Myron Dueck frequently visits schools, conferences, districts, parent meetings, not-for-profits, and industry around the world to share his 25 years of practitioner and leadership experience. He helps individuals and groups generate ideas and navigate issues surrounding standards-based grading, assessment, reporting, student voice, technology (such as AI), and change. Myron's keynotes, sessions, and full-day workshops focus on balancing theory and research with tools and ideas.

Myron's published work includes numerous journal articles and his two best-selling books, Grading Smarter, Not Harder– Assessment Strategies that Motivate Kids and Help Them Learn (ASCD, 2014) and Giving Students a Say! Smarter Assessment Practices to Empower and Engage. 

Myron and his family live in Summerland, British Columbia (BC), Canada. Over the past decade, Myron has been immersed in BC’s educational changes –such as the recent introduction of a new proficiency scale, student self-reflection, and student goal setting.

Safe and Civil Schools

Jacob Edwards began his career in education, teaching chemistry and biology in the inner city of Los Angeles. Fueled by the belief that all students deserved an equal and quality education, he began to broaden his impact as an educator. For over 12 years, he worked in a variety of secondary schools, serving as both a teacher and administrator in middle and high schools across a variety of socioeconomic contexts.

Jacob's most recent work was serving as a middle and high school building administrator with Green Dot Public Schools, a nonprofit public charter management organization in California. He served as the founding principal of the first Green Dot Middle School in Watts and led transformation efforts at the first Green Dot Middle School in Memphis, TN. During that time, he led the schoolwide implementation of positive behavior supports for classrooms and individuals.

Dr. Glenn Maleyko became the State Superintendent of Public Instruction on December 8, 2025. He brings more than 30 years of experience in public education and previously served as Superintendent of Dearborn Public Schools for 10 successful years. Under his leadership, Dearborn reached an all-time high graduation rate of more than 95% and earned six National Blue Ribbon School Awards along with recognition as one of the top districts in Michigan.

Dr. Maleyko was named the 2019 Michigan Superintendent of the Year and has served in statewide and national leadership roles, including President of the Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators and member of the National Superintendent Governing Board for the AASA, The School Superintendents Association.

He is recognized for his strong commitment to students, to equity, and to continuous improvement. Dr. Maleyko holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Wayne State University, is a frequent state and national presenter, and is known for his Students First approach to leadership.

Robert A. Dietzel joined Thrun Law Firm in 2008. Before joining the firm, Rob was an assistant attorney general with the Michigan Department of Attorney General. He represented the Governor, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the State Board of Education, the Michigan Department of Education, the Michigan Administrative Hearing System, and the Michigan School for the Deaf.

With extensive experience in both administrative law and litigation, Rob regularly represents public school clients in state and federal courts; in the Tenure Commission; and in other state and federal tribunals on diverse school-related matters, including special education and pupil accounting. Rob has also successfully represented clients in jury trials and in Michigan's appellate courts.

Rob regularly presents to public school officials on special education, disability rights, and general school law. He is the author of a published law review article on school vouchers.

In 2006, Attorney General Mike Cox awarded Rob the Excellence in Opinion Draftsmanship award.

Rob enjoys spending time with his two daughters, Katharine and Caroline.

Director of Government Relations, MASA

Matt Schueller oversees the advocacy and public relations arm of the Association, including lobbying at both the state and federal levels, and representing MASA on various external committees and workgroups. Matt is no stranger to downtown Lansing and the Michigan Legislature, especially when it comes to education- and budget-related matters. Prior to coming on board, Matt was with the Legislative Service Bureau, a nonpartisan service agency that is part of the Michigan Legislative Council. He also previously served as Legislative Director at Acuitas, a multi-client lobby firm in Lansing, as a Senior Policy Advisor in the Michigan House of Representatives, and as Policy Director for former State Representative Greg MacMaster. Matt also spent time as a litigation associate at the Morgan Melhuish Abrutyn law firm in New Jersey. Matt holds a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Michigan and earned his Juris Doctor from Seton Hall University, where he was also the Associate Editor of the Seton Hall Journal of Sports and Entertainment Law. 

Michigan Department of Education 

Scott Hutchins is the Supervisor of the School Behavioral Health Unit at the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) in the Office of Health and Safety. Scott also served as the School Mental Health and Medicaid Consultant at MDE prior to accepting his current position. Scott is a life-long learner committed to servant leadership with a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Eastern Michigan University and a Bachelor's Degree from Michigan State University in Elementary Education. Prior to MDE, Scott worked as a teacher and administrator for 20 years in various K-12 settings, including general education, special education, urban, suburban, and rural, and these experiences have provided him with a diverse perspective that informs all his work. Given that experience, he has seen firsthand the devastating effect of poor behavioral health care for students and the disparities that exist between the advantaged and disadvantaged. Scott is mindful of the unearned benefits he has received because of a systemic structure that grants privileges to some people and withholds them from others. Scott embraces diversity and understands he has a responsibility to work daily to combat discrimination and promote the worth of everyone. Scott is passionate about being a champion for ALL learners and is driven by a commitment to advocate for Michigan's students and families who have less access to needed resources. 

