Speakers

When John was 10 years old, he walked down the hallways of Stuarts Draft Middle School to find his locker and classes on what he believed was a normal "back-to-school" night. However, the moment he walked through the door frame of Room 30, he met his sixth-grade science teacher, Ms. Cross. From that moment on, he knew he wanted to be a teacher - not just any teacher, but a teacher as influential as Ms. Cross. That moment in Room 30 where he met Ms. Cross still fuels his drive as a teacher. Yet, his single greatest accomplishment, if asked, is his family. If you have ever worked with John via Zoom, WebEx, Google Meets, or Teams, you have almost certainly met each member of his immediate family through their impromptu cameo appearances. John lives in Waynesboro, Virginia with his wife Danielle, a  fellow educator, their two children, Tessa and Jackson, and Labrador retrievers, Bella and Dukes. Oh, and Tessa and Jackson affectionately call Ms. Cross, Grandma Sally. 

Outside of being a husband and father, John is a bestselling author and has worked with schools, classrooms, and teachers all over the world on the translation and application of the science of learning to the classroom, school, and home environments, and what works best in teaching and learning. He has worked with teachers and leaders in Australia, Canada, Colombia, Dubai, Egypt, England, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, South Korea, Thailand and all across the United States.

John is a Professor of Education in the College of Education at James Madison University. In 2015, John was awarded the inaugural Sarah Miller Luck Endowed Professorship. In 2021, John was honored with an Outstanding Faculty Award from the State Council for Higher Education in Virginia. Most recently, he was named a Madison Scholar in the College of Education.  At James Madison University, he continues to work with pre‑service teachers and graduate students, as well as actively pursues his research interests including the science of learning, the design and measurement of classroom environments that promote student engagement and learning. 

Larisa Nageli is a Digital Learning Specialist working in Teaching and Learning at Jordan School District. As an educator Larisa worked as a 5th grade & 6th grade teacher, a BYU facilitator in grades 1-5 and now in the digital learning department of Jordan School District. While in the classroom Larisa used technology to engage and differentiate learning and that passion led her to the position she is in currently.  Larisa is the specialist assigned to Mastery Connect. The emphasis to move to Mastery Based Learning is driving the need to understand the tool and use it in the classroom. In addition to the Digital Learning Department Larisa is working with the JSD Instructional Coaching program as a facilitator and program administrator. Larisa and her team will be presenting the JSD Instructional Coaching program at a national conference dedicated to coaching and digital learning.

Michelle Love-Day has been an educator for 21 years.  She received her Bachelors in Education and Masters in Reading from Bowling Green State University (Ohio), and a Masters in Education, Leadership, and Policy from the University of Utah.  Her second language is Spanish and she studied abroad in Alacla Spain.  Leaving her home state of Ohio, she taught in North Carolina until relocating to Utah in 2005.  She was a 2nd grade teacher, Literacy Coach, Principal, and Associate Director of Educational Equity.  She is currently Director of Language and Culture Services in Jordan School District. Her style of hands-on-learning has helped students to overcome their barriers to success.  Michelle has worked with teachers to inspire, motivate and encouage.  She shares information and ways parents can work with schools, advocate for their children, and how they can assist in creating a rich diverse literacy environment at home and in school.  She is passionate about schools being student focused, equitable, and a place where all students feel that they are welcomed and have an adult they can believe in and who believes in them. 

Orla is a seasoned educator with nearly two decades of experience in Jordan School District, and has a rich background in teaching and educational leadership. Having taught in elementary schools for 15 years as a regular education teacher, a Dual Language teacher, and an Instructional Coach in a Title I school, her credentials are solid. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Houston and a Master’s Degree in Instructional Leadership from Brigham Young University. Orla has also acquired endorsements in English as a Second Language, Elementary Mathematics, Instructional Technology, and Instructional Coaching. She has shared her knowledge on Cultural Diversity in the classroom as an adjunct faculty member at Salt Lake Community College. Presently, she serves the teachers and students of JSD as a K-6 Mathematics Specialist, and takes great satisfaction in facilitating teachers' efficacy and growth.

Mike has a degree in horticulture from Utah State University. He's been the lead garden horticulturist at Conservation Garden Park for just over a decade.

Natalie has a BS in Horticulture from Brigham Young University – Idaho. She has been working at Conservation Garden Park for 8 years and loves the plants, flowers, and opportunities to educate visitors.

As Associate Director of Education Initiatives at the Natural History Museum of Utah, Madlyn Larson focuses on the development of learning environments that support the development of critical thinking skills.

Specifically, she works with teachers, students, learning scientists, scientists, technology experts and other partners to grow the Museum’s premier digitally delivered program, Research Quest, and the emerging Critical Action Lab, a space for teens to connect, grow and identify long-term pathways for positive community impact.

Michelle a highly organized advocate for education that strives to provide all students with wonder, sense-making, and problem solving in their everyday learning experience. She is excited to share this vision with all participants of children’s lives: teachers, parents, community members, and faculty. She fosters strong team collaboration through engaging teamwork, optimism, and active listening.  Michelle possess over 15 years of experience, is a lifelong learner, and a dedicated mother. She enjoys the outdoors and especially hiking, cycling, and motorcycle riding.

April Rudd and Angus Douglas currently teach at Majestic Elementary Arts Academy. April has taught 1st, 3rd, and 5th grade during her 14 years of teaching experience while Angus has taught both 5th and 6th grade. They are quite the dynamic duo that believe humor and professionalism go hand in hand. BUILDING relationships and having OPPORTUNITIES for communication with students is the basis of their teaching philosophies, which they feel, is the key to lasting student success.