Dr. Montize Aaron is a passionate educator who is devoted to supporting students and teachers to reach their fullest potential. Montize is currently the Director of Elementary Education who works with educators and staff members across the Pattonville School District, to provide the best learning environment for students.  After spending nearly a decade as an administrator, Montize knows the one thing that truly drives student success is working with a passionate adult who is committed to learning and growing.

Ashley Avila is an implementation specialist for Marzano Academies, coauthor of Teaching in a Competency-Based Secondary School: The Marzano Academies Model, and former high school English teacher.

Ashley has led various school-level professional development sessions, presenting on relevant competency-based topics, and helping lead the effort to gain the status of first high school-level Marzano Academy. She has offered advice and professional development for local districts as they began to develop or plan their own transitions to competency-based education. Ashley focuses on providing an inclusive, welcoming environment for attendees and believes in offering practical examples that can be used or modified with ease. In 2019, she began working to complete the Marzano High Reliability Teacher certifications and has to date completed Level 1, Courses 1 and 2.

Ashley received a bachelor’s degree in English (with a concentration in writing) from the University of Illinois Chicago. She also holds a master’s in education from Lewis University and a master’s in reading from Saint Xavier University.

I am a 21-year veteran English Language Arts teacher at Hancock Place High School. I am currently the ELA Department Chair, the NHS Advisor, and the Drama Advisor. My school is currently transitioning from traditional to standards-based grading and I am trying my best to lead my team while making these changes.

Doug Barton is the STEM Programs Coordinator for Lindbergh Schools where he has been an educator for the past 23 years. Beyond guiding teachers through the process of redefining elementary science mastery, Doug is leading initiatives in his district to develop universal K8 field trip experiences and visioning work for the Lindbergh Farmers Club, a pK-12 ag-tech learning center scheduled to open in 2027. In his spare time, Doug coaches Lindbergh's League of Legends esports team, is the moderator of his church, and raises his 5-year-old son Jack with his wife, Kristy.

Laura Beamer has more than twenty years of experience teaching English and Communications at multiple levels. She holds a BA in English, MS in Communication and Leadership Studies, and MS in Curriculum and Instruction, and has spent the majority of her teaching career focused on the theory and practice of dialogic teaching. She has consistently developed and piloted strategies to increase student engagement and achievement through communication, with her recent work centered on implementing dialogic strategies in the CBL framework.

Deborah Bertish is a 6th grade mathematics teacher in the Ritenour School District with over  16 years experience in education in a variety of settings. Her goal everyday is to engage students in mathematical concepts and processes that challenge their thinking. Deborah has led professional development in the areas of student engagement, educational technology, classroom management, and competency based learning. She holds a BS in education and MA in counseling.

Alison Brockhouse is a Research and Evaluation Specialist at the Institute for School Partnership, where she has conducted evaluations of multiple STEM-focused curriculum and teacher professional learning initiatives. From 2021-2024, she co-led the research team for STEM District Immersion, a regional research-practice partnership focused on middle school math improvement. Before joining the ISP, she taught history, writing, and video production in Brooklyn, NY. She has an MS in teaching students with disabilities and an MA in urban education.

Grace Burgos is a fourth grade teacher who is dedicated to fostering a supportive classroom environment where every student feels valued and inspired to excel as leaders and scholars. Grace currently co-teaches fourth grade at Rose Acres in the Pattonville School District.

Angela Czak has worked in education for 24 years with three years of coaching experience in Kindergarten through 3rd grade.  Prior to coaching, Angela taught first grade, Reading Recovery and literacy intervention groups.  She is a dedicated wife and mother and is actively involved in her church.  She loves spending time outdoors kayaking, biking and fishing.

Michelle DeFosset is a highly decorated educator presently serving as the NEA President in the Hancock Place School District. A former teacher of the year, Michelle has been instrumental in Hancock Place High School’s transition to Competency-Based Education. Serving as chairperson of the mathematics department, Michelle works tirelessly to support and advocate for Hancock teachers as they navigate the transition to competency-education. Michelle's leadership, dedication, and advocacy have made her a highly respected educator who has significantly influenced the instruction and assessment model at Hancock Place.

