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Jill Christman
Keynote SpeakerJill Christman is a 2020 NEA Prose Fellow and the author of If This Were Fiction: A Love Story in Essays and two memoirs, Darkroom: A Family Exposure (winner of the AWP Prize for CNF) and Borrowed Babies: Apprenticing for Motherhood. Her essays have appeared in magazines such as Brevity, Creative Nonfiction, Fourth Genre, Iron Horse Literary Review, Longreads, and O, The Oprah Magazine. A senior editor for River Teeth: A Journal of Nonfiction Narrative and executive producer of the podcast Indelible: Campus Sexual Violence, she teaches creative nonfiction writing and literary editing at Ball State University.
A graduate of the Robert D. Clark Honors College at the University of Oregon and the MFA program at the University of Alabama, Jill has worked as a cook at a kayak school on the Rogue River in southern Oregon, programmed pixelated birdies to flap in circles as a research assistant in a cognitive psychology lab in Eugene, traveled the Alabama backroads to count potted meats for the USDA, and somewhat more recently, served on the board of the Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP) and taught creative nonfiction writing in Ashland University's low-residency MFA program. She was born during the summer of love in the now defunct Miami Baby Hospital while her older brother watched the largest crocodile in captivity—Cookie—swallow live chickens at the also obsolete Serpentarium.
She lives with her husband, poet Mark Neely, and their two cross-genre teenagers in Muncie, Indiana.
Sarawut Jomnum
Associate Director for Learning Process of Thammasat Secondary SchoolMr. Sarawut, the Associate Director for the Learning Process at Thammasat Secondary School and a dedicated Mathematics teacher, is at the forefront of spearheading the school's shift towards a personalized learning environment. His commitment is instrumental in ensuring that students' educational experiences are individually tailored, fostering their success and supporting teachers in their vital role as learning facilitators.
Chayart (ANN) Kasatepibal
Assistant Director for Academic Affairs and Registration of Thammasat Secondary SchoolChayart Kasatepibal is an English teacher at Thammasat Secondary School. With her master's degree in Learning Science and Innovation from Thammasat University, Thailand, Chayart's passion extends beyond the EFL classroom. Her diverse interests span topics such as student learning, learning reflection, personal development, and parental engagement.
LIDON LASHLEY
Director of University of Guyana Early Childhood Centre of ExcellenceDr Lidon Lashley has been working in the field of teaching and teacher education for the past 21 years. He is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Foundation and Education Management and an immediate past Assistant Dean in the Faculty of Education and Humanities. Dr Lidon Lashley is currently the Director of the University of Guyana’s Early Childhood Centre of Excellence (UG-ECCE). He is the Chairman of the University of Guyana Inclusivity Diversity and Equity Task Force. Lidon is the holder of a Trained Class One Grade One Teachers’ Certificate from Cyril Potter of Education, where he graduated in the top percentile of his cohort. He also returned to the college and lectured for a while. Lidon has a Bachelor of Education (Distinction) from the University of Guyana; Masters of Education (GPA 4.0) - Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Guyana; Masters of Arts - Special and Inclusive Education (Merit) from the University of Roehampton, United Kingdom, and a PhD Special and Inclusive Education (Pass Without Corrections) from the University of Roehampton, United Kingdom. Lidon is a Commonwealth PhD Scholar and a Certified Accounting Technician at the Institute of Commercial Management, United Kingdom. Lidon’s research interests lie in the areas of early childhood education, curriculum development, and special and inclusive education. Dr Lidon Lashley is also the independent author of two books, Guyana’s Child Fighting to Be Free and Computer Aided Instructions In Mathematics. He also co-authored a third book with Dr Michelle Semple-McBean on Sociodramatic Play in Guyana and a Fourth book on Inspirations for the Guyana Conference of Seventh Day Adventists. In addition, Dr Lashley has over twenty-five (25) research papers published in international peer-reviewed academic journals. Dr. Lidon Lashley and Dr. Michelle Semple-McBean created the Mock Teaching Model utilized by the University of Guyana and Cyril Potter College of Education for Teachers’ Practicum. Dr. Lashley also has written several technical reports on education development in Guyana. He co-led the team that wrote the University of Guyana’s Inclusivity, Diversity, and Equity Policy. Dr Lashley designed the Southern Inclusion Framework and the Inclusive Education Checker. As an educator, Dr Lashley continues to pioneer special and inclusive education innovations in Guyana.
