Erma Anderson
Math and Science Consultant
Experience with multiple international, national, and state organizations in planning, designing and reviewing K-16 curriculum experiences, writing and review of performance standards for science and mathematics standards, writing and review of curriculum in all sciences K-12, environmental science standards and biotechnology standards.
Conducted hundreds of professional development experiences for teachers on formative assessment, designing a mathematics and science curriculum, integrating technology into the science and math curriculum, analyzing student tasks, and student work.
Facilitated multiple international, national, state, and local meetings on subjects from development of digital curriculum, mentoring practices, review of state standards, formative and summative assessments, and systemic changes at regional and state levels. Invited presenter at the 2010 APEC Education Summit on Replicating Exemplary Mathematics Programs.
Prepared several publications, implementing standards based curriculum, process for examining student assignments and student work, summer workshops for teachers, and national teleconference on implementing standards.
Workshops:
Anisa Arain
Be GLAD® Certified Key Trainer
Anisa Arain is a Be GLAD® Coordinator and Certified Key Trainer. She has presented at conferences and trainings internationally, supporting students, teachers, and administrators with multiple language backgrounds. She holds a Master of Arts in Education with a Specialization in Education Technology. Anisa is a published author and contributor for Uplevel, writing and developing cutting-edge curriculum for grades K-5 that integrates science, social studies, and language arts skills.
Workshops:
Supriya Baily
Associate Professor, George Mason University
Supriya Baily is Associate Professor at George Mason University where she teaches courses in international and comparative education, qualitative research methods and teacher education. She works with international school teachers around the world focusing their preparation on innovative social studies methods, action research and global thinking in international education. She is also the Associate Director for the Center for International Education.
Lisa Benham
Director, Fresno County Superintendent of Schools
As a Director at Fresno County Superintendent of Schools (FCSS), Dr. Lisa Benham Lewis works in the Educational Services Department. She currently co-directs the 2016 - Investing in Innovation (i3) Validation grant titled College Readiness via Rhetorical Literacies: Expanding and Validating the Success of the Expository Reading and Writing Course. Dr. Benham Lewis also co-directed the 2011 - Investing in Innovation (i3) Development grant titled From Rhetoric to College Readiness: The Expository Reading and Writing Course. She has worked at FCSS for 10.5 years in the capacity of Coordinator of English Language Arts Department, Coordinator of the Clear Administrative Services Credential program, and Director of State and Federal Grants. She has been in education for 30 years, serving as a teacher, site principal, director of categorical programs, district Assistant Superintendent, and adjunct professor for University of Phoenix. Her presentation experience includes state and national levels at California Association of Teachers of English, American Educational Research Association, California Educational Research Association, United States Department of Education, and Columbia University – Teacher College in New York. Dr. Benham Lewis received a BA in liberal studies and a MA in administration and supervision from California State University of Fresno. She earned an EdD in Educational Leadership from the University of LaVerne.
Workshops: Expository Reading and Writing Units (ERWC) - Grades 7-12
Jeff Bradley
Director, NEASC Commission on International Education
A native of New Hampshire, Jeff Bradley served as a NEASC/CIE Commissioner from 2009-2015, chairing accreditation visits to a wide range of international schools. From 2008-2016, he was a partner at Educators’ Collaborative, an executive search and consulting firm, assisting dozens of schools in the US and abroad with leadership recruiting and development, strategic planning, and governance. From 2001-2007, Jeff and his family lived in Europe – first in Italy, where Jeff was founding Resident Director of School Year Abroad-Italy, and then in Switzerland. As Headmaster at TASIS - The American School in Switzerland, Jeff helped oversee creation of the school’s elementary and early childhood programs. He and his wife have two children. Jeff’s international education experience began in high school when he spent three months as an exchange student in Rome. While a student at Georgetown University, he spent his junior year enrolled at the University of Bologna. Following graduation, Jeff served as Assistant to the Provost at Georgetown University and later as teacher, coach, English department head, and dean at the Bullis School in Maryland. He later worked at St. Paul’s School in New Hampshire, directing the Advanced Studies Program, an accelerated summer program for New Hampshire public high school students. At St. Paul’s,he also taught English, coached, and advised young teachers as Director of Apprentice TeachingPrograms.In 2012 Jeff co-founded OESIS Group – a periodic gathering in the US and abroad of K-12 teachers, administrators and other thought leaders aimed at sparking conversations and innovations to support best practices of teaching and learning in an increasingly globalized world. Jeff holds a BA in Philosophy and a Master’s degree in English Literature from Georgetown University.
