Authors & Presenters

Stephanie Kraft currently serves as an assistant principal of White River High School, which has been a Model PLC in Washington State since 2016. Previously, she served as a high school and middle school social studies teacher.

Debra Lane, EdD, has been a teacher and administrator for more than 30 years in the United States and abroad. She has led several schools as principal, including Shanghai American School, one of the world's leading international schools.

Benjamin Luis is assistant superintendent of Lemoore Union Elementary School District in California. He specializes in building capacity in leaders and collaborative teacher teams through the professional learning communities (PLC) process and positive school culture.

Michael J. Maffoni, an educator since 1987, has a diverse background that includes experience as a teacher, principal, and central administrator in a variety of districts in Colorado. He also teaches courses in educational leadership as an affiliate faculty member at Regis University.

Nathan Manley serves as the assistant superintendent of instruction in the Neosho School District. During his nearly 20 years of experience, Nathan has also been a classroom teacher and principal, leading the development of five different professional learning community school recognitions.

Thomas W. Many, EdD, works with teachers, administrators, school boards, parents, and other education stakeholders on organizational leadership, implementation and change, and Professional Learning Communities at Work™ strategies and concepts.

Gail Markin is a counselor and teacher who has worked to support health and well-being across British Columbia. She began her career as a social worker, family counselor, and parent educator.

Michael McDowell, EdD, is the superintendent of the Ross School District in California. A prolific author and presenter, Dr. McDowell is recognized as one of the leading authorities on integrating innovative and impactful practices into schools.

Janelle McLaughlin is a former curriculum director for Manchester Community Schools in Indiana. Her experiences range from job-embedded coaching to leading reflective collaborations and facilitating action-plan development.

Jay McTighe brings a wealth of experience developed during a rich and varied career in education. He served as director of the Maryland Assessment Consortium, a state collaboration of school districts working together to develop and share formative performance assessments.