Antero Hietamäki
Administrative Head / Principal at University of Jyvaskyla / Teacher training schoolAdministrative Head / Principal at the University of Jyväskylä, Teacher Training School in Finland.
Experienced principal with a demonstrated history of working in the education management industry.
Cameile Henry
Professor at Sheridan CollegeCameile Henry is a Professor and Program Coordinator of the Early Childhood Education (ECE) at Sheridan Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning, where she has served for over 12 years. Prior to her joining the ECE program team at Sheridan, she was an ECE at George Brown College for 15 years. She is a facilitator for Circle of Security, an international program that supports parents and primary care providers with the tools to enhance building strong attachments with their children in their care. She was also featured in an article by the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Ontario, ‘My Educational Journey: From ECE Diploma to Master’s Degree’. Cameile’s interest in the global development of ECE played a role in the creation of two international practicum partnerships in Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, in the Caribbean. Through these initiatives Cameile has developed a strong understanding of cultural dynamics for students and educators that has benefitted children and families in diverse cultural and ethnic settings.
Natalie Baez Martinez
Technology Integration Teacher at University of Puerto Rico Elementary SchoolProf. Natalie Baez Martinez is the current technology integration teacher at the UPR Laboratory School. She has worked as a teaching assistant and is a former student-teacher at the school. She is a doctoral student in the Technology and Curriculum program and has given various workshops about technology tools to college professors.
Katrina Bartow Jacobs
Associate Professor of Practice/Falk Research Coordinator at University of PittsburghDr. Katrina Bartow Jacobs is an associate professor of practice of Language, Literacy, and Culture within the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Leading. She is also the Research Coordinator at Falk Laboratory School, a K-8 school affiliated with the School of Education. Her current work focuses on the intersections of practice, theory, and policy; the ways that children take up issues of gender and identity during the reading of texts; and the use of research as a framework for change that centers teachers and students as producers of knowledge about teaching and learning.
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Mika Antola
Vice Principal at University of Jyväskylä Teacher Training SchoolVice Principal at University of Jyväskylä, Teacher Training School, Upper Secondary School. Long time coordinator of subject teacher training. Long time experience about development of Finnish school system and teacher education.
George Ashley
Associate Professor at Eastern Kentucky UniversityDr. George Ashley is an Associate Professor of Social Work at Eastern Kentucky University where he currently serves as the MSW Director of Field Education. He has over 25 years of extensive experience in social work practice, and higher education where he has served in numerous administrative capacities including Chair, Assistant Vice President of Academic Administration, and Vice President of Academic Administration. His research interests include critical Black issues, minority health and wellness, human sexuality. He enjoys conducting professional workshops and consultation on topics such as: improving children and youth relationships, behaviour management, critical Black issues and marriage and the family.
Jean Bird
Educator at Children's School - CMUJean Thompson Bird grew up in Pittsburgh and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in Child Development. She taught in the Children’s School for seven years directly out of college. Jean continued to work part-time for CMU in the Center for University Outreach DASH project (Developmental Approaches to Science, Health, and Technology), all the while staying connected to the Children's School as a parent and substitute teacher. She returned to the Children's School staff twenty years ago and has continued to teach the Older 4’s class full time since 2005. Music, woodworking, science, and exploring books and stories are some of Jean’s favorite activities to do with children. Jean also serves on the board of the International Association of Laboratory Schools (IALS).