Workshops: ACE Learning - NEASC’s Transformative Accreditation Protocol
Gareth Bradwick
Project Manager, Edmentum International
I’ve been working with schools and supporting them with their technology since 2012. In my spare time I also have a passion for the arts. I direct theatre performances as well as provide performance-based workshops to learners from age four to adult in a variety of settings.
Workshops: How to achieve truly personalized learning for all student abilities
Nancy Brynelson
Co-Director, Center for the Advancement of Reading
California State University, Office of the Chancellor
Nancy Brynelson is the Co-Director of the California State University (CSU), Center for the Advancement of Reading. Before coming to the CSU in 2001, she served for seven years as a consultant in the California Department of Education, primarily in the area of reading/language arts. Nancy began her career in Monterey County, California as a bilingual teacher and an English language development teacher. As an administrator she served seven years as a principal of a high-poverty, diverse elementary school and eight years as a director of categorical programs and special projects in various school districts. A product of the California State University, she earned her M.A. and specialized credentials from San José State University. Since 2004 she has overseen the statewide professional learning system for the CSU's Early Assessment Program in English. In 2010 Nancy was inducted into the Reading Hall of Fame of the California Reading Association. Recently she served as one of three primary writers of the 2015 English Language Arts/English Language Development Framework for California Public Schools: Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve based on the California Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy and the California English Language Development Standards. Nancy also serves as co-director of the Investing in Innovation Development Grant, From Rhetoric to College Readiness: The Expository Reading and Writing Course.
Workshops: Expository Reading and Writing Units (ERWC) - Grades 7-12
Kathryn Catania
Deputy Superintendent, Fresno County Office of Education, California
Dr. Kathryn “Kitty” Catania is currently the Deputy Superintendent of the Fresno County Office of Education in California. She has been in education for over 32 years, serving as a teacher, site administrator, district administrator and adjunct professor for University of California San Diego. Her current assignment includes educational leadership over 300 schools and 204,000 students in the Central Valley of California, with many schools that have 50% students who are English learners. She has also be the Chair of the CA State Curriculum and Instruction Committee, working with educational leaders across California.
Workshops: Expository Reading and Writing Units (ERWC) - Grades 7-12
Abdul Chohan
Director, ThinkSimple Ltd, Co-Founder The Olive Tree School, Former Principal & CEO, Essa Foundation Academies Trust
Abdul is a teacher of 17 years and is a Co- founder of The Olive Tree Free School in Bolton, UK. He was the former Principal and CEO of the Essa Foundation Academies Trust based in the UK. He is known for his pioneering work on mobile based learning at Essa Academy, Bolton, UK. Since then he has worked with a number of international educational organisations as well as devising learning strategies based on mobile technology platforms.
In addition to this he is also the Director of ThinkSimple Ltd which is a thought leadership organisation that provides support to schools and Ministries of Education, in terms of Vision and implementation.
Workshops:
Veronika Cruz Bodova
Volunteer Programs Coordinator at Habitat for Humanity
Veronika Bodova is working for Habitat for Humanity as a Volunteer programs coordinator specializing on international service learning trips for high schools and universities from EMEA region. After receiving master’s degree at Charles University in Prague, she worked in organizations like INEX-Association for Voluntary Activities and Business for Society as well as volunteered in social projects in different countries of Europe and Asia. As of 2014, she is working at Habitat for Humanity’s office in Bratislava, responsible for collaboration with international schools and universities.
