Presenters

Christopher Tranberg, PhD, is the superintendent of Branford Public Schools in Connecticut. Previously serving as a principal, director of performing arts, and teacher, he is most proud of leading work focused on removing barriers to student learning.

Shelly Swanson is a dedicated educator and a driven leader with 25 years of experience in public and private schools. She has worked as a classroom teacher and school administrator at both elementary and secondary levels.

Kristen Slechta is a professional development specialist at a regional service agency in Nebraska. She has eleven years of experience as a middle school science teacher and eight years of experience in professional learning.

Julia A. Simms, an author, is vice president at Marzano Resources. A former classroom teacher, she and her team develop research-based resources and provide support to educators as they put them into practice.

Jennifer Shaver, EdD, has been an educator for over 15 years having served as a teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, district administrator and most recently as the head principal of an elementary school. With experience at both the elementary and middle school levels, she is passionate about establishing a strong foundation through the High Reliability Schools (HRS) framework. Dr. Shaver has evaluated teachers using the Marzano framework, provided professional development for both new and veteran teachers on the New Art and Science of Teaching, and completed three levels of the HRS framework.

Brent Schmidt has served as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and elementary school administrator for almost 20 years. Currently, he holds an elementary administrator position in central Indiana. Brent’s work with Marzano began in 2013, emphasizing High Reliability Schools and standards-based learning. Implementing high-quality instruction for all students, he utilizes Marzano research-based systems and practices.

Bo Ryan is principal of the Ana Grace Academy of the Arts Elementary Magnet School in Bloomfield, Connecticut. He is passionate about building and sustaining professional learning communities (PLCs) and has led two different schools to Model PLC at Work® certification.

Mike Ruyle, EdD, has served as a classroom teacher, athletic coach, school principal, program director, university professor, and professional development presenter over a 30-year career.

Mark A. Roberts, EdD, spent 35 years of his educational career as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, and director of education and has led successful turnaround efforts in seven large underperforming diverse middle and high schools in California, Colorado, and Arkansas. He has also served as a regional director and adjunct professor at the university level for advanced level diplomas in education leadership. Dr. Roberts has successful experience in implementing all levels of HRS, NASOT, Collaborative Teams, and school improvement and turnaround efforts at the building level.

Clint Roberson is a lifelong learner that has had the privilege of working in the secondary school system for the past 17 years. He is currently leading an associate-level teaching program for students attending a National Blue Ribbon early college high school. He has been a classroom educator, a district coordinator for High Reliability Teachers, and is currently leading an Associates of Arts in Teaching program for students attending a Blue-Ribbon Early College high school.