Presenters

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.

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.

Heather Potter currently serves as principal of Knox Middle School in the San Diego USD. Within the previous four years, Heather led Knox out of its state designation as a program improvement school by implementing interventions from Marzano Resources.

Doug Rigby, EdM, is the assistant superintendent of Uinta County School District #1. With 28 years’ experience, he was previously a teacher, coach, and principal. He is passionate about creating an environment where all students learn at high levels.

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.

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.