Workshops: Bringing the Sustainable Development Goals into the Classrooms and Beyond
Christine D'Aquanni
Be GLAD® Certified Key Trainer
Christine D’Aquanni is a Be GLAD® Certified Key Trainer and an international educator with over 15 years of experience and dedication to enhancing language and literacy instruction for all students. From volunteer teaching experiences in indigenous areas of Mexico to supporting multilingual learners in American schools abroad, she has always sought to promote a love for language. She holds a Master of Arts in Education with a Specialization in Dual Language Development.
Workshops:
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Project GLAD® (Guided Language Acquisition Design) Classroom Demonstration
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Be GLAD: Guided Language Acquisition Design for International Schools (PreK-12)
Joan DellaValle
Vice President Core 21 Educational Services, Senior Consultant, Adjunct Professor, SUNY Buffalo State
Joan DellaValle, Ed.D. is Vice President of Core 21 Educational Services. Concurrently she is an adjunct professor at SUNY Buffalo State, providing staff development and graduate courses in leadership, curriculum design and development to teachers around the world. Her career includes 40 years in public education in New York where she worked as a teacher, a curriculum director and an as an elementary principal. Joan has authored several books including Synergy and Synthesis for Teaching in the 21st Century: A Model for Moving into Inquiry and Problem Based Learning Without Stress.
Workshops: Problem Based Learning and Design Thinking: Managing Higher Level Thinking Skills K-12
Mary Ehrenworth
Senior Deputy Director, Teachers College Reading and Writing Project
Dr. Mary Ehrenworth is Senior Deputy Director of the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project, a literacy think tank at Columbia University. She is the co-author and author of over a dozen books, including: Pathways to the Common Core; The Power of Grammar; Looking to Write: Teaching Writing Through the Visual Arts; and many Units of Study in Teaching Reading and Writing co-authored with Lucy Calkins, most recently, Essential Research Skills for Teens, and Contemporary Classics: Critical Reading of Award-Winning Literature.
Diana Farcas
High School Teacher at CAISL
I hold a BSc Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Social and Organizational Psychology. I am currently completing a doctorate degree in Cross-Cultural Psychology at Lisbon University Institute in Portugal, where I have been teaching for five years and conducting research in collaboration with other universities, such as Harvard Medical School. Motivation has been one of the most predominant research topics explored in different contexts (i.e. work environment, class setting, international relocation and mental health). At CAISL, I teach High School Introduction to Psychology, IB/Advanced Psychology and Theory of Knowledge.
Workshops: Gamification & Active Learning: How to Make your Class a Game Worth Playing?
Priscilla Feir
Accreditation Officer, Middle States Association, Commissions on Elementary and Secondary School
I hold a BSc Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Social and Organizational Psychology. I am currently completing a doctorate degree in Cross-Cultural Psychology at Lisbon University Institute in Portugal, where I have been teaching for five years and conducting research in collaboration with other universities, such as Harvard Medical School. Motivation has been one of the most predominant research topics explored in different contexts (i.e. work environment, class setting, international relocation and mental health). At CAISL, I teach High School Introduction to Psychology, IB/Advanced Psychology and Theory of Knowledge.
Workshops: Middle States Accreditation Self-Study Workshop
Lesley Gates
Science/STEM Consultant, Fresno County Superintendent of Schools
Lesley Gates is the Science/STEM Consultant for the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools. Lesley has facilitated multiple trainings for TK-12 teachers in science content and effective pedagogy. She has been a high school science teacher and STEM instructional coach. Lesley has also taken the lead of a project director for the statewide science initiative lead by WestEd. Her current role includes working with TK-5 teachers from across the state of California to identify challenges and design solutions for the transition to the new science standards focusing on the integration of English Language Arts and Math standards into elementary science lessons. Lesley has presented at the California Science Teachers Association Conference, the National Science Teaching Association Conference, and at the 2018 MAIS conference.
