Authors & Presenters

Dr. Kari Roan began teaching in 2002, serving as a 6th-grade English teacher and dance team director. She believes in ensuring high levels of learning for all students and enjoys creating conditions that help educators succeed.

Kyle is the principal of Powell Middle School in Powell, Wyoming. Prior to administration, he was an elementary teacher where he developed the passion for professional learning communities and the power behind building a strong culture and teamwork in a school.

Tina (Merriweather) Seymour is a veteran principal and leadership coach with 21 years of experience in urban education. She began her educational career in 1998 as a middle school language arts teacher.

Colin Sloper has been a teacher, assistant principal, and principal in government schools since 1983. In the course of his career, he has been involved in the establishment of five new state government schools.

Perry Soldwedel is a coach and consultant to district leaders. He specializes in systems thinking, shared leadership, strategic planning, data collection, measurement, and professional learning communities.

James H. Stronge, PhD, is a consultant specializing in policies and practices related to teacher quality and effectiveness, teacher and administrator evaluation, and teacher selection.

Dr. Pamela Swanson is an acclaimed educational leader with nearly four decades of experience. Most recently, she served as superintendent of Westminster Public Schools in Colorado, where she led the district’s transformation to a preK–12 competency-based education system.

Shelley Taylor is a director with the Consortium for Educational Change, an Illinois-based nonprofit organization. She has 16 years of experience as a teacher, instructional coach, and district administrator.

Susan Udelhofen, PhD, has 15 years of experience as a consultant. She provides professional development on some of the most relevant topics in education, including the Common Core, assessment, and school improvement.

Mark Van Clay, EdD, is an educational presenter who specializes in aligning school systems. He also works with the Consortium for Educational Change and has 30 years of experience in education.