2023 VSA/VCSEA/VTCLA Spring Conference

CONNECTING THE DOTS

INCLUSION, BELONGING, AND WELLNESS IN VERMONT’S SCHOOLS

2023 VSA/VCSEA/VTCLA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

MAY 18 & 19 AT HILTON BURLINGTON LAKE CHAMPLAIN

8:00 am - Registration, Breakfast (Registration Hall)

9:00 am - Welcome and Sponsor Introductions (Ballroom)

9:30 am - Keynote with jamele adams (Ballroom)

10:30 am - Break, Visit Sponsors (Registration Hall)

10:45 am - Strand Workshops (Locations Pg. 5)

12:15 pm - Lunch Break (Ballroom)

1:15 pm - Strand Workshops: Next Steps (Locations Pg. 5)

2:00 pm - Keynote with Kori Smith (Ballroom)

3:30 pm - Break; Sponsor Raffle (Registration Hall)

4:15 pm - VSA/VCSEA/VTCLA Business Meetings

VSA - Green Mountain Ballroom A

VTCLA - Green Mountain Ballroom B

VCSEA - Green Mountain Ballroom C

5:15 pm - Break/Walk at the Waterfront

5:30 pm - Reception/Silent Auction (Ballroom)

6:30 pm - Dinner and Awards (Ballroom)

THURSDAY, MAY 18 FRIDAY, MAY 19

8:00 am - Breakfast (Registration Hall)

9:00 am - Welcome to Day 2 (Ballroom)

9:30 am - Workshops Round 1 (Locations Pg. 6)

10:30 am Break 10:40 am -

11:50 am -

7)

11:40 am Break

Round 3 (Locations Pg. 8) 12:50 pm - Lunch

1:30 pm - Tiered Framework of Support for VT's Sporting Events (Ballroom)

3:00 pm Adjournment

jamele jamele adams adams

Embracing membership in the community of Scituate and the educational family of its schools, jamele serves as the DEI Director for the District of Scituate Public Schools. Spelling his name with lower case letters, he does so to signal that he is a piece in life’s grand landscape for us all. Arriving to Scituate from Brandeis University, where he served as Dean of Students, along with specific responsibilities for student’s campus life experience, he pioneered and supported programs that celebrated and enhanced campus pluralism. jamele also served as the Director for New York Yankees Derek Jeter’s “Jeter’s Leaders”, a program in the Derek Jeter Turn 2 Foundation. Recipient of many awards and recognitions for his work in higher education, with young scholars interested in law and creative writing workshops, he is also a nationally celebrated poet. jamele remains well known for his work engaging issues of diversity, equity and inclusion. Through his L.I.T. platform and model; love, inclusion and trust serve as the basis for human connection while addressing h8 and bias. jamele is often called to high schools to assist in the navigation of complex terrains of injustice and help student communities after bias incidents have occurred. Consider this a brief biography into the evolving professional narrative and life calling for jamele adams. jamele subscribes to the mantra “ALWAYS WE, never me.”

KEYNOTE ARTIST

Kya Kya Jackson Jackson

Kya Jackson (she/they) is graduating on May 21st with a BA in Studio Art, and minors in American Sign Language and Biology. Born in Jacksonville, FL in a creative household she always has had an interest in learning and creating art Her current main mediums of choice are acrylic painting and digital art, however they are also interested in marker, watercolor, colored pencil, oil pastel, chalk pastel, printmaking and relatively recently gouache and crochet. One of the pivotal moments in her artistry was taking an “Intermediate Painting” class last Spring, which formally introduced her to acrylic painting and the world of color Much of their work explores themes pertaining to their self-identity, emotion, and memory through depictions of extreme saturation expressing figure and foreground relationships Furthermore, their understanding of color juxtaposed with time and space has deepened her interest in "encapsulating the moment" through live painting as well

Outside of painting, in her freetime she loves to roller skate, watch anime, cook, and look at capybaras in any capacity. Her favorite animals are capybaras and Manatees (ask them about ManaTina Tee) and their favorite movie is Shark Tale.