Workshops:
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NGSS - What are students DOING in your science classroom? (K-12 and admin)
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NGSS in the Secondary Classroom: Phenomena Driven Unit Design
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Make Student Thinking Visible Using Sketchnotes in Science (and beyond!) (K-5)
Lauren Gould
English Humanities Teacher at American School of Barcelona
Lauren Gould is originally from Cedarburg, Wisconsin, USA. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with an minor in English Language Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Lauren began her teaching career in the Madison area, and moved to Barcelona in 2017 to teach at the American School of Barcelona. Lauren is currently an eighth grade Humanities teacher and the Head of the Middle School Humanities Department at ASB, where she has been teaching ever since.
Workshops: Classroom Visuals and Tools in Multiple Languages
Susan Grant
Neurolinguist; Chair of the Advisory Committee on Exceptional Children and Youth for the US State Dept. Office of Overseas Schools.
Dr. Grant holds a Ph.D. in Neuroscience, having trained at the University of Maryland, College park and the Graduate School of Medicine at the UMAB campus. She specializes and did research in Neurolinguistics, the study of the relationship between brain and language development. She also has a Master of Science degree and Maryland license in Speech and Language Pathology. Dr. Grant has been in private clinical practice for nearly 30 years, diagnosing and developing treatment plans for children with ASD, speech-language, reading
and learning disabilities. Her staff of speech/language pathologists and psychologists implements treatment plans and provide ongoing therapy.
Dr. Grant was the founding Board member and Board president of a middle and high school, college preparatory program for students with learning disabilities.
Dr. Grant lectures and has given many workshops nationally and internationally on the applicability of brain research to good teaching practice, language and reading acquisition, and learning disabilities. She is Chair of the Advisory Committee on Exceptional Children and Youth for the State Department Office of Overseas Schools. She serves on the Board of Trustees and Advisory Boards for several independent schools and Foundations.
Workshops:
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Querkey vs. Autism vs. Language Processing: Are 1 in 60 People Really on the Spectrum?
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How the Brain Reads: Learning to Read versus Reading to Learn
Thomas R. Guskey
Senior Research Scholar, University of Louisville and Professor Emeritus, University of Kentucky
Thomas R. Guskey, Ph.D. is a Senior Research Scholar in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Louisville and Professor Emeritus in the College of Education at the University of Kentucky.
Dr. Guskey is the author/editor of 25 award-winning books and more than 250 book chapters, articles, and professional papers on educational measurement, evaluation, assessment, grading, and professional learning. He served on the Policy Research Team of the National Commission on Teaching & America’s Future, and on the task force to develop the National Standards for Professional Development.
In recognition of his contributions, Dr. Guskey was named a Fellow in the American Educational Research Association, the Association’s highest honor, and also received the Association’s prestigious Relating Research to Practice Award. He was awarded the Distinguished Contributions to the Field Award by Learning Forward, The Millman Award by the Consortium for Research on Educational Assessment and Teaching Effectiveness, the Distinguished Achievement Award by the Association of Educational Publishers, and the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. His work is dedicated to helping teachers and school leaders use quality educational research to help all of their students learn well and gain the many valuable benefits of that success.
Workshops:
Meredith Harbord
Consultant Core 21 Educational Services, Adjunct Professor for SUNY Buffalo State and Global Educational Consultant
Meredith Harbord, Ed.D, an international educator and adjunct professor for SUNY Buffalo State, teaches courses in leadership and all aspects of curriculum to educators around the world. She has spent her career in education working in Brunei, Oman and Australia, where she currently resides. She is a consultant for Core 21 Educational Services, delivering workshops on a wide range of topics including design thinking, maker spaces, navigating gender and ethnic identities, gamification and leadership. Additionally, she is currently under contract for a book on Design Thinking for Schools: Ethical Dilemmas
Workshops: Problem Based Learning and Design Thinking: Managing Higher Level Thinking Skills K-12
Shirley Hargis
ERWC Content Coordinator, Fresno County Superintendent of Schools
Shirley Hargis is currently a Content Coordinator in the Educational Services Department at Fresno County Superintendent of Schools (FCSS) where she has been employed for almost 25 years. She facilitates Professional Learning for the Expository Reading and Writing Course (ERWC), serves as the Region VII ERWC Lead for ERWC, and has helped design ERWC Professional Learning for state leadership conferences. In addition to past experience coordinating special events and facilitating Professional Learning in the English Language Arts Department, Shirley taught high school English in Oklahoma and California. She received her M.A. from Fresno Pacific University, as well as a reading specialist credential and an administrative credential.