Tom Doppe has served as an assistant principal of Don Tyson School of Innovation (DTSOI) in Springdale, AR, for five years. He began his career in California where he taught English for seven years at the school he graduated from, Concord High School. For the next eight years he was part of the Martinez Unified School District as an assistant principal, principal, and director of curriculum and instruction. He finds the opportunity to work at an innovative school inspiring and has committed himself to being a learning leader, helping DTSOI achieve its vision of practicing competency-based education and certification as a Marzano High Reliability school.

Sean Duncan is the Strategic Change Officer with Empower Learning. He works with schools and districts to unpack their visions and leverage the critical strategic planning and implementation components needed to move their systems from a traditional, time-based approach to a learner-centered approach, where learning is the constant and time is the variable. At Empower, Sean oversees client services (including implementation planning), business development, and marketing. Prior to Empower Learning, Sean was the Vice President of Marzano Resources, where he led the planning and implementation of Dr. Marzano’s work around instruction, grading, and school improvement. Sean spent 8 years as a classroom teacher and department chair in Jefferson County Public Schools, a diverse Colorado school district.

As an 8th-grade English teacher with 17 years of experience, I have dedicated my career to serving students in Title 1 schools throughout St. Louis, Missouri. I am passionate about fostering a love of learning and empowering students to reach their full potential. In addition to my role as a classroom teacher, I have taken on leadership positions as a department leader and a model Competency Based Learning classroom teacher. My commitment to innovative teaching practices led me to become a Distinguished Educator with the Modern Classrooms Project in 2023. I am also actively involved in curriculum development and have presented at conferences such as the Missouri Charter Schools Conference in 2009 and will be presenting at the National Council of Teacher's of English Conference in November 2024. Currently, I am pursuing a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Teaching Technology at Northwest Missouri State University.

Outside of the classroom, I am a dedicated wife of 18 years and a proud mother of three. I serve as a Girl Scout Troop leader, enjoy singing as part of my worship community, and support my children's interests as a dance mom. Through my professional and personal endeavors, I strive to make a positive impact in the lives of those around me.

Angi Fouste has worked for Special School District for 21 years and has worked in Ritenour for 11 years.  In her role as a director Angi oversees programming for students with disabilities, with a focus on inclusion and maximizing student potential. She works with her team of coordinators to support staff in understanding the role of special educators within the Competency Based Education model and how to integrate services to provide increased access to the general education curriculum.  

Kim Frees has been in education for over 26 years. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Bemidji University and a Master’s degree in Administration and Instructional Leadership from Colorado Mesa University. Kim currently works in Garfield 16 School District in Parachute, Colorado. In her educational tenure, she has taught kindergarten through sixth grade, served as an instructional coach, assistant principal and currently serves as an Elementary Principal.

Some of Kim’s greatest professional accomplishments are receiving Teacher of the Year and being selected as Colorado’s Assistant Principal of the Year in 2019. She has worked with Marzano Academies for the past 4 years with a focus on competency-based learning, effective teaching practices and integrating consistent assessment and grading practices into the classroom using proficiency scales.

Alex Gerber is a Science Instructional Specialist at the Washington University Institute for School Partnerships (ISP).  In this role, Alex co-edits the K-5 mySci curriculum as well as developing and implementing professional development for elementary and middle school teachers in the region. As part of the mySci curriculum work, he works with local school districts to think about how mySci can support teachers and admin as they transition into competency based learning. 

Cindy Goodchild just completed her third year as an instructional coach for Jefferson and Ashmore Elementary Schools in Charleston, IL where she works with teachers and students in grades kindergarten through sixth. Cindy is passionate about partnering with teachers to help them reach their goals and improve their practice so students can be more successful. Prior to becoming an instructional coach, Cindy taught fifth grade for thirteen years, including two years as a pilot teacher for the competency-based learning system.

