Authors & Presenters

LeAnn Nickelsen, an author and a former teacher, is an expert on brain research strategies, best practices in literacy, and other high-impact tools that close and prevent gaps in high-poverty schools.

Maria Nielsen, educational speaker and author, specializes in supporting teachers and administrators in the areas of PLCs, RTI, school culture, curriculum design, the highly engaged classroom, and assessment systems. Her life’s work is to help schools build successful systems to ensure high levels of student learning.

Susannah O’Bara is area superintendent for the Denton Independent School District in Texas. She has been an elementary school administrator for more than 15 years.

Ken O’Connor is an independent consultant specializing in grading and reporting. He has been a staff-development presenter and facilitator in 47 US states, nine provinces and one territory in Canada, and in 25 countries outside North America.

Mark Onuscheck is director of curriculum, instruction, and assessment at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Illinois. He is a former English teacher and director of communication arts.

Gib Ostheimer is a high school principal in Wyoming and a former elementary school principal. He has worked with schools on topics including assessment architecture, instructional agility, and school improvement and culture.

Jeffry Overlie is an International Baccalaureate coordinator for Fridley Public Schools in Minnesota. He also works as an adjunct professor of education at Bethel University.

Lucy Pearson, assistant principal at John E. Flynn/A Marzano Academy, brings over a decade of experience as a teacher, special education interventionist, and instructional coach. She is committed to building strong relationships with students and families.

Dan Phelps serves as a dedicated middle school principal in northern Illinois. Dan is deeply committed to advocating for adult and children’s health and wellness, viewing it as a fundamental cornerstone for effective schooling and academic success.

Hannah Polk, EdD, serves as a principal in a large metropolitan school district in Georgia. Her pursuit of excellence is evident as she advocates for high levels of learning for all students. In addition, she is passionate about guiding educators on paths to improve school culture, navigate difficult conversations, and enhance the overall effectiveness of their collaborative teams.