Workshops: Expository Reading and Writing Units (ERWC) - Grades 7-12
Brittney Hedrick
Preschool Coordinator/K4 Teacher, Casablanca American School
Brittney Hedrick is from Washington State, USA. Brittney has taught Preschool-2nd in Washington State, Kindergarten in Kuwait, and is currently the Preschool Coordinator, and Pre-kinder teacher at Casablanca American School in Morocco. Brittney has her Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education: Kindergarten through 8th grade with an emphasis in Language Arts. Brittney especially found interest in Early Childhood Education after her son was born in 2017. She is an advocate for play-based learning, and finds importance in spreading awareness of the harmful effects of academic push downs (earlier is not necessarily better). Brittney and her husband enjoy teaching internationally together, and traveling the world with their son, who is 2 and half years old. Brittney plans to continue her education by beginning her Master’s in Educational Leadership in the Spring of 2020.
Workshops: I came, I played, I learned: How to set up the classroom environment to support authentic play
Erin Heinerichs
Clinical Director at ASPS, inc.
Erin Heinerichs graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Communicative Disorders from West Chester University. She went on to complete her Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology at The College of New Jersey. Erin has focused her clinical career in both Pediatric and Adult settings.
She has worked at a variety of local hospitals, school districts and Pre schools services in Eastern PA. Erin began working with ASPS, Inc. as a contractor in 2004. She began her current position as Clinical Director at ASPS, Inc. in August of 2005.
Erin oversees and manages Remote Speech division of the company.
As Clinical Director, Erin creates and maintains contractual relationships with area schools, IUs and healthcare facilities. Erin presented leading research on speech tele-therapy at the 2016 ASHA (American Speech and Hearing Association) conference.
Workshops: Tele-Practice Speech-Language Pathology for Students - A Global Solution
Lauren Heuser
Strategy Officer & Managing Editor, News-Decoder
Lauren Heuser is the strategy officer and managing editor of News-Decoder, a global educational news service for young people. Lauren has a MBA from INSEAD and a law degree from the University of Toronto. She previously worked as a deputy editor and journalist for a national Canadian newspaper. Prior to entering journalism, she practiced as a corporate lawyer at an international law firm.
Workshops: Creating Better Global Citizens
Bradley Huebert
Director of Systems and Leadership, Fresno County Superintendent of Schools
Brad Huebert is an educator at heart whose life-long passion is to support student learning. Brad is currently the Director of Systems and Leadership for the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools, helping educators to define and shape systems and structures to enhance learning. He served as a Junior High Math and Science teacher, self-contained elementary teacher, instructional coach, and K-8 administrator in in a rural central California district for 17 years before moving to FCSS in which he has served for the past 7 years.
Workshops:
Nabil Husni
Principal of Adma International School
Dr. Nabil Husni is a human being with thirty years’ experience as a teacher, administrator, and educational consultant. Dr. Husni is currently the Principal of Adma International School and serves as a Board member on all the Learner World International Schools (LWIS) in Lebanon and the Middle East.
Dr. Husni is a Peace Maker and a Humanitarian. He is the Founder and Servant of the Peace Education Society (PES). PES is a non-profit organization that promotes Democracy, Citizenship, Human Rights, Conflict Resolution, Health and Safety, Environmental Education, and Service Learning. Dr. Husni is an author whose most recent publications include “Leadership and Holistic Education” and “Peace Education is a Way of Life: A Revolution Against Indifference”.
Workshops: How Do Effective Teachers Leave a Legacy?
