Presenters

John M. Hudson is a middle school principal with over 20 years of experience in education. Previously, he served as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, and elementary principal. John's work has focused on school transformation, teacher leadership development and coaching, and High Reliability Schools.

Nicole Lambson has spent the past 19 years as a middle school teacher, instructional coach and administrator for Farmington Municipal Schools. Nicole is the executive director of curriculum and works to improve student outcomes through the High Reliability Schools framework, the New Art and Science of Teaching, and the Critical Concepts.

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.

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.

Debbie Nicolai has served as an elementary teacher, instructional coach, elementary principal, and director of curriculum, instruction, and innovation. Having been both a school and a district leader, she has in-depth and firsthand experience with High Reliability Schools.

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.

Barbara-Jane Paris, PhD, has proudly served students, educators, policymakers, and governmental agencies in a career spanning three decades and more than 40 states and countries around the globe.

Kristin Poage is a contributing author and presenter for Marzano Resources. She is a middle school principal, professional development presenter, and district leader. Her career in education has led her to work in areas of student engagement, grading, instruction, and leadership.

Shane Porter is an education specialist with Region 9 in Wichita Falls, Texas. She specializes in assisting campuses and districts with school improvement and Marzano’s High Reliability Schools (HRS) Framework.

Don Porter is a practicing learner-leader who currently serves as a middle school administrator. He has served students and worked to foster a culture of learning and success in schools for over 13 years. Don has experience implementing the School Wellness Wheel and gets excited about working with people to achieve at high levels.