Authors & Presenters

Shawn W. McCusker has 25 years of experience as a teacher and leader and is currently the director of professional learning at Digital Promise, a nonprofit dedicated to closing the digital learning gap.

Hector Montenegro, EdD, provides training on instructional strategies for English learners, leadership development for administrators and instructional coaches, and the teacher coaching process through the use of technology.

Charity Marcella Moran is a former high school project-based learning teacher, New Tech Network school development coach, and a middle school alternative programs instructional specialist. Charity’s focus areas include strategic program development, culturally responsive teaching, educating and empowering Black males, STEM, 21st century skills, project-based learning, literacy, language, and equity.

Anthony Muhammad, PhD, is an author and international thought leader. He served as a practitioner for nearly twenty years where he served as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal. He is recognized as one of the fields leading experts in the areas of school culture and Professional Learning Communities at Work (PLC).

Dr. Rivers Murphy, EdD, is a seasoned presenter and educational leader. A change agent for over two decades, she has helped transform some of the highest-needs neighborhoods and districts by improving student active engagement, teacher self-care, school culture, and academic success.

Hedreich Nichols is an author, educator, and specialist in helping schools institute transformative change in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

Alana Oif Telesman, PhD, is the director of the First Education Experience Program at The Ohio State University. She is also a member of the Council for Exceptional Children and has been selected as a doctoral research scholar.

Jackie Palmquist is a national presenter and educational consultant with over 30 years of high school classroom mathematics teaching and leading experience. Her leadership emphasizes and supports collaborative planning and current research-informed best instructional practices.

Dr. Don Parker is a transformational speaker and professional development provider. He specializes in social-emotional learning (SEL), restorative and trauma-informed practices, supporting teachers to build trusting relationships with students, and improving the culture and climate of schools to enhance feelings of belonging for students and teachers.

Maren Powers is an award-winning teacher, instructional coach and author. Because of her experience as a practitioner, she has learned how to do the work successfully. Maren is passionate about helping other educators implement, coach, and lead through the PLC process.