The Vermont Superintendents Association was introduced to Kya through The Clemmons Family Farm Artists' Registry, which "joyfully collaborates with, coordinates and lifts up a growing network of Vermont artists who self-identify as being people whose cultural heritage is of the African diaspora . . . [providing] opportunities for professional development, advocacy, visibility, networking, paid engagements, collective healing, and a safe haven for creativity that helps them to thrive."

Kori Kori Smith Smith

Kori Smith is a proud native of Berkeley, California. She started her teaching career in a small Title I school in California after receiving her B A in Early Childhood Education from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. To be better equipped to meet the emotional needs of her students, Kori completed a M Ed in Community Counseling at the University of Oklahoma. As a teacher leader and administrator, Kori has led professional development in curriculum and design, the International Baccalaureate framework and Response to Intervention. Kori was honored to earn the position of Director of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) for Atlanta Public Schools where she spearheaded the first ever, district wide, implementation of social emotional learning. Her experiences leading a team to support over 70 schools and over 40,000 students has given her the skills and knowledge to help others take a similar journey. She has presented on SEL implementation at both small independent schools and for large district convenings. She served as a panelist during the congressional briefing on “Teacher Health and Wellness: Fostering Student Achievement by Supporting Teachers’ Mental and Physical Well-Being”. Kori is a certified trainer of Restorative Practices and a certified GALLUP Strengths Coach, and proudly serves as the owner and strategic lead for Heart Shift Consulting.

THURSDAY WORKSHOPS

MOO - MOO is an acronym that describes a methodology for human connection. This experience is a journey into a pathway that assists how we engage in complex conversations and scenarios. This pathway of conversation is a key component to addressing circumstances and scenarios, both unexpected and intentional. Attendees will exit the journey with a usable platform that will serve as an effective foundation for understanding, atonement, healing and community building. Presenter: jamele adams

Green Mountain Ballroom B

Moving from Aspiration to Implementation - In response to state requirements, and the growing needs of students, districts across Vermont identified various resources to build out Social Emotional Learning supports in their schools. But how do districts utilize SEL resources to truly make a difference for students? Hear directly from the leaders of Missisquoi Valley School District about their journey towards district-wide SEL implementation, including a partnership with consultant Kori Smith. Participants will: (1) Identify key components of effective SEL implementation. (2) Understand how to incorporate various SEL resources into effective practice. (3) Plan for the adult support needed to move the work forward Presenters: Kori Sanchez Smith, Wendy Cunningham, Dr Kosha Patel

Green Mountain Ballroom A

Equity Focused MTSS: Improving Outcomes for ALL Students - This workshop will provide an overview of the framework for equitable Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and discuss the role of Response to Instruction and Intervention (RTI) within MTSS, particularly as it relates to the special education rule changes that go into effect July 1, 2023. Participants will evaluate their own district/schools application of MTSS and identify untapped resources as well as actionable next steps. Presenters: Dr. Shannon Newell, Dr. Lacy Skinner

Green Mountain Ballroom C

The Rowland Approach: Shared Leadership for Strong School Culture - How can we grow teacher leadership and build strong school cultures even as educators are stretched too thin? In working with nearly 100 Rowland Fellows at over 45 schools around Vermont, the Rowland Foundation has developed a distinctive approach to improving school culture by growing teacher capacity through shared leadership This workshop will provide participants with the opportunity to experience some of the practices the “Rowland Approach'' relies on in order to cultivate teacher leadership for positive school change Presenters: Michael Martin, Jeanie Phillips

Montpelier Room C

Collaborating to Increase Your Staff's Culture of Wellbeing - This presentation is an overview of a collaborative pilot project that increased faculty and staff wellbeing at MAUHS in Bennington and lead participants through their own brainstorming session of how to establish a similar wellbeing initiative on their own campuses. Presenters: Dr. Sara Truebridge, Dr. Kristina Hansen, Dawn Newport

Montpelier Room B

FRIDAY WORKSHOPS

(9:30 AM)