Maggie Bittel
Learning Specialist at Campus School of Smith CollegeMaggie Bittel is the K-3 Learning Specialist at the Campus School of Smith College in Northampton, MA. She received an Educational Specialist degree from Bay Path University in June of this year, with a focus on structured language instruction and multisensory reading intervention. Maggie has had many roles at the Campus School since she arrived as a classroom teacher in 2006, but has primarily worked as a second-grade teacher with a passion for literacy instruction, social justice education, and social-emotional community building. Maggie was a teacher at the Bank Street School for Children while earning her M.S.Ed in Elementary Education from Bank Street College and holds a B.A. from Vassar College. She sees reading access as a matter of equity and believes in the power of collaboration to support students of all ages.
Chriss Bogert
Vice Principal at Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study Laboratory SchoolChriss Bogert is the Vice-Principal at the Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study Laboratory School (JICS), University of Toronto. Chriss graduated from the teacher education program at JICS in 1994 and has since been an educator, parent, and administrator at the Lab School. She first taught Junior Kindergarten for the Lab School at the University of Western Ontario, and worked as a supply teacher for public schools, before returning to teach the Nursery program at JICS. Chriss was the Teacher Librarian and Technology Integrator for 5 years, and also served as Vice President and President on the JICS Parents’ Association. A long-time proponent of the importance of supporting educational research, Chriss has served as the research coordinator for many years, and chairs the Child Research Review Committee for the Lab School. She has been dedicated in her role as Vice Principal to fulfill the purpose of the lab school through seeking out and supporting collaborations with other researchers and educators. Chriss is also a student in the EdD in Child Study and Education program at JICS studying how to best foster engagement and motivation with learning, through a children’s rights lens.
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Karen Burgard
Associate Professor at Texas A&M University - San AntonioDr. Karen Burgard is an Associate Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Texas A&M – San Antonio. In this position, she prepares future teachers for their diverse classrooms in central and south Texas.
Argie Campbell
4th Grade Supervising Instructor at Kilby Laboratory School/Florence CityMrs. Argie Campbell is a 4th grade supervising teacher at Kilby Laboratory School affiliated with the University of North Alabama where is also an adjunct professor of Social Studies for Elementary Education. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Human Development from Samford University, Master of Arts in Teaching with a license in Middle Grades from Christian Brothers University, and an Education Specialist degree in Teacher Leader from University of North Alabama. Her research interests include curriculum development and integration, social studies and social justice education, and mentoring pre-service teachers.
Victoria Carr
Professor & Executive Director of Arlitt Center for Education, Research, & Sustainability, University of CIncinnatiDr. Victoria Carr is a Professor of Early Childhood Education and Developmental and Learning Sciences at the University of Cincinnati. She is also the Executive Director of the Arlitt Center for Education, Research, & Sustainability, home of the university’s 97-year-old laboratory preschool. She leads the Nature-Based Early Learning focus in the early childhood program and coordinates the Education for Sustainability certificate. She serves as Co-Editor for the Children, Youth & Environments journal and is an active member of the Transnational Dialogues on Early Childhood Education for Sustainability. Dr. Carr’s research on play and learning environments, teacher pedagogies, and children’s experiences in nature have been supported by the National Science Foundation, Administration for Children, Youth, and Families, and private foundations.
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Meenakshi Dahal
Kathmandu University School of EducationMeenakshi Dahal, PhD, Associate Professor, Kathmandu University School of Education and a Free Lance consultant (Education/ Early Child development) from Nepal.
She is a policy researcher, early child development expert and child rights advocate. Her research interests focus on child rights, child development, trauma and resilience, instructional design and quality of education. She has written a book, chapters in various books and articles in national and international journals. She has received recognition as an “Emerging Leader”.
Zoe Donoahue
grade 4/5 teacher at Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study Lab SchoolZoe Donoahue teaches grade 4/5 at the Jackman Institute of Child Study Lab School at the University of Toronto. She has an interest in mathematics education, particularly the role of discourse in math
learning.