Donald Jacobs
CEO of PLS 3rd Learning
Don uses his 30+ years of education experience to lead PLS 3rd Learning with focus on designing and developing projects that have high impact in education.
Dedicated to inspiring and promoting educational excellence throughout his lifetime, Don founded the award-winning Center for Applied Technologies in Education at the University at Buffalo; led projects and planning initiatives with educational organizations across the world; and helped develop signature projects in New York State, Pennsylvania, Texas, Costa Rica, Panama, and Turkey.
Don has also collaborated with renowned primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall to develop technology-based projects that advance environmental education and awareness throughout the world.
Workshops: Leadership, Goal-Setting and Evaluation: A Framework for Growth
Stella James
Head Gooseberry of Gooseberry Planet
Stella James is a mother of two young children and Head Gooseberry of Gooseberry Planet – an award-winning educational software platform developed to educate children, teachers and parents how to be safe online. As one of the Government’s top 3 priorities, online safeguarding is hugely important and a ‘hot’ topic in education. With children now spending increasingly more time online and with more than half of them using social media before the age of the 10, it is vital that the younger generation are taught how to use the internet responsibly and are aware of the dangers found online. In response to this, Stella developed Gooseberry Planet to enable schools to effectively teach pupils about staying safe online. She says, “If Gooseberry Planet can save one child from being groomed or sexually exploited, then it has achieved my goal.” Stella is passionate about broadening conversations around online safety and protecting young children online. She regularly delivers presentations and workshops to schools and school associations and runs CPD training courses to organisations in the education sector. Stella’s sessions offer an informed and thought-provoking insight into the issues surrounding online safety and safeguarding, discussing how schools can meet statutory requirements and deliver engaging and regular discourses around online safety for pupils.
Stella James
Head Gooseberry of Gooseberry Planet
Stella James is a mother of two young children and Head Gooseberry of Gooseberry Planet – an award-winning educational software platform developed to educate children, teachers and parents how to be safe online. As one of the Government’s top 3 priorities, online safeguarding is hugely important and a ‘hot’ topic in education. With children now spending increasingly more time online and with more than half of them using social media before the age of the 10, it is vital that the younger generation are taught how to use the internet responsibly and are aware of the dangers found online. In response to this, Stella developed Gooseberry Planet to enable schools to effectively teach pupils about staying safe online. She says, “If Gooseberry Planet can save one child from being groomed or sexually exploited, then it has achieved my goal.” Stella is passionate about broadening conversations around online safety and protecting young children online. She regularly delivers presentations and workshops to schools and school associations and runs CPD training courses to organisations in the education sector. Stella’s sessions offer an informed and thought-provoking insight into the issues surrounding online safety and safeguarding, discussing how schools can meet statutory requirements and deliver engaging and regular discourses around online safety for pupils.
Workshops: What impact does the internet have on us and our children's lives?
Orna Kempler-Azulay
President and owner of ASPS, inc.
Orna Kempler-Azulay is the President and owner of ASPS, INC. She is a licensed speech-language pathologist. Orna graduated from California State University Northridge with her BA degree in communicative disorders and from University of the Pacific, Stockton with an MA degree in communicative disorders.
After relocating to Pennsylvania, Orna founded Abington Speech Language Pathology Services, Inc. in 1999. She has both pediatric and adult therapy experience. Currently Orna runs everyday day operations of the practice, which currently employs over 150+ therapists across the country.
Workshops: Tele-Practice Speech-Language Pathology for Students - A Global Solution
Jenny Killion
Literacy Coach at the American School of Barcelona
Jenny Killion is currently the Grade 6-10 Instructional Coach and a Grade 9 World Literature teacher at The American School of Barcelona. She is passionate about developing independent learners, as well as building capacity in teachers. In her eight years at ASB, Jenny has also been a 5th and 6th grade teacher, as well as the K-8 Literacy Coordinator and Coach. Before moving to Barcelona, Jenny was an upper-elementary teacher and K-5 Literacy Coach in Denver, Colorado. Jenny has worked with teachers from a variety of international schools on implementing reading and writing workshop, small group instruction, developing integrated curriculum, connecting instruction across languages, and literacy coaching. Jenny loves the balance of supporting teachers in a coaching role, working to develop curriculum and instruction, and having the opportunity to refine her own teaching in the classroom with students of all ages.