Chris Grove is in his 17th year in education.  Most of his educational career was as a High School Math teacher and then two years in his current position as an Instructional Coach for Mathematics and Biology in the Ritenour School District.  Prior to coming to Ritenour Chris was in the Hazelwood and Jennings School Districts.  Chris enjoys helping students see the practical applications of mathematics and he is an advocate of equitable instructional practices that build student identity, agency, and learning.  He is excited about moving to a Competency-Based System and how it can impact student learning on a deeper level.  Chris is also a member of NCTM.

Julie Hahn has over 35 years of experience in education and currently serves as the assistant superintendent of Student Services, Interventions, and Assessment in the Ritenour School District. In this capacity, she oversees the coordination of all programs and services dedicated to supporting students' social and emotional well-being. Julie collaborates with external agencies, counselors, social workers, interventionists, and English Language (EL) teachers to establish a comprehensive, multi-tiered system of support for students.

Throughout her career, she has been devoted to advocating for diverse learners, engaging families and students, supporting educators, and championing equity and inclusion within the education system.

Paige Harrington is a third grade teacher with 11 years of classroom experience. She has enjoyed being an active participant in her school's transition to Competency-Based Education for the past five years. Paige has a passion for all things curriculum design and loves creating resources to help engage her students and encourage success. Outside of school, Paige is an avid reader and enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Kate is a seasoned educator with a passion for empowering both students and fellow teachers on their learning journeys. With 16 years of experience in Westminster Public Schools, Kate's career has spanned from student teacher to substitute teacher to science teacher and instructional coach. In 2021, Kate was honored to receive the prestigious Boettcher Teacher Recognition Award, a distinction particularly close to her heart as recipients are nominated by students.

Throughout her career, Kate has taught a variety of classes, including IB Biology, Physics, Biology, and Chemistry, catering to students across a spectrum of learning levels, from those struggling academically to those bound for college. She is known for her expertise in competency-based planning and instruction, student-centered learning, integration of technology, and authentic assessment.  

Kate has shared her insights at numerous Competency-Based Instruction summits and panels. Her belief in the pursuit of deeper understanding resonates in her work and presentations, reflecting her commitment to continuous growth. Inspired by the words of Isaac Newton, Kate acknowledges the importance of learning from those who came before her and paving the way for future educators.

Ellen Homann just completed her third year as a 6th grade English Language Arts teacher.  She has been a pilot teacher for the competency-based learning system within her district for two years. Her favorite part about being a competency-based teacher is the ability to assess the understanding of students in a variety of ways and to meet their individual needs as learners. She lives with her family on a grain and livestock farm, and she enjoys supporting her children in all they do.

Dr. Brian Kosena is the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning for Westminster Public Schools. Before serving in this role, he was the founding principal of John E. Flynn A Marzano Academy, a preK-8 instructional laboratory school, and the first to achieve High Reliability Schools Level 5 in the country. Dr. Kosena is a strong advocate for competency-based education (CBE), and has formally researched CBE instructional practices and implementation in school settings. He is also the co-author of the book Leading a Competency-Based Elementary School. He regularly attends and presents at CBE conferences, helping share his experiences while encouraging a wider adoption of CBE across all schools. His work has identified common challenges for CBE schooling, as well as helped find practicable solutions.

Dawn Kuhns is currently an Instructional Coach at Carl Sandburg Elementary in Charleston, Illinois, for grades 1-3. Prior to becoming a coach, she taught kindergarten for 20 years and a multi-aged classroom for one year in the same district. She has been in education for 24 years now and has enjoyed every opportunity she has been given. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with family, traveling and working in her yard.

Wendy LaRose is presently an Instructional Math Specialist for the Washington University Institute for School Partnership and a member of the Math314, STEM DI, and STEM TQ facilitation teams. Wendy is a retired classroom teacher and spent 27 of her 29 years at Steger Sixth Grade Center in Webster Groves where she taught mathematics to sixth grade students. Wendy is an avid learner deeply committed to ongoing research, personal growth, and uplifting the teaching of mathematics in the STL region. 

