Authors & Presenters

Darcy Kraus is an independent educational consultant with over 37 years of experience specializing in building- and district-level leadership.

Gearl Loden is the superintendent of Nixa Public Schools. Under Dr. Loden’s leadership, Nixa Public Schools has been recognized as a Model PLC at Work® district and includes multiple Model PLC at Work schools.

Ryan Mahn is currently the assistant principal at a K–6 STEAM elementary school. He is passionate about fostering innovative learning environments, STEAM education, and transforming school culture to prepare students for a bright future.

Thomas W. Many, EdD, dedicated his life's work to helping teachers, administrators, school boards, parents, and other education stakeholders. He focused his passion for school improvement on organizational leadership, implementation and change, and Professional Learning Communities at Work® strategies and concepts

With more than 35 years of experience as an educator, Peter Marshall most recently served as a school administrator and in a central office position as the principal for leadership and staff development.

Terri L. Martin, EdD, is executive vice president of business development at Solution Tree and Marzano Resources. She has experience as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal, adjunct professor, and director of school improvement initiatives.

Robert J. Marzano, PhD, is cofounder and chief academic officer of Marzano Resources in Denver, Colorado. A leading researcher in education, he is a speaker, trainer, and author of more than 50 books and 200 articles.

Ken Mattingly is a retired classroom teacher with 27 years of experience. He has implemented classroom assessment for student learning for the past 15 years.

Emily McClain lived and led the work of professional learning communities as an elementary school teacher, school and district instructional coach, and district literacy specialist. She continues her passion by supporting districts and schools across the nation as a coach, presenter, and author.

Carissa R. McCray, PhD, is an English instructor in K–12 education who has worked in Duval County and rural Sumter County, Florida. She has refined her craft to focus on redefining the educational trajectory for students of color.