Assessing the Quality of Deaf/Hard of Hearing/Deafblind Programs - Participants will learn about the efforts made by the Vermont Governor's Council to identify standards of practices in assessing programs for students who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing/Deafblind (D/HH/DB). This group created a tool based on national standards to guide educators in evaluating D/HH/DB services in order to fulfill the legislative mandate under Vermont Statutes (33 V.S.A, § 1602). Participants will have an opportunity to observe the use of the tool in real-time, offer critique and feedback, and learn what the standard of practice is! Presenters: Tracy Hinck, Dr. Sharon M. Henry, Amelia Briggs; Rebecca Lalanne, Jen Bostwick, Laura Siegel, Cassie Santo, Linda Hazzard, Sherry Sousa, Emily Verner

ESP Mentoring: One Solution to Staff Shortages - Education Support Professionals (ESPs) peer-mentoring program offers districts an opportunity to assist staff to better meet state and district goals. A beginning ESP is paired with a more established and experienced ESP who can offer their expertise, encouragement, modeling and support. The goal is for new ESP’s to develop connections with colleagues and students; acclimate to classroom, school and district culture; learn professional expectations; and strive for excellence in their role. CVSD Paraeducator leaders have used their power and expertise to build a program that has led to increased skill and retention of Paraeducators, which all leads to improved student outcomes. In this session, participants will learn about the ESP-Developed program and how these leaders started the programs from the ground up. Presenters: Lora Crabtree, Stephanie Dupras, Gloria Mantagaris, Rene Sanchez

Implementation of the Act 1 Revisions to the Education Quality Standards - In response to systemic racism in schools, in 2019 the Legislature passed Act 1, a law to establish ethnic & social equity studies standards in Vermont schools The Act I Working Group submitted proposed revisions of the Educational Quality Standards (EQS) to the Vermont State Board of Education in April 2022 in order to meet its charge from the Legislature Please join us to discuss the proposed changes to EQS and to explore collective strategies for implementation Presenters: Mike McRaith, Amanda Garces, Mark Hage

How One VT District uses the PLC Process to Implement MTSS/RTI with Fidelity - Essex Westford School District will share with participants how they continue to work towards the district's vision by using the PLC process to implement MTSS/RTI. Through an equity lens, the work focuses on instructional practices that support the academic and social-emotional strengths and needs of all students. Participants will take a deep dive into their RTI Framework and learn how the entire system can be cohesive in order to give all students what they need. The workshop will aim to leave participants with confidence to support the needs of students with SLD and be ready to make SLD decisions as a framework. Presenters: Erin Maguire, Jackie Tolman, Dylan McNamara

Green Mountain Ballroom A

Green Mountain Ballroom B

Green Mountain Ballroom C

The Montpelier Room

Leveraging Voice for Social Action - Freedom and Unity is the motto for the State of Vermont. Windsor Central Supervisory Union will present the steps they have taken to embrace the Vermont motto through their work on equity. Based on their Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy and in partnership with students, teachers, and leaders, they will share how voice and cohesion are transforming how we think about social action and equity in a rural PreK-12 school district. Presenters: Audrey Richardson, Jen Stainton, Woodstock UHS Students: Owen Coursey, Aidan Keough-Vella, Ella Stainton, Farren Stainton, Leah Kuhnert, Cody Tancretti

No Time to Waste: Structured Literacy for Young Adults - What does “literacy” mean to struggling adolescent readers? Can foundational skills instruction respect the dignity of young adults? What does such a program actually look like and where could my high school begin? Participants will envision an evidence-based lesson through the lens of an adolescent emerging reader. Aspects of leadership are discussed by a superintendent, successful instructional approaches designed specifically for older students’unique social and emotional needs are presented by a special educator, and reflections from adolescents highlight the central role reading plays in building belonging. Presenters: Sherry Sousa, Julie Brown, Cole Waters, Sam Gomes, Jordan O'Neal, Irie Cully, Edwin Lynd

The Importance of the Act 1 Ethnic and Social Equity Studies from Students' PerspectivesHear from students about the importance of culturally responsive curriculum and practices in Vermont's schools Engage in a dialogue that will explore what is important to these students and how to create more meaningful student/adult partnerships Presenters: Montpelier High School Students Diego Soria and Shakeh Hagopian