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Socorro Garcia
Professor at Texas A&M University - San AntonioSocorro García-Alvarado is an Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University, San Antonio. García-Alvarado has professional experience in elementary education, as a monolingual, bilingual teacher, and administrator. Her area of focus is early childhood education (ECE). Garcia-Alvarado’s research interests involve using culturally relevant children’s literature within the content, with culturally and linguistically diverse learners.
Nigel Goodfellow
Grade 5 Teacher at The Mabin SchoolNigel Goodfellow teaches Grade 5 at the Mabin School. Nigel is an ISTE and Google certified educator. He has additional qualifications in reading, math, and special education. Nigel is particularly passionate about Universal Design for Learning, structured word inquiry, social-emotional learning, technology integration, executive functioning, and agency.
Jilian Green
Teacher/Librarian and Teaching, Learning, Curriculum Coach at The Mabin SchoolJillian Green is Teacher Librarian and Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Coach at the Mabin School in Toronto, Ontario. She completed her M.A. in Child Study and Education from the University of Toronto Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the Institute of Child Study Laboratory School. She earned her B.A. with honours from the University of King’s College in Halifax, Nova Scotia with a double major in History and Contemporary Studies. Jillian is passionate about creating knowledge building communities and designing emergent curriculum to inspire students.
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Gillian Gregory
Program Director of Florida State UniversityGillian Stewart Gregory has worked in K-12 education for over 25 years. In her current role, at Florida State University, Gillian brokers Research Practice Partnerships between the FSU Lab Schools, Researchers, and additional school districts over a broad geographical area. She has created these partnerships, extending the reach of faculty research beyond the four walls of the traditional laboratory school, amplifying innovation across of variety of settings.
Melinda Hammerschmidt
Dr. Hammerschmidt Instructor at Greenwood Laboratory SchoolMelinda Hammerschmidt, Ph.D. is a First Grade Instructor at Greenwood Laboratory School in the College of Education at Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri. When not teaching, Melinda enjoys spending time with her husband of 41 years, her three sons, their significant others, and her little granddaughters. Learning should be lifelong journey filled with fun, challenging and engaging
adventures.
Casey Harper
Casey Harper is a junior at Shippensburg University studying in Early Childhood and Special Education with a minor in Disabilities Studies. She is a current Student Worker at Grace B. Luhrs University Elementary School. On campus, she is involved in Concert Choir, Madrigal Singers, acts as a co-runner for the GBLUES Big Buddy Program, participates as a peer mentor for the Ship SAILS/Hire Me Program, and serves a Peer Teacher Leader.
Brandy Haughey
1st/2nd Grade Teacher at Horace Mann Laboratory SchoolBrandy Haughey is 1st/2nd grade multi-age classroom co-teacher at Horace Mann Laboratory School on the campus of Northwest Missouri State University. Brandy has co-taught in single grade, multi-age and multi-grade classrooms. She has taught in four different states and every grade level kindergarten through eighth grade. She has worked in the lab school setting for 8 years. She has a Masters degree in reading.
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Madalyn Helfer
Madalyn Helfer is a junior at Shippensburg University studying Early Childhood Education (PreK-4) with a minor in Reading. She is a current Student Worker at Grace B. Luhrs University Elementary School. On campus, she is involved in Concert Choir and serves as the Choir Librarian, Kappa Delta Pi Education Honors Society, Phi Sigma Sigma Sorority, acts as a co-runner of the GBLUES Buddy Program, and serves as a Peer Teacher Leaders.
Carissa Johnston
Lead Preschool Teacher at URI's Dr. Pat Feinstein Child Development CenterCJ Johnston is an Early Childhood Educator who has been in the field since approximately 2008. CJ has worked almost exclusively in a laboratory school setting for the duration of her career, first at the Henry Barnard School at Rhode Island College and now at the Dr. Pat Feinstein Child Development Center at the University of Rhode Island. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and Child Development, a MAT in Elementary Education, and M. Ed. in Early Childhood Education. Her areas of research include mindfulness in early childhood education and DEI for Preschool educators. She was also awarded an Early Childhood Educator of Excellence award by PBS in 2021. She lives with her fiance in Swansea, MA with her big blended family of six children, many fur babies, and lots of land.