Michigan Department of Education

Dana Billings is a consultant in the Office of Special Education at the Michigan Department of Education, specializing in Medicaid School-Based Services and special education approvals. She holds advanced degrees and certifications in special education, Applied Behavior Analysis, English, Psychology, and state policy, and previously served as a Michigan State Trooper.

With more than 20 years of experience, Dana has served in a variety of educational and behavioral support roles, including Early Childhood and Behavior Consultant, ASD Program Lead Teacher, Special Education Case Manager, and classroom educator. She has provided extensive technical assistance and professional development to LEAs, ISDs, and educators across Michigan and has presented at national, state, and regional conferences on special education, behavioral interventions, and instructional strategies.

Dana currently serves as President-Elect of the National Alliance for Medicaid in Education, Inc., where she continues her work advancing education and Medicaid services while supporting schools in building strong special education systems and improving student outcomes

Special Education Mediation Services

Taryn Francis is an Outreach Representative for the UP and Northern Lower Peninsula for Special Education Mediation Services (SEMS). Prior to joining SEMS, she worked for 28 years with the Department of Corrections/Education Division and retired from the MDOC in January 2023. Taryn earned her bachelor’s and 2 master’s degrees in education from Northern Michigan University. 

MEMSPA Executive Director

Dr. Spickard has dedicated over 25 years to education, spending nearly two decades serving as a building and district leader. Having served as MEMSPA President
(2015-16), she returned to MEMSPA as Executive Director with deep institutional
knowledge and an unwavering commitment to supporting school principals through leadership development, advocacy, and collaboration.

Dr. Spickard most recently served as Chief Communications Officer for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in North Carolina, and previously as Superintendent of
DeWitt Public Schools. Her leadership journey also includes serving as a building
principal for 15 years. She earned her Doctorate and Educational Specialist degrees in
Educational Leadership from Eastern Michigan University, Master’s degree in Communication from Michigan State University, and Bachelor’s degrees in Education and Communication from Ohio University.

Doug Leisenring is an educational leader with over three decades of experience in Michigan’s K-12 landscape. His career is defined by a blend of instructional leadership and technical expertise, including 15 years as a Principal and a decade as Superintendent at Delta-Schoolcraft Intermediate School District (DSISD). His professional background as a former Mathematics teacher and Technology Coordinator for Escanaba Area Schools directly connects his instructional experience with critical technology foundations. Currently, Doug serves as the Project Director for the MiGreatDataLake at the Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators (MAISA), where he applies his statewide advocacy and technical expertise to shape education policy and data strategy.

MiSchoolData & Macomb Intermediate School District

Kristi Martin serves as Director of Management Technology at Macomb Intermediate School District and is a recognized leader in educational data systems, technology integration, and accessibility initiatives across Michigan. In her work with MI School Data, she supports statewide efforts to help educators and school leaders effectively use data to inform instruction, improve student outcomes, and strengthen decision-making. Martin is also involved in professional learning and user support initiatives that assist districts in navigating MI School Data resources and tools. Her leadership reflects a strong commitment to innovation, collaboration, and expanding access to meaningful educational technology solutions. 

Executive Director, MASSP

Colin joined MASSP in January 2013 and currently serves as Deputy Executive Director. Prior to joining the association, he spent nearly a decade as principal of Mattawan High School, where he focused on strengthening instructional practice, building an inclusive school culture, and expanding opportunities for students. Earlier in his career, Colin served as a middle school assistant principal and elementary teacher in West Ottawa Public Schools.

Colin’s connection to MASSP spans both his professional role and his service as a member leader. While principal at Mattawan High School, he served on the MASSP Board of Directors as a regional representative, Executive Board member, Board Liaison, and President of the Association (2012–13). In his current role, Colin supports professional learning, member engagement, leadership development, advocacy, and organizational strategy, working closely with MASSP staff, members, and partners to strengthen leadership statewide.

Colin earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hope College, majoring in K–12 Special Education with a minor in Elementary Education. He later completed a Master of Arts degree in K–12 Educational Administration at Michigan State University.

Diane Talo is an accomplished educator and program evaluation specialist with over 30 years of experience in transforming educational landscapes through innovative collaborations. As a passionate advocate for enhancing teaching and learning through strategic partnerships across ISDs, Diane has led numerous initiatives exploring shared services solutions in Leadership and Educator Development, Continuous Improvement, Assessment and Evaluation, Educational Technology, and Literacy. Her expertise lies in navigating the intersection of educational policy, technology implementation, and fostering a culture of collaboration to optimize learning outcomes. Diane is dedicated to empowering educators and institutions alike to harness the power of collaborative efforts for educational excellence. 

MAISA

With a commitment to empowering educators, Erin’s career has been dedicated to improving literacy outcomes.  Her experience as a teacher and literacy coach in diverse settings has provided her with a deep understanding of educational needs. Today, she applies that knowledge toward managing educational solutions, creating tools that support effective instruction and learning.