Authors & Presenters

Dr. Amy Williams brings over 25 years of experience in education, specializing in fostering inclusive practices and systems-level change to improve student outcomes.

Steven M. Wood, PhD, is director of science at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois, where he provides support and leadership for science learning and the professional development of the science faculty.

Blane McCann, PhD, is the superintendent of Westside Community Schools in Omaha, Nebraska. Previously, Dr. McCann served as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, and elementary and middle school principal, as well as executive director for K–8 instruction.

Darshan M. Jain is the director of mathematics and computer science at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Illinois. Previously, he served as an award-winning mathematics teacher as well as as a curriculum team leader.

Jon Grice is the director of fine arts at the award-winning Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Illinois. Previously, he served as the fine arts department chair and visual arts teacher at Riverside Brookfield High School in Illinois.

Dr. Wendy Custable is the assistant superintendent of leadership and organizational development at the award-winning Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois. With 25 years in education, she is now a leader in secondary education.

Debora Bamforth, an educational speaker, has more than 40 years of experience in education. She served as principal of the D. J. Bakie School in New Hampshire and also worked in the Timberlane District, where she designed and implemented an enrichment program for a school of nearly 1,200 students before assuming the administrative role of curriculum coordinator.

Brian M. Stack is a superintendent of schools in New Hampshire and a former principal who specializes in supporting teachers and administrators in developing, sustaining, and enhancing structures to support all learners.

Troy Gobble is principal of Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Illinois. He previously served as assistant principal for teaching and learning at Stevenson.

Mark Weichel, EdD, is assistant superintendent for teaching and learning at Westside Community Schools in Omaha, Nebraska. The district has received local and national attention for its commitment to collaboration, innovation, technology integration, and personalized learning.

Mark Onuscheck is director of curriculum, instruction, and assessment at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Illinois. He is a former English teacher and director of communication arts.

Jonathan G. Vander Els specializes in supporting teachers and administrators in schools and districts across the country in developing, sustaining, and enhancing structures to support all learners.

Eric Twadell, PhD, is superintendent of Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois. He has been a social studies teacher, curriculum director, and assistant superintendent for leadership and organizational development.

Doug Lillydahl is director of communication arts at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Illinois. He guides literacy interventions and ELA staff development, oversees assessment, and supports curricular and instructional evolution.

Anthony Reibel hails from Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Illinois and is the current assistant principal for teaching and learning. Anthony is also coauthor of several books: Proficiency-Based Assessment, Proficiency-Based Instruction, Proficiency-Based Grading in the Content Areas, and Pathways to Proficiency which explore the relationship between proficiency, pedagogy, and evidence-based grading.