Maria has spent 20 years developing techniques to support guided reading and writing in the classroom. She has also created materials to support differentiated learning. Maria has worked as a consultant, staff development coordinator, and national workshop presenter. She believes in sharing information that will refresh and motivate the reflective teacher.

Suzi is a kindergarten teacher, literacy coach, and former PreK Director who presents at the local, state, national, and international levels. During her presentations, she offers a wealth of teacher tested strategies that are practical, popular, and inspiring. Her energetic approach to instruction motivates educators to continue their learning. Suzi co-authored the 2003 Teacher’s Choice Award Winner, So Much Stuff, So Little Space.

Peggy has over 40 years experience as a speech/language pathologist, administrator, and educational consultant. She has presented professional development workshops for over 15 years to staff and administrators at schools and conferences. She is skilled at breaking concepts down so that they can be easily understood. She teaches strategies that attendees can immediately put into practice. When Peggy advises parents, they quickly and easily learn how to advocate for their own children. Peggy is the author of a variety of educational materials and a book written for pre-teens called The Path To Popularity.

Dr. DeMeo is a developmental school psychologist currently coordinating mental health services for Cincinnati Public Schools’ Early Childhood Program. He has presented for several national organizations, including ASCD and the National Head Start Association. Dr. DeMeo is one of the most sought after trainers in the area of mental health. He is the author of several books, including Managing the Angry and Aggressive Child, Discipline with the Brain in Mind, and The Bullying Student.

Lori is an energetic, passionate, National Board Certified (former) teacher and trainer. She has taught students in first through fourth grades and uses her daily classroom experience to enhance her session presentations. Lori believes that integrating technology into instruction is a powerful way to enrich teaching and motivate students.

Jim has emerged as the nation's Spokesperson for School Success with a dedicated mission to stop school failure. An internationally-renowned educator and popular speaker, he offers practical instructional strategies to help all students learn. Jim is the author of many popular professional books, including the best selling, Differentiated Instruction: Different Strategies for Different Learners and Differentiating Textbooks and his latest release, Death of Common Sense in Our Schools And What YOU Can Do About It!

Kathy is a National Board certified early childhood education specialist with over 15 years of elementary teaching experience. She was her district’s Teacher of the Year for 2008 and has twice been nominated for Disney Teacher of the Year. Kathy is highly skilled at differentiating instruction in the early childhood classroom.

Jack is a published author and nationally renowned children’s songwriter and musician. Each year, Jack captivates tens of thousands of parents, teachers, and children with his unique workshops, keynotes, and concerts. He has hosted the award winning children’s cable TV program, Kid’s Place, and is the founder and president of Hop2It Music™ and Press.

Kim is a former kindergarten teacher and North Carolina’s Teacher of the Year. For over 15 years, she has conducted hundreds of trainings at local, state, national, and international conferences. Kim is a Mentor and Lead Kindergarten Teacher. Since 2000, she has been a Teacher Voice on National Governing Boards.

Melissa is a highly energetic presenter who is dedicated to helping teachers implement balanced literacy best practices in their early grade classrooms. She is knowledgeable, creative, and passionate about inspiring teachers to do their best every day for every student. Melissa’s idea packed sessions allow you to hear strategies and tips today, and put them into practice tomorrow!

Lisa, the Ooey Gooey Lady®, has been a PreK and kindergarten educator in a variety of environments for over 15 years. She is committed to showing teachers how play based activities get children ready for school. A dynamic and passionate speaker, Lisa is the author of The Ooey Gooey® Handbook: Identifying and Creating Child Centered Environments, PLAY...The Foundation That supports the House of Higher Learning, and Even More Fizzle Bubble Pop and WOW! Simple Science for Young Children!

Pat is an exciting classroom innovator and speaker. With over 16 years of classroom experience, she consistently earns high marks for her creative strategies, straightforward style, and real life answers to challenging issues. Pat is also the author of a variety of popular professional books.

Tim is a professor at Kent State University, an editor for the Journal of Literacy Research, and a former board member of the International Reading Association. His interests include phonics, reading instruction, teacher development, and working with struggling readers. A prolific author, Tim has written numerous articles and books on effective reading instruction. He is a recent inductee into the Reading Hall of Fame.

Sandi is a National Board Certified educator and an energetic presenter. She has spent her many years as a Kindergarten teacher developing new strategies and original materials for reaching each child’s needs. Sandi believes that children must learn discipline, responsibility, and self worth in order to accomplish goals and succeed in both school and life.

Anni’s 20 years of classroom teaching experience have spanned kindergarten through eighth grade. She is a passionate educator who brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in math curriculum design and implementation to her role as presenter. Currently an eighth grade math teacher, Anni believes in building on math concepts to enhance language and understanding.