with school leaders and teachers around the country in the areas of school vision, instruction, technology, and collaboration.

Shelley Gies, EdD, is a full-time Marzano associate. She is the former director of curriculum and instruction and a former building-level principal in central Indiana. Shelley also spent 23 years as a classroom teacher, serving most grades K–6.

Dr. Patrick B. Hardy is the current principal at Hinsdale South High School in Illinois and has enjoyed a distinguished 26-year career in education. Notably, Dr. Hardy was principal at Proviso East High School in Maywood, Illinois, which became the first certified Marzano Academy in the nation. Dr. Hardy’s work has focused on school transformation and innovation, leadership development and coaching, equitable education, and personalized competency-based education.

Sandy Ledwell, EdD, spent over 25 years as a teacher, teacher leader, instructional coach, and state department administrator, working across grades preK–12. Now, she enjoys working with teacher candidates in instructional methods courses.

Dr. Melanie Lewis Magee served in education for 26 years at various levels starting as an elementary school teacher. After several roles in district administration, including adult and parent education, Dr. Magee moved into campus leadership. She was an assistant principal and later an associate principal at a high school culminating in four years as a middle school principal. Dr. Magee led Curriculum and Instruction for a large district and recently served as Deputy Superintendent for a small rural district. Her passion is coaching administrators and helping teachers be the best versions of themselves for students.

Mary Ann Maxwell, EdD, is the executive director of teaching and learning in Round Rock Independent School District and leads the departments of curriculum, professional development, instructional coaching, advanced academics, career and technical education, and multitiered system of supports. She is experienced in supporting systems of school improvement through HRS at both the campus and district levels, and passionate about helping educators create highly effective classrooms.

Michelle McCann, MS, is a professional development associate at Marzano Resources who has been working since 2004 to design and implement competency-based, personalized learning systems, both as a practitioner in the classroom and as a trainer and coach for schools and districts across the country.

Beth Nelson is the director of teaching and learning at Norfolk Public Schools in Nebraska. She has been a part of educational leadership for over 30 years and is passionate about supporting high-quality education for all students. Beth has implemented, supported and sustained professional learning communities, guaranteed and viable curriculum, effective teaching in classrooms and standards-based grading.

Lisa Nieder was a high school math teacher for 25 years and then secondary mathematics curriculum coordinator for Columbia Public Schools for four years. She currently serves as director of board development for the Missouri School Boards Association. During her time with CPS, she wrote and edited proficiency scales, transitioned to Standards Referenced Grading in her classroom, and then trained math teachers district-wide to do the same.

Whitney Owens, MEd, has served as an elementary classroom teacher, middle school principal, head of schools, university professor, and professional development facilitator over a 17-year career.