Presenters

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ty Moss holds a master’s degree in secondary education and has over 20 years of experience as a high school English teacher. With a strong focus on curriculum and instruction, Ty has gained valuable insights into effective pedagogy and student-centered learning. She is passionate about maintaining high academic standards for all students and building positive relationships within a classroom that welcomes all students.

Bradford Mitchell, PhD, has over 25 years of experience in both public and private education. Currently, he serves as a high school principal in Elmhurst, Illinois, where he has been instrumental in implementing New Art and Science of Teaching priorities.

Robert J. Marzano, PhD, is cofounder and chief academic officer of Marzano Resources in Denver, Colorado. A leading researcher in education, he is a speaker, trainer, and author of more than 50 books and 200 articles.

Captain Todd Marzano's 30-year career in the U.S. Navy exemplifies his leadership, expertise in high-reliability organizations, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Serving on numerous ships and squadrons, he became the first Commanding Officer of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy. Throughout his military career, Todd fostered expertise in others, established a winning culture, and successfully guided a diverse team through critical milestones. He earned a bachelor of science degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Colorado, a master of arts degree in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College, completed the Navy’s Nuclear Power Training program, and is a graduate of the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN).

David Marotz brings over 26 years of experience as an educator in the Fremont County School District in Idaho. Currently, he serves as the assistant superintendent, focusing on professional development and school improvement initiatives using the High Reliability Schools framework.