Diane Leonardo
Sr. Director, Curriculum & Instruction at Fresno County Superintendent of Schools
Diane Leonardo is a teacher at heart who has served students in California for 27 years. She has held the position of Principal, Leadership Coach, Adjunct Professor, Professional Development Facilitator, and currently serves as the Senior Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools.
Workshops:
Amy Lucinda Burniston
Chair, Graduate Secondary Education, Assistant Professor, Biology/Education
Dr. Amy Lucinda Burniston is an Assistant Professor of Biology and Education at Mercyhurst University where she is Chair of the Graduate Program in Secondary Education, Chair of the Graduate Program in Teaching Excellence, and Co-Chairman of the Graduate Council. Dr. Burniston began her career in the North East, PA School District, but has spent the last six years at Mercyhurst University with dual appointments in both biology and education departments. Dr. Burniston’s research focuses on the effects of small mammal predators, such as the coyote and red fox, on tick populations, and the subsequent spread of Lyme disease in North East United States areas as well as research in the classroom that focuses on explicit constructivist pedagogical approaches to teach undergraduate students the nature of science. Other educational research interests include distance education, flipped learning, authentic science education, case based instruction, and online learning as related to collaborative instruction. Dr. Burniston holds a Pennsylvania State Teaching Certificate in Biology, a B.S. in Biology from Pennsylvania State University, an M.S. in Secondary Education: Pedagogy and Practice from Mercyhurst University, and an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University.
Marta Luján
Chair of the Castellano department at the American School of Barcelona
Marta Luján was born in Tudela (Navarra –Spain). She obtained a bachelor’s degree in Spanish Philology and a teaching certificate (CAP) from the University of Salamanca. Marta moved to New Orleans (USA) thanks to a Fulbright Grant, which allowed her to work as a teacher assistant at Dillard University. When she moved back to Spain in 2004, Marta started working at the American School of Barcelona, where she has been teaching Spanish to local students in Middle and High School, as well as Spanish as a Second Language. Marta earned her Master’s Degree in Teaching Spanish as a Second Language at Universidad de Barcelona in 2014. She is currently a Spanish teacher for both the local program and the IB program, and is the Head of the Spanish Department at ASB.
Workshops:
Diane Lutz
Reading Specialist
Educator at the International School of Florence for 28 years, and a second grade teacher and reading specialist, has spent years studying different programs to effectively teach reading and reading intervention. She has had years of experience in training for early literacy intervention. She is currently participating in a Special Needs Certificate Program and the ISF Leading Edge Learning research project for developing early literacy.
Workshops: The 3 R's - Reading, Research, RTI & Reading Intervention
Blake Mackesy
Assistant Professor, Wilkes University
Dr. Blake Mackesy is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Leadership in the School of Education at Wilkes University. Dr. Mackesy teaches educational leadership courses, facilitates the Low-Residency experiences, and mentors students in the dissertation phase of the program.
Dr. Mackesy served as a college-level practitioner and administrator in various leadership capacities for the past two decades, where she primarily focused on the out-of-class learning and development of undergraduate college students. Areas of expertise include academic advising, undeclared/exploratory majors, career development, disability services, academic success and support programs, orientation and First Year Experience programs, and other student-focused initiatives. Her research and scholarly interests involve self-efficacy and other non-cognitive factors for promoting student success (including grit, resiliency, and psychological safety) academic advising theory and practice, appreciative educational practices, faculty mentoring, and education policy.
Mackesy received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Russell Sage College, her Master’s Degree in Counseling from Rollins College, and her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Wilkes University. In 2015, Mackesy was a fellow with the Pennsylvania Education Policy and Leadership Center.
Workshops: Leading for Excellence
