Presenters

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.

Michael Lynch has established himself as a distinguished leader with over 30 years of dedicated experience in education. He has served as a teacher, coach, principal, academic director, and executive, impacting diverse school communities across multiple Colorado districts. As a trainer for McREL’s Balanced Leadership program and an educator at local colleges, Michael guides principals, new teachers, and mentors in fostering effective educational environments for student success. Specializing in competency-based education and High Reliability Schools, his expertise drives excellence and innovation in education.

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. Nathan D. Lang-Raad, EdD, is a visionary educator, international speaker, and prolific author dedicated to transforming mathematics education and instructional practices. With a rich background spanning curriculum development, school leadership, and educational technology, Dr. Lang-Raad brings a unique perspective to his work.

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.

Erin Lacina serves as the director of professional learning and operations at a regional education agency. She is committed to fostering close partnerships with schools to enhance student learning and promote continuous system growth. Specializing in standards-based learning, Erin has successfully led framework implementations at the school, district, regional, and state levels. Her previous experience as an instructional coach and classroom teacher provides her with a unique perspective on professional learning and its practical application. Erin holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Moorhead State University and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the College of St. Catherine.

Brian J. Kosena, EdD, serves as the chief learning officer for Westminster Public Schools in Westminster, Colorado. Previously, he was the founding principal of John E. Flynn A Marzano Academy, a preK–8 school of innovation within Westminster Public Schools in Colorado..

Christy Johnson has over 20 years of education experience, having served as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and education specialist. At Region 9 Education Service Center in Wichita Falls, Texas, she collaborates with districts in the High Reliability Schools program and provides training to teachers in the New Art and Science of Teaching. Currently, Christy serves as the coordinator of digital learning for Region 9 ESC, where she is dedicated to supporting schools in effectively integrating technology into their classrooms to enrich the learning experience.

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.

Jan K. Hoegh has been an educator for over 35 years. She has served as a classroom teacher, building leader, professional development specialist, high school assistant principal, curriculum coordinator, and assistant director of statewide assessment.