Presenters

Debbie Aholt is a leadership coach in Meridian, Idaho. She has over 30 years of experience as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, building administrator, and leadership coach. Debbie works with districts and schools to support systemic transformations that impact student and adult learning.

Nicole Alvarez is a dedicated educator with a diverse background. Over her 18-year career, she has worked as a bilingual teacher, interventionist, and assistant principal. Currently, she is the English learner support elementary coordinator for the McKinney Independent School District.

Josephine Ammerman has served as both a teacher and instructional coach and has been a leader in the implementation of standards-based learning. Her work in education has focused on diverse student populations, ensuring the support and success of all students. Along with promoting standards-based learning, she is passionate about coaching effective teaching practices.

Toby Boss, EdD, has over 40 years of experience in education. He spent 22 years as a classroom teacher before assuming the role of district administrator and then taking a professional development consultant position at a regional service agency. As a High Reliability Schools associate, Dr. Boss works directly with schools to help design systems of continuous improvement through coaching and support.

Robin Bott served as a classroom teacher for 30 years. As her school became certified in High Reliability Schools Levels 1–4, Robin provided leadership in determining priority standards, writing and using proficiency scales, and building a standards-based classroom. She is excited to share her experience to help teachers transform their craft to elevate student learning.

William Brazle is the principal of Hot Springs Junior Academy in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and has been a dedicated administrator for a decade. Throughout his tenure, he has spearheaded professional development initiatives, focusing on advanced teaching strategies for educators working with diverse student populations. William’s mission is to provide teachers with the tools and techniques necessary to elevate student achievement and overall school success. He aims to inspire and empower teachers to transform their instructional practices for the benefit of all students.

Kelly Brewer is a dedicated educator with over 30 years’ worth of classroom experience at Northeast Middle School, a Marzano HRS Level 4 school in Midland, Michigan. Kelly transitioned from traditional grading to standards-based learning and witnessed first-hand the incredible benefits for students and teachers. She brings a passion for motivating and inspiring students as well as helping teachers and students find success with standards-based learning and The New Art and Science of Teaching.

Kathy Cawthron has worked in public education for 34 years, with 26 of those years in campus and district leadership roles. She led her last two campuses through High Reliability Schools Levels 1–3 certifications and rebranded her former elementary campus as an arts integration academy.

Amber Clark is the principal of a Marzano Academy and has nearly two decades of combined teaching and leading experience in elementary and secondary schools and at the college level. Personalized Competency-Based Education is her passion, with a focus on mentoring and growing Effective Teachers, ensuring Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum and Social Emotional Learning for healthy school culture.

Bev Clemens, PhD, is an experienced educational leader who has worked in large suburban districts and in smaller urban districts with diverse student populations. In addition to her work with Marzano Resources, Dr. Clemens has worked with a small nonprofit organization focused on developing leadership skills in school leaders who are working to transform schools to meet the needs of all students.