Laura King
Associate Professor at Horace Mann Laboratory SchoolLaura King is the Director of the Horace Mann Laboratory School and the Phyllis and Richard Leet Center for Children and Families located on the campus of Northwest Missouri State University. She also supervises practicum coursework of teacher candidates in elementary and early childhood education. Her research interests include co-teaching, multiage education, and foundational reading concepts.
Eric Kirkman
Director/Assistant Professor of Kilby Laboratory School/Florence CityDr. Eric Kirkman is an assistant professor and Director of The Kilby Laboratory School located at the University of North Alabama. He also serves the community by sitting on several civic boards and engaging in service work as a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Dr. Kirkman also served as the Chairman of the NCAA Transition Team for the University of North Alabama as they recently transitioned to a NCAA Division I institution.
Dr. Kirkman’s professional experience spans over 23 years, serving as a choral and band director, a career tech director, a vice principal and a principal at the elementary, secondary and collegiate levels. Under his leadership, his schools and programs have been recognized state-wide and nationally for excellence and achievement. Such distinctions include Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School of Excellence, The International Laboratory School Outstanding Laboratory School of the Year Award, and the CLAS School of Distinction Award. Lastly, Dr. Kirkman is the husband of Dr. Tera Kirkman, and they have two sons, Jalen and Justin.
Leslie Kochanowski
Director of Research & Initiatives at University of Cincinnati/Arlitt CenterDr. Leslie Kochanowski is the Director of Research & Initiatives at the Arlitt Center for Education, Research & Sustainability at the University of Cincinnati. In this role, she supports teachers at the Arlitt Child Development Center and contributes to a variety of research and community-based projects. Her research interests involve the intersection between play, creativity and inquiry, high-level teacher practices (including practitioner research), early childhood education for sustainability (ECEfS), and the design of early learning environments. She is an active member of the UC Reggio Study Group and Managing Editor for the international peer-reviewed journal, Children, Youth, and Environments.
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Rachel Konerman
Professional Development Coordinator at Arlitt Center for Education, Research, & Sustainability, University of CIncinnatiRachel Konerman is the professional development coordinator for the Arlitt Center for Education, Research, and Sustainability at the University of Cincinnati. She holds an MA in Educational Studies and has been in the field of Early Childhood Education for over 20 years in the roles of classroom teacher, undergraduate instructor, teacher trainer, grant collaborator and advocate. Her interests include exploring the processes of creativity and inquiry in teaching and learning, nature-based early childhood education, and child and teacher mental health. She is passionate about amplifying the voices of young children and their educators. Her work has been featured in publications including Teaching Young Children, Early Childhood Research and Practice, and Children, Youth and Environments and through presentations at local, state, national, and international conferences.
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Brent McBride
Professor & Director, Child Development Laboratory of University of Illinois at Urbana/ChampaignBrent McBride is a Professor of Human Development and Family Studies and is the Director of the Child Development Laboratory at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. His research interests include antecedents and consequences of father involvement, and the role child care contexts play in influencing obesity during the early childhood years.
Lauren McGuire
Learning Strategies Teacher and Coordinator at The Mabin SchoolLauren McGuire has worked in the field of Learning Strategies for over ten years, supporting students and teachers, and providing reading intervention through the Empower Program. Lauren has a specialist in Special Education and a passion for teaching and learning. She has a Master’s degree in Literature from Boston University and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto (OISE). Lauren has additional qualifications in Reading as well as Librarianship. She loves to figure out exactly how kids learn, and support them to understand themselves as learners.
Barbara Meyer
Associate Professor at Illinois State UniversityDr. Barbara Meyer is an Associate Professor in the School of Teaching & Learning at Illinois State University, Normal IL, USA. She served as Acting Director for the Illinois State University Laboratory Schools from June 2020 until June 2022. She also served as Associate Dean for the College of Education from 2014-2022. She teaches courses in Secondary Teacher Education Methods and her research focus is on University Laboratory Schools in the United States.