Rebecca Leb brings 26 years of educational experience from the Ritenour School District to her role as an elementary instructional coach. With a background in teaching multiple grade levels and serving as an academic interventionist and reading specialist, Rebecca now focuses on supporting the district’s shift to competency-based education. She assists in writing proficiency scales and assessments, and supports classroom teachers in implementing competency-based learning. Through coaching and professional development, Rebecca is dedicated to empowering both educators and students to excel in their learning.

Currently serving as an ELA/Science instructional coach in Ritenour's two middle schools. I have been working very closely with teachers, building administrators, and district administrators these past two years as Ritenour makes its transition to competency-based education. I am completing my 10th year in education. 

Dr. Aaron Mattox is currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Leadership at Eastern Illinois University. In addition to his work at Eastern Illinois University, Dr. Mattox has served as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Educational Leadership at the University of Illinois at Springfield. Prior to his work at the university level, Dr. Mattox served as the Superintendent of Benton Consolidated High School District #103, the Superintendent of Cobden Unit School District #17, and as a building level administrator and teacher in the Marion Community Unit #2 School District in Illinois. 

Christina Andrade Melly is a kindergarten through master’s degree graduate of Missouri public schools, studying at the University of Missouri and Northwest Missouri State University before returning to teach at her alma mater. She served as the 2023 Missouri Teacher of the Year and currently teaches sophomore and senior English at Ritenour High School. As a Gateway Writing Project Teacher-Consultant, she is excited about the potential for CBE to build stronger writers and learners in every classroom.

Currently a District Instructional Coach, Priscilla Newton has dedicated her teaching journey to implementing the competency-based educational approach at Westminster Public Schools’ John E. Flynn, A Marzano Academy in Colorado. Armed with a Masters in Educational Leadership from Regis University, she actively seeks to enhance her expertise in educational leadership. Her commitment to excellence is evident through her recognition as a level 1 High-Reliability Teacher. Before her Colorado role, Priscilla taught with the Peace Corps in the Republic of North Macedonia, enriching her global perspective on education. She began her educational journey at Winthrop University in South Carolina and earned her Bachelors in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. Priscilla's diverse teaching background reflects her steadfast dedication to nurturing student growth using competency-based approaches. Her passion for educational excellence shines in her varied experiences, showcasing her enduring commitment to enhancing student learning and development.

Gloria is an instructional specialist supporting the ISP’s Math314 and mySci programs. She supports the Math314 team by providing embedded professional learning in mathematics instruction and works with the mySci team to develop and revise Version 7 of the K-8 science curriculum. She taught fifth and sixth grade as a looping teacher at Maplewood Richmond Heights Elementary for five years, teaching in both a self-contained classroom, as well as a role that focused primarily on math and science. While at MRH, she served as the district’s teacher leader with ISP’s STEM District Immersion program. Gloria earned a bachelor’s degree in Education and Human Sciences from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. 

Greg Russo is a seasoned educator with a notable 20-year career dedicated to helping students gain the educational tools necessary to become lifelong learners. Greg brings 6 years of experience at the middle school level, and 14 years at the high school level.  As a social studies teacher specializing in teaching economics & civics, through a competency based approach, Greg's passion for teaching is reflected in successful student outcomes.

With a career spanning the evolution from traditional teaching methods to competency-based education, Greg's journey reflects a commitment to innovation and student-centered learning. Beginning his career before the competency-based paradigm shift, Greg navigated the transition period, embracing the challenges and opportunities it presented. Today, Greg brings a wealth of expertise, around the practical application of competency-based teaching at the secondary level.

Matthew Shea is the Executive Director of Client Services at Empower, and a former teacher, curriculum director, and district administrator in a proficiency-based district in Maine. He is experienced in leading the shift from a traditional system to a proficiency-based system as both a teacher and administrator, including developing and leading professional learning opportunities for educators. He has presented at numerous education conferences across the country and internationally, and was Maine Curriculum Leader of the Year in 2018-2019. He is also the co-host of the nationally recognized podcast Personalized Learning with Matt and Courtney. He brings his decade-plus of experience with Empower in the classroom and at the district level to help guide and support educators in their journey to a more equitable, inclusive, and just educational system.

