Contributing Educators
social studies, and English and has served as a building-level leader. Peter is an avid believer in and proponent of standards-based grading, understanding that educational success is directly connected to students’ understanding of learning targets. Peter earned his bachelor’s degree in middle-level education from Illinois State University, his master’s degree in curriculum from Northern Illinois University, and his master’s degree in mathematics education from National Louis University. Rex A. Sickmiller is a high school classroom teacher in Colorado Springs, Colorado. With his colleague, Michael Storrar, Rex has worked to implement standards-based instructional and grading practices in his classroom, school, and district. Rex’s department has developed skills-based and standards-based curriculum maps that have been used throughout his district. Rex holds a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction and serves as a faculty leader. Linda Jo Stevens, EdM, is the director of curriculum and assessment in Lake Washington School District in Redmond, Washington. She has served as a classroom teacher, building-level leader, district administrator, consultant, and trainer in the areas of standards-based grading and proficiency. Linda began her career in Sweetwater County School District No. 1 in Rock Springs, Wyoming, where she received the district’s Professional Excellence Award. She also served as a WYCET trainer in conjunction with the University of Wyoming. Later, Linda moved to Lake Washington School District, where she served as a teacher, professional developer, education association vice president, and district administrator. She also received the Golden Acorn Award for excellence in teaching. Linda holds degrees from Brigham Young University, the University of Wyoming, and City University of Seattle. Michael Storrar is a classroom teacher in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Michael has spent the last seven years exploring and implementing standards-based grading. He led his math department in implementation efforts and assisted in spreading standards-based grading throughout his district. In addition to teaching at the high school level, Michael also serves as an adjunct professor of mathematics at Pikes Peak Community College. Danielle S. Tormala, EdD, is the associate superintendent for the City of St. Charles School District in St. Charles, Missouri. She oversees student learning, curriculum, instruction, assessment, federal programs, principal supervision, comprehensive school improvement, and long-range planning. Danielle has also served as a classroom teacher, professional developer, assessment specialist, and administrator in several St. Louis–area school districts and has taught at the university level as an adjunct professor of curriculum, instruction, and assessment. She received her bachelor of arts degree from St. Louis University, a master of arts degree in educational leadership from Maryville University, and educational specialist and doctorate of education degrees in educational leadership from the University of Missouri–St. Louis. Julie Williams has been the principal of Lincoln Elementary in the City of St. Charles School District in St. Charles, Missouri, since 2008. She graduated from the University of Iowa in 2000 with degrees in elementary education and mass communication and
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