Authors & Presenters

Dr. Dawn Brooks DeCosta, EdD, is a distinguished educator and leader, currently serving as the deputy superintendent for Harlem Community School District 5. She is a renowned advocate for culturally responsive teaching and social-emotional learning.

Donyall D. Dickey, EdD, is a nationally recognized authority on curriculum, instruction, organizational development, and district improvement. He has over 20 years of experience as an educational leader, guiding the way for educators to see enhanced student achievement and school improvement.

Tom Driscoll is CEO of EdTechTeacher and a nationally renowned speaker and author working with over 250 client schools and organizations. Tom specializes in digital learning, civic education, and school leadership.

Micki Evans is a writer, education consultant, and co-founder of the learning organization and consultancy PBL Path. Her work focuses on transformative liberatory teaching practices.

Geoffrey Fenelus is a dedicated and visionary leader in education with over a decade of experience across traditional school districts and charter networks.

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.

Jillayne Flanders the executive director of the Center for Educational Improvement, a nonprofit organization focused on supporting mindful and compassionate schools with heart-centered, trauma-informed practices. She has taught graduate classes at Westfield State University, supervised student teachers at Mount Holyoke College, and lectured at Boston University, Springfield College, Boston College, and Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Ari Gerzon-Kessler is a sought-after speaker and professional learning provider working with schools and districts committed to forging stronger school-family partnerships. He’s presented at national and international conferences and his writings have been featured in a variety of educational publications.

Emily L. Gibson, EdD, is a teacher-consultant with the Redwood Writing Project, providing professional development in writing and literacy instruction for K–college teachers in Humboldt County.

Mark Anthony Gooden, PhD, is a Christian Johnson Endeavor professor of education leadership at Teachers College, Columbia University. Dr. Gooden has spent over two decades in higher education developing and teaching courses in culturally responsive leadership, race, law, and research methods.