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Monica Miller Marsh
Executive Director of Kent State University Child Development CenterMonica Miller Marsh is an Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education and the Executive Director of the Kent State University Child Development Center. Her research interests include family, school, community collaboration, teacher and student identities, and curriculum development.
Evelyn Mocherman
Ball State UniversitySince joining the Burris Faculty in 2014 as a member of the Mathematics Department, Mrs. Mocherman has loved being in an environment where students and faculty support and encourage each other through both struggles and successes! Some of her most rewarding experiences in teaching have been watching students push through their mental block when it comes to understanding mathematical concepts. It is a privilege to be a part of the moment when a student realizes they can put into practice the skills learned together to solve what used to be an unsolvable problem, building confidence in their own abilities.
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Elizabeth DeMartino Newton
Director of UTK Early Learning Center for Research and PracticeElizabeth DeMartino Newton is the Director of the Early Learning Center for Research and Practice at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She serves as a Lecturer within the Department of Child and Family Studies. Her work focuses on teacher education, coaching pedagogy, and reflective learning contexts for both pre-service and in-service early childhood educators.
Michael Odell
Professor at University of Texas at TylerMichael Odell is a Professor of STEM Education and holds the Sam and Celia Roosth Chair in the College of Education and Psychology. He holds appointments in the School of Education and the College of Engineering. He is the Co-Founder of the University Academy Laboratory Schools and serves on the School Board. He also provides oversight for the UA Curriculum. He is the Co-Director of the UTeach STEM Teacher Preparation program and the Co-Director of the Ed.D. in School Improvement Program. His research interests are Education Policy, Sustainable Education, PBL, School Improvement, and STEM Education. Dr. Odell holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Indiana University.
Iyanuoluwa Olalowo
Doctoral Research Assistant at Kent State University Child Development CenterIyanuoluwa Emmanuel Olalowo is a Ph.D. student of Curriculum and Instruction at Kent State University and serves as a Graduate Research Assistant at the Child Development Center. His current research focuses on the preparation, recruitment, and professional development of early childhood education teachers for/from underrepresented groups. He is the founder of the Foundation for Rural Education and Empowerment (FREE-NGO) in Nigeria.
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Ann Rossmiller
Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at Arlitt Center for Education, Research, & Sustainability, University of CIncinnatiDr. Ann Rossmiller is a Post-Doctoral Researcher at the Arlitt Center for Education, Research, & Sustainability at the University of Cincinnati. Her dissertation research examined the relationship between preadolescents' sustainable mindsets and their early experiences in nature. She holds expertise in statistics, quantitative, and mixed methods research with a focus on applied studies related to environmental education. She has conducted research on an NSF supported STEM in the Playscape study and taught college courses on children's environments and education for environmental sustainability. She serves as Special Projects Editor for the Children, Youth & Environments Journal.
Tara Rousseau
Visual Arts Teacher at Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study Lab School, OISE, University of TorontoTara has been the Visual Arts teacher at the Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study since 2009. She has been on the board of the National Art Education Association's (NAEA) LGBTQ+ Interest Group since 2017, and is currently serving the second of a two-year term as Co-president of that group. Tara also has a background in journalism, and teaching both English as a Second Language and Core French.
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James Royal
Executive Headteacher at Blackrod Church SchoolJames Royal; an executive headteacher of over 20 years senior Leadership experience in UK schools, having been the CEO of a Multi Academy Trust, led national Methodist church school provision in England and currently also the Chair of Governors at Shevington High School, working very closely with Julian Grant and his team.
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Robyn Seglem
Professor at Illinois State UniversityDr. Robyn Seglem is a Professor in the School of Teaching and Learning at Illinois State University. She taught middle and high school ELA for nine years, is a nationally board- certified teacher, and serves as a co-editor of the journal Voices from the Middle. Her research interests center around literacy, technology, and inquiry through an equity lens.