Universal Design for Learning as the Foundation to MTSS - There is no shortage of initiatives that school districts are currently working to implement in Vermont. However, it can be difficult for some educators to see how all the components fit together. “Seeing the system” is an important antecedent to the successful implementation of any school improvement effort. Universal Design for Learning (UDL), a critical component of any multitiered system of support (MTSS), can act as a “north star” to help everyone see their district’s initiatives as an interconnected “constellation.” This session will provide district leaders with strategies to support the successful implementation of UDL and how to align UDL with other important district priorities. Presenters: Andrew Jones & Jenn Cote

Green Mountain Ballroom A

Green Mountain Ballroom B

Green Mountain Ballroom C

The Montpelier Room

FRIDAY WORKSHOPS (11:50 AM)

An Update and Feedback Session from the Act 173 Working Group - The Act 173 Working Group has worked diligently with key stakeholders in providing feedback for the successful implementation of Act 173. Participants will hear a brief and timely update from the Chair of the Working Group and provide valuable feedback for the Working Group to reflect on and advocate for in the coming months. Presenter: Meagan Roy

Green Mountain Ballroom A

Building Coherence and Striving for Educational Equity through the Portrait of a Graduate Process - A Portrait of a Graduate is a vision that articulates the collective hopes and dreams that a community has for its students; and the skills and attributes that all students need in order to be prepared for college, career and life The process meaningfully engages a diverse team that represents all stakeholders, ensuring an equitable and representative process that unites the community The resulting Portrait of a Graduate is a compass that guides district-wide strategic and instructional decision making and planning During this session, we will share examples, resources, and tools that will help other districts wanting to undertake this valuable work Presenters: Pat Fitzsimmons, Jeanie Phillips, Katie Thompson

Green Mountain Ballroom B

Transforming Schools: A Trauma-Informed Approach for Safe and Supportive Learning Environments - The Trauma-Informed Schools workshop is designed to help leaders understand how trauma affects students and their learning. It explains the impact of trauma on the developing brain and provides guidance on how to transform your school or district into a trauma-informed environment. The workshop also identifies some quick wins for creating a safe and supportive environment for both students and staff to thrive. Presenter: Erica McLaughlin

Green Mountain Ballroom C

Highlights of the 2023 Legislative Session - Join VSA Executive Director Jeff Francis for an up-to-date summary of the legislative session This legislative session was packed with education-related issues – school safety, facilities, school choice, early childhood education, and more! Learn about specific bills that have been passed or will likely pass and what those initiatives will mean for education practitioners Presenters: Jeff Francis, Cara Zimmerman

The Montpelier Room

PRESENTER BIOS

Jen Bostwick, M Ed , UVMMC, Program Supervisor, DHHDB Educational Services Program

Julie Brown has held a variety of roles including Structured Literacy Teacher, Literacy Facilitator, EL Coordinator, and Special Educator for her district in Woodstock, Vermont. For the past nine years, she has taught middle and high school Structured Literacy and Structured Writing courses. Julie is a doctoral student at Mount St. Joseph University studying Reading Science with research interests in prevention and adolescent literacy. Her students are her inspiration.

Amelia Briggs is the Parent Member of the D/HH/DB Council

Jenn Cote is currently the principal of Underhill Central School, which is part of the Mount Mansfield Unified Union School District (MMUUSD) Prior to moving into leadership, Jenn worked as a special educator at Browns River Middle School in Jericho. Her diverse experiences in leadership have shaped her into a systems thinker who leads with kindness and compassion. Jenn is currently working towards obtaining her license to become a director of special education.

