Presenters

Dr. Nathan D. Lang-Raad is an educator, international speaker, and author. He has served as a teacher, principal, professor, director of curriculum and instruction, chief education officer, and vice president, and he has worked full-time at NASA. As of 2022, he has written and cowritten seven books.

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.

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.

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.

Joe Miniscalco has over 30 years of experience as a professional educator. He has served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, senior director of technology and administrative services, and senior director of elementary and secondary instruction.

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.

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.