Authors & Presenters

William M. Ferriter uses his 29 years of experience as a full-time classroom teacher to design professional development sessions for educators on topics ranging from establishing professional learning communities and effective systems of intervention to integrating meaningful differentiation, extension, and student-involved assessment opportunities into classroom instruction.

Kathryn Fishman-Weaver, PhD, is an educator, author, school leader, and international lecturer. She began her teaching career in a public K–8 school in Oakland, California, and currently serves as the executive director of Mizzou Academy.

Nancy Frey, PhD, is a professor of literacy in the Department of Educational Leadership at San Diego State University. She is also a teacher leader at Health Sciences High and Middle College in San Diego.

Michael Fullan, PhD, is former dean of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. He is recognized as an international authority on educational reform.

Adam Garry is a former elementary school teacher. He has presented at numerous conferences around the world, including for the International Society of Technology in Education.

Julie Graber, an education consultant, works with educators to implement effective teaching, learning, leading, and technology practices. Her areas of expertise include technology, authentic learning, curriculum design, and performance tasks and assessments.

Gavin Grift is a best-selling author and is founder and CEO of Grift Education. His passion, commitment, humor, and highly engaging style have made him one of Australia’s most in-demand PLC presenters. His leadership in the education industry fueled the development of PLC networks across Australia and culminated in the establishment of the Centre for Professional Learning Communities, a cohort informed by the work and legacies of Richard and Rebecca DuFour.

Kate Grunow, MA, is an instructional technology consultant and Schoology implementation lead for Macomb Intermediate School District in Metro Detroit. She has more than a decade of experience in education as a K–12 digital media specialist and English teacher.

Troy Hicks, PhD, is a professor of English and education at Central Michigan University, where he collaborates with K–12 colleagues to explore how they implement newer literacies in their classrooms.

Heidi Hayes Jacobs, EdD, is an internationally recognized expert in curriculum development, vertical planning, modern assessment design, and 21st century strategic planning. Her model for curriculum mapping is used throughout the world.