Lora Crabtree has been an employee at CVSD for over twenty years; most recently as a math program assistant She is an ESP Unit Vice-President for the Champlain Valley Education Association and a Paraeducator Mentor co-coordinator for the district She has worked with the NEA cofacilitating two summer blended learning courses on ESP Mentoring and will be presenting her district's mentoring program in Salt Lake City along with Gloria Mantagaris and Stephanie Dupras at the end of May Professional development is very important to Lora personally and professionally Lora has organized professional development opportunities in her district and building for many years and has created a paraeducator professional development website for her district. Lora taught other paraeducators across the state how to create their own PD website at the Vermont ESP conference this past March. Lora believes that educators are constantly honing their skills as teachers and that pursuing professional development opportunities ensures that educators skills stay up to date and relevant. The NEA states, “It’s important to remember investing in yourself as an educator will also help your students The more professional development teachers get, the more likely students are to succeed ” Lora believes that this statement is equally relevant for paraeducators

Wendy Cunningham is an experienced educator with over 25 years in the field of education. She has served as a classroom teacher, early childhood director, and is transitioning into the roll of codirector of student support services with Missisquoi Valley School District. Wendy recognizes the significance of developing strong social-emotional skills as the cornerstone of student success and is passionate about supporting this work in her district.

Stephanie Dupras has been working at Champlain Valley School District since 2016 In 2022, she completed the SLPA certificate program at UVM Through an invitation from the NEA, she participated in an ESP mentor training program Currently, she is a co-coordinator of the CVSD Paraeducator Mentor Program called Supporting Our Own Through Mentoring This program has been nationally recognized by the NEA as a model of success in building a district wide ESP mentor program. Stephanie has worked with the NEA co-facilitating two summer blended learning courses on ESP mentoring, presented at the 2022 NEA ESP Conference and has presented at the VT ESP Conference. Stephanie is an advocate for all ESP families through service on her buildings executive board. Stephanie believes that paraeducators are a critical component to the success of students when supported and encouraged by our peers to continue their professional growth and development

PRESENTER BIOS

Jeff Francis has served as the executive director for the Vermont Superintendents Association since the late 1990’s. As executive director, Jeff works with superintendents on a wide array of education policy and management issues He works closely with state policy leaders on matters affecting public education Before taking his leadership role in public education for VSA, Jeff worked in several senior leadership positions in state and local government including as Secretary of the Agency of Development and Community Affairs under former Vermont Governor Madeleine Kunin

Pat Fitzsimmons is the team leader for the Proficiency-Based Learning Team in Student Pathways at the Vermont Agency of Education (AOE). A major focus of this team’s work is supporting the development of high-quality Local Comprehensive Assessment Systems as well as supporting the implementation of proficiency-based learning. Pat and her colleagues are working collaboratively with Great Schools Partnership to support the development/refinement of local Portraits of a Graduate, the refinement of Proficiency-Based Graduation Requirements, and the role of personalized learning plans

Amanda Garces is the Director of Policy, Education and Outreach at the Vermont Human Rights Commission Amanda moved to Vermont in 2017 and founded the Vermont Coalition for Ethnic and Social Equity in Schools, bringing together people from various racial and ethnic groups, disability rights and LGBTQIA+ advocates. Amanda serves as the Chair of the Ethnic and Social Equity Standards Advisory Working Group.

Mark Hage is a former Vermont middle- and high-school teacher of literature, writing and history. For the past thirty years he has been a union advocate with the Vermont-National Education Association He is also the vice chair of the Act 1 Working Group and the facilitator of its EQS Subcommittee

Shakeh Hagopian is a 10th grader at Montpelier High School Shakeh is interested in teaching about Armenia’s struggles and seeing more representation of Armenia’s history and culture in the classroom.

Dr. Kristina Hansen has served 26 years in the classroom and recently received a doctorate with a dissertation which focused on the causes of teacher burnout and the moderating factors of resilience and positivity She is a National Board Certified Teacher in ELA at Mt Anthony Union High School in Bennington, most recently in a role in alternative learning She also is a Strategic Instruction/Content Enhancement Trainer through KU-CRL, an Appreciate Living Learning Circle Coach, and a Conversations Worth Having Coach

Linda Hazard CCC-A, Program Director, Vermont Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program

Sharon M. Henry PT, PhD, Professor of Physical Therapy Emerita

Tracy Hinck, MS CCC-A/SLP FAAA UVMMC DHHDB-ESP Program Supervisor Case Manager/LEA

