Authors & Presenters

Cassandra Erkens is an education expert and the author of several books. Additionally, she is a facilitator, a trainer of trainers, an educator, and a coach. Her work focuses on educational topics, including assessment, instruction, leadership, school improvement, and professional learning communities.

Tom Hierck has been an educator since 1983 in a career that has spanned all grade levels. He has been a teacher, an administrator, a district leader, a department of education project leader, and an executive director.

Phillip Page, EdD, is superintendent of the Bartow County School System in Georgia. He is a former middle school and high school principal and assistant superintendent. Under his leadership, the school system was named a Model PLC District.

Douglas Reeves, PhD, has worked with education, business, nonprofit, and government organizations throughout the world. He is the author of more than 30 books and more than 100 articles on leadership and organizational effectiveness.

Tom Schimmer is an author and a speaker with expertise in assessment, grading, leadership, and behavioral support. He is a former district-level leader, school administrator, and teacher.

Jeanne Spiller is assistant superintendent for teaching and learning for Kildeer Countryside District 96 in Illinois. Her work focuses on implementation of the Common Core State Standards.

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.