Mary Shields
Resource Teacher at Horace Mann Laboratory School/Northwest Missouri State UniversityMary Shields is a teacher at the Horace Mann Laboratory School at Northwest Missouri State University. Mrs. Shields has worked as a resource teacher and librarian at Horace Mann for over ten years. She is currently working to complete her doctoral coursework at the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Cheryl Slattery
Professor of Teacher Education at Shippensburg UniversityCheryl Slattery is a Professor of Teacher Education at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, specializing in Literacy. She has been teaching in higher education for twenty-one years. Dr. Slattery’s university coursework includes, most notably, reading measures and intervention, multilingual learners, and advanced diagnosis and assessment in literacy. Her research interests include best practices in the classroom, home-school-community partnerships and family literacy, school readiness, as well as factors such as poverty that directly contaminate student achievement. During her tenure, she has worked collaboratively with undergraduate pre-service teachers, graduate in-service teachers, local and regional school districts, and the Grace B. Luhrs University Elementary Laboratory School, to impart best practices in literacy instruction and intervention.
Rebecca Smith
Assistant Professor at University of North AlabamaDr. Rebecca Smith is an assistant professor of elementary education at the University of North Alabama. She teaches Math methods, Assessment, Technology, and STEAM classes to undergraduate and graduate students at UNA. Her research interests include mentoring novice teachers, math anxiety in pre-service teachers, and STEAM integration. Dr. Smith has been in education for over twenty years. She obtained her doctorate degree from the University of Mississippi.
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Krista Spence
Teacher-Librarian, Technology Integrator, and Land-based Resource Teacher at Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study Lab School, OISE, University of TorontoKrista Spence is a Teacher-Librarian, Technology Integrator, and Land-based Resource Teacher at the Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study Lab school. She constantly searches out opportunities to learn from Indigenous educators, Elders, and artists. She is passionate about connecting students with authentic Indigenous voices, learning through relationship, restoring land, and developing a connection to place.
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Kristi Sutter
Instructional Facilitator at ISU Laboratory SchoolsKristi Sutter is the Instructional Facilitator at Metcalf Laboratory School.
With 29 years of teaching experience, Kristi has experience coaching and co-teaching to amplify interdisciplinary learning throughout Illinois. Her passion is coaching novice and experienced teachers as they rethink teaching and learning.
Laura Tiktin-Sharick
Assistant Head of School at Campus School of Smith CollegeLaura Tiktin-Sharick is the Assistant Head of School at the Campus School of Smith College in Northampton, MA. Prior to this, her teaching and leadership experience was in the New York City Department of Education. Laura has served as an assistant principal, an instructional coach, and an elementary school teacher. Laura earned a B.A. from Wesleyan University, M.S.Ed. in Childhood Education from CUNY Brooklyn College, and Ed.M. in Leadership for Educational Change from Bank Street College of Education. Laura is a progressive educator and school leader who believes in the power of authentic collaboration among children and adults as a critical way to create dynamic teaching and learning communities.
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Mary Beth Wright
Director of University of CincinnatiMary Beth Wright holds an MA in Educational Studies and has been in the field of early childhood education over 18 years. She began her career as a preschool teacher at the Arlitt Child Development Center and has served as the Director of the lab school since 2011. Mary Beth has taught courses for the University of Cincinnati ECE program and worked on many grants and special projects including the writing of Arlitt Instructional Media materials. She has presented at state and local conferences, has been featured in ECE media programming, and has served on boards dedicated to advancing and supporting the field of ECE.
Christian Timo Zenke
Assistant Professor at Bielefeld UniversityDr Christian Timo Zenke is an Assistant Professor at Bielefeld University’s Faculty of Educational Science. In his work at the Laboratory School Research Unit, he collaborates with teachers from Laborschule Bielefeld in various research and development projects on inclusion, democratic education, and classroom design. He is also the initiator of the EU-funded Erasmus+ project LabSchoolsEurope: Participatory Research for Democratic Education.