Dr Andrew B Jones is currently the assistant superintendent for Mount Mansfield Unified Union School District (MMUUSD) He was the director of curriculum for Mill River Unified Union School District (MRUUSD) for four years before coming to MMUUSD Prior to being a district administrator, Andrew worked as an instructional coach and high school science teacher at Mount Abraham UHS in Bristol. Andrew also teaches masters and doctoral-level courses at the University of Vermont (UVM), with a specialization in education policy. He was the president of the Vermont Curriculum Leaders Association (VTCLA) from 2019-2021.

PRESENTER BIOS

Rebecca Lalanne is the Director of Deaf Vermonters Advocacy Services (DVAS) and a member of the D/HH/DB Council.

Michael Martin is the Executive Director of the Rowland Foundation He has worked as a classroom teacher, teacher leader, presenter, adjunct professor, consultant, and district administrator in Vermont, most recently as the Director of Learning for South Burlington School District In 2009, he received a Rowland Foundation Fellowship to focus on learner engagement and worked as a Senior Associate for the Foundation for ten years. He has worked with Grant Wiggins, Angela Duckworth, and Katie Novak over the course of his career and was one of 100 education innovators invited to participate in the National Summit on Competency-Based Education in 2017. He co-created and offered The Vermont Leading Proficiency Series for The Great Schools Partnership in 2018. His work focuses on learner agency, equity, and school transformation. Mike speaks French at home, plays in a jazz combo, and loves to travel abroad to learn new things

Erin Maguire is the Director of Equity & Inclusion and Co-Director of Support Services for EWSD

Erin has been a special education director since 2002 and an equity director since 2019 She holds a Masters's Degree in Special Education from Castleton University and a Certificate in Advanced Educational Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She has guided local schools and teams in implementing programming for students with disabilities and their families, as well as supported the school district toward educational equity. Erin has been the President of her state association for special education directors and is the current Past President of the Council of Administrators of Special Education, the national organization representing special education leaders She is a dedicated community member supporting the idea that everyone belongs

Gloria Mantagaris has been an Intensive Needs Paraeducator for Champlain Valley School District for 16 years Gloria advocates for all ESP members through serving on her local Executive Council and Negotiations Team She is presently the co-coordinator of CVSD's Paraeducator Mentoring Program, the co-chief negotiator for the ESP group and is a member of the Chittenden County ESP Regional Bargaining Council. Gloria has worked with the NEA co-facilitating two summer blended learning courses on ESP Mentoring, presented the program at the 2022 NEA ESP Conference, co-facilitated an ESP Mentoring webinar for NEA members and has led ESP Mentoring workshops at the VT-NEA ESP conference the last two years. Gloria is also the 2023 Vermont-NEA ESP of the Year. Gloria believes that ESP mentoring is one solution to increasing ESP retention, as it not only supports and trains new ESP’s but also benefits the students they serve in a variety of ways

Erica McLaughlin is the VPA’s Assistant Executive Director for Elementary Schools, a Veteran Principal of 17 years and the state and NAESP Zone 1 representative for the National Taskforce on Race and Equity. Erica was the Vermont Elementary School Principal of the Year in 2015. She is committed to supporting leaders across the state.

Dr. Dylan McNamara is the Co-Director of Student Support Services and the Director of Social and Emotional Learning for the Essex Westford School District. He has worked in public education over the past 25 years, starting his career as a school psychologist and serving in a variety of leadership positions over the past 18 years Additionally, he has taught several courses at University of Vermont and Saint Michael’s College

Mike McRaith: (he/him) works as the Associate Executive Director at the Vermont Principals’ Association. Mike is a 2013 Rowland Fellow and a former teacher, school counselor, and principal. His work at the Vermont Principals’Association supports school leaders around the state in professional learning, mentoring for new school leaders, and as a collaborator with several statewide committees and organizations.

PRESENTER BIOS

Dr. Shannon Newell is an associate professor of Psychology at Castleton University and the program coordinator of the School Psychology graduate program. She has worked as a school psychologist for over 15 years.