Mary Spitzmiller is a fourth grade teacher who is committed to helping students reach their potential by knowing themselves as individual learners and leaders. Mary currently co-teaches fourth grade at Rose Acres Elementary School in the Pattonville School District. 

I got my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Mizzou, a Master's Degree in Trauma-Informed Education from Columbia College, SC, and a second Master's in Curriculum and Instruction from WGU. I have previously taught 5th, 4th, and 3rd grades. I'm going into my 6th year of teaching.

Tamara Taliaferro-Thomas, an Educational Practitioner with over 25 years of experience, is a champion for students who fearlessly works to bring them the best.   As an Instructional Coach in Ritenour School District, Tamara works with educators to optimize teaching and learning.  Tamara also serves as an Adjunct Instructor at Harris Stowe State University in the College of Education.  She holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with emphasis in English Literature, a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction, and an Education Specialist Degree in Educational Administration.  In her spare time, Tamara enjoys rehabbing her 114 year old childhood home.  

Melanie is an instructional coach with over 20 years of experience in the field of education.  Melanie is passionate about empowering educators through effective coaching and professional development.  

Melanie holds a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from University of Missouri-Columbia, a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from University of Missouri - St. Louis and an advanced science education certificate from Washington University in St. Louis. 

As an instructional coach Melanie collaborates with educators to enhance student learning outcomes across the curriculum.   She is particularly skilled in implementing a three-dimensional learning approach in science education and analyzing assessment data to identify trends, strengths and challenges.  Central to her work is a focus on data-driven decision-making and instructional planning support. 

In her free time Melanie enjoys sewing and quilting, gardening, and collecting books to eventually read.

Maggie Wasilewski is a third year teacher in a second grade classroom at Iveland Elementary. She has attended the CBL Summit in Colorado where she learned from Dr. Marzano and other pivotal players in the Competency-Based Education realm. She has been writing proficiency scales and putting CBE practices into her classroom for two years for younger children. Currently in her Masters program for Curriculum and Instruction, she is working towards her dream of becoming an instructional coach to educate other teachers of best practices.

As a lifelong educator and transformational school leader, David Williams has overseen school and district transitions to Personalized Competency-Based Learning models in the states of New Hampshire, Maine and now Missouri. Drawing from his experience in a number of competency-based schools, Williams offers a realistic framework, presently underway at Hancock Place High School, that has been shown to maximize stakeholder buy-in and supports the development of a shared vision that promotes student agency and fosters a deep conceptual understanding of PCBL among all stakeholders.

Holly Williams is a K-12 Instructional Technology Coach for Charleston CUSD#1 in central Illinois. Williams started her career in education 15 years ago as a certified school librarian. In 2020, she moved to the Tech Department as the Educational Technology Director during the height of COVID. Over the next two years, Williams helped transition the district to one-to-one devices and launched the use of Empower as the district LMS.  During this time, Williams recognized a need for a coach to work alongside teachers, helping them to successfully integrate technology into their classrooms. For this reason, in 2022 she left administration and returned to the classroom to support district teachers. 

As the son of two highly successful educators, Jason Young has literally spent his entire lifetime pursuing educational excellence. He has taught high school, middle school, and elementary school from math to art to science to language arts - and has enjoyed every bit of it. Even though he has spent the past 14 years as an administrator, if you ask Jason what he does for a living, he will proudly say he is a teacher. As principal of Duchesne Elementary, Duchesne High, and district curriculum director, Jason Young helped the district transition from traditional grading to standards-based grading. Now as Superintendent, he is working to incorporate competency learning to further help students live fulfilling lives.

Bill Zima is the Director of Implementation for Marzano Academies, directly supporting schools in their transition to a personalized, competency-based system of education that develops agency and ensures achievement is all. He formerly served as Superintendent, Middle School Principal, Assistant Principal, and science teacher. He is also an adjunct professor for the University of Maine at Augusta, working with pre-service teachers to help them understand the current research in child development, classroom assessment, and teaching methods. He is the author of the book Mindsets and Skillsets for Learning. He is an absolute believer in the power of learning opportunities that develop agency in learners.