Dawn Newport has been a science teacher at Mt Anthony Union High School in Bennington, VT for 22 years. She has a Bachelors of Science in Environmental Science & Secondary Education from Trinity College of Vermont, a Masters in Education from the University of Southern New Hampshire and an Advanced Certificate in Educational Technology from Marlboro College Dawn is very passionate about creating a positive school environment for both students and faculty She serves on the MTSS/ PBIS Committee, is involved with implementing restorative practices, and is leading a teacher wellness (Acts of Kindness) group.

Kosha Patel has been the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for the Missisquoi Valley School District since 2018. She started her career as a School Counselor in India and received a doctorate in Child Development there. After moving to the United States, she completed a postMaster’s degree in Reading Education from Boston University. She worked as a Title I Reading Teacher in Massachusetts for two years before moving to Vermont She spent 15 years as the Literacy Specialist at the Sheldon Elementary School which she thoroughly enjoyed Currently, as the Director of Curriculum at the Missisquoi Valley School District, she works closely with Franklin Central, Highgate Elementary, Swanton School, and the MVU Middle and High School Additionally, she co-facilitates the Champlain Valley Curriculum Coordinators, serves on the CVEDC Board, and the PLL Advisory Board. She has a passion for providing students with the best education possible by supporting teacher development and building strong systems of support.

Jeanie Phillips is a senior associate with the Great Schools Partnership. Before joining GSP, she worked as a professional development coordinator at the Tarrant Institute for Innovative Education at the University of Vermont where she partnered with schools to create more just, engaging, and equitable learning environments for learners Jeanie began her career in education as a school librarian more than twenty years ago, working in both elementary and secondary school settings Jeanie was awarded a Rowland Fellowship in 2014, focusing on making learning more relevant, meaningful, and engaging to students She serves as Senior Rowland Associate, facilitating Rowland cohorts as they engage in their inquiry projects. Jeanie is currently in the education policy and leadership doctoral program at the University of Vermont. Her research interests are educational equity and culturally responsive and sustaining pedagogies. Jeanie lives and plays in Burlington, Vermont. When she doesn’t have her nose in a book, she likes to be on her bike, cross-country skis, or feet enjoying the land around her.

Audrey Richardson is the EST/MTSS Coordinator at Windsor Central Supervisory Union

Meagan Roy currently serves as the Superintendent of the Washington Central Unified Union School District, and previously spent more than a decade in the Champlain Valley Union School District as their Director of Student Support Services. She began her Vermont teaching career as an Intensive Needs special educator, and her professional endeavors are deeply linked to her beliefs about social justice and the need to ensure that schools are able to provide a high-quality education to all students. Meagan is a graduate of Simmons College in Boston, MA and completed her Master and Doctoral degrees in UVM’s Education Leadership and Policy Studies program. She is a past President of the Vermont Council of Special Education Administrators and serves as the Chair of the CensusBased Funding Advisory Group

PRESENTER BIOS

Rene Sanchez is the superintendent of the Champlain Valley School District in Vermont. He has served as an Assistant Superintendent of Operations in South Bend, Indiana, and as a secondary principal in Houston and Austin, Texas. He has been an educator for 28 years. Originally from the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, Rene attended undergraduate studies at the University of Notre Dame. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Government and International Studies. He has a law degree from Ohio State. Rene graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Master’s degree in Education He is currently enrolled at Indiana State to conclude his Ph D Rene serves on the Vermont Special Education Advisory Committee and as Vermont's Commissioner for the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission Additionally, he is a co-chair for UDL-IRN’s Universal Design for Learning and Antiracism Special Interest Group He is currently working with the Association for Latino Administrators and Superintendents to establish a regional state affiliate for Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts. Rene has been married to Jean since 2005, and they have three children and three dogs. He loves to cycle, cook, barbecue, read, fish, golf, and work in the garden and yard.

Cassie Santo is an Inclusive Practices Coordinator at the Vermont Agency of Education and a member of the D/HH/DB Council

Laura Siegel is the Vermont State Director of Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and DeafBlind Services and a member of the D/HH/DB Council

Dr. Lacy Skinner is an assistant professor of Psychology at Castleton University and teaches in the undergraduate and graduate programs. She has over 15 years of experience working in the schools as a school psychologist.

Diego Soria is an 11th grader at Montpelier High School and is interested in sharing his culture with other people

Sherry Sousa has dedicated her career to working with adolescents with disabilities In her many capacities serving Windsor Central Supervisory Union, Sherry has focused on providing students with learning differences opportunities to grow and to remain in their home communities Under her leadership, the role of a WCSU special educator was reimagined as Learning Specialist--reducing the number of students receiving special education services. She has co-authored three books on nonverbal learning disabilities. For the last two years, Sherry has had the privilege of serving as WCSU Superintendent. Sherry is committed to improving educational equity and sees literacy as a key component of that work.

Jen Stainton is the Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment at the Windsor Central Supervisory Union She graduated with a B S in Biology from The University of Richmond, a Master’s in Secondary Science Education from George Mason University, and a Doctorate in Education Leadership and Policy Studies from The University of Vermont Jen taught secondary science in both public and private settings for 20 years before stepping into curriculum leadership. Her professional and research interests include project-based learning, experiential learning, science education, and student voice.

PRESENTER BIOS

Katie Thompson is the Associate Director of Learning and Strategy with the Great Schools Partnership. She has led school improvement efforts in small, rural schools, and large urban districts and is currently leading a project of schools in a collaborative model in the state of Washington. Prior to her work at GSP, Katie was a science teacher and field hockey coach at a high school in Maine where she served as district subject area leader, professional learning group facilitator, advisory program chair, and school data coordinator. Her research interests include school improvement coaching impact on teacher change in practice, teacher-leader impact on school climate, effective culture and capacity building of staff, and teacher efficacy in K–12 STEM education

Jackie Tolman, M.Ed CAGS, is the Director of Learning and Instructional Impact for the Essex Westford School District. Within her 29 years of experience in VT schools, she has successfully served as a classroom teacher, special educator, principal, central office director, and adjunct professor. Jackie has supported and worked within all grade levels. She works with passion and empathy to bring what is written about best practices to the “boots on the ground” level, collaboratively leading to bring systems, teaching, and, most importantly, learning for all students forward

Sara Truebridge Founder of EDLINKS™ , Educating The New Humanity LLC, and Cofounder of ETNH Foundation is a consultant, researcher, TED Talk presenter, educator, and author specializing in the area of resilience, combining her experience and expertise in research, policy, and practice to promote success and equity for all. Sara is a faculty member in the Ed. Leadership doctoral program at Southern New Hampshire University teaching Organizational Analysis; Organizations & Positive Social Change; Innovative Leadership; Leading a Culture of Abundance, and Social Entrepreneurial Leadership.

Emily Verner is an educational interpreter and a member of the D/HH/DB Council

Windsor Central Superintendent's Student Advisory Council (SSAC) meets with the Superintendent to provide feedback and present viable solutions on District initiatives and programs Student leaders have an opportunity to expand their understanding of issues facing them and their peers in order to take action to support one another, build resiliency, and meet the goals of the Portrait of a Graduate. The SSAC assists the Superintendent by capturing the pulse of what is happening in the schools across the district, while providing feedback for improving the educational experience. This committee facilitates the flow of information in both directions and is a dynamic, quick-paced task force providing a testing ground for ideas, creating an essential feedback loop between District Leadership and the student body

Cara Zimmerman is the Director of Policy Services and Legislative Affairs for the Vermont School Boards Association She is responsible for monitoring and communicating about legislative activity during the legislative session, developing the content of the legislative reports, and facilitating meetings of our education coalition. Recently, her role with the VSBA expanded to include policy services and going forward she will also help to draft model policies, conduct policy reviews for school boards, and assist the Executive Director in providing local boards and administrators with legal guidance. She is a graduate from Georgetown Law School and in 2013 moved from the Boston area to Stowe with her husband and three children.

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