Contact me: mcrussell1@cps.edu

My role in education: I'm a wife, mom of two + a dog, and a high school principal....loving life and taking it one step at a time!

My educational core value(s): is to keep equity at the center of my work while enacting change to support powerful futures for my scholars.

Contact me: phillip.evans@ibo.org

My role in education: I design and manage project centered work that both supports schools to increase student access and engagement in IB education and provides rich insights for the organization to use to operationalize and improve service to schools.

My educational core value(s): Fairness and equity

I am a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and have always found ways to engage in efforts to make the world a more equitable and welcoming place for people to flourish, no matter who they are. I bring this to my work in education for a better world.

Email: mdandrea@sacredheartacademy.org

My role in education: I am the IB Coordinator (DP and MYP), EE Coordinator, CAS Coordinator, IB World Religions Teacher, and Communications Coordinator for a private, all girls high schol in Buffalo. I've been at my current school for 10 years. Previously, I've taught English and public speaking in a public school for about 10 years, and also spent 2 years teaching abroad in the Dominican Republic and in Tanzania.

My educationa core value(s): To always recognize and honor the inherent dignity in each person and work to create spaces where they can define and achieve success.

andrew@aaps.k12.mi.us

My roles: At school, I'm a literacy coach at Scarlett Middle School, which is a Title I school that is part of a PYP, MYP, DP, CP pathway. Outside of school, I am mom to three grown children and a new puppy. My partner, Derek, and I just celebrated our 25th anniversary. We love traveling and learning about our world.

My educational core values: I've never met a student who didn't enjoy the feeling of learning or a parent who didn't want the best for their child. I care deeply about equity, curiosity, and fostering spaces in which we can all grow into our hopes.

https://fs.blog/mental-models/

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My roles:

Being my boys' mom has been the most amazing experience of my life that continually taught and inspired me. As a matter of fact, thanks to my boys I am now a teacher. I started as homeschooler. We had so much fun that I decided that when I "grow up," I want to be a teacher.

I am a high school EL and Russian teacher. This year I will also be part of the CAMPUS team supporting students' success in continuing their education after graduation.

I also have a privilege to serve my community alongside exceptional human beings as a volunteer EMT.

My educational core values are summed up by Yeats: "Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire."

My email: diana.mann@lcps.org

https://fs.blog/mental-models/

https://fs.blog/mental-models/

Email: becky.murphy@myoneclay.net

Role in Education: I am a high school principal who loves her school community with her whole heart. My husband of 21 years and my two sons (19) and (16) are my world. They genuinely embrace my school and students as part of their own family.

Educational Core Values: Students are at the heart of all that I do! It is essential to create a safe and inclusive environment where they can thrive academically, intellectually, and emotionally. I strive to promote critical thinking, lifelong learning, and holistic development while fostering a sense of belonging, encouraging empathy and respect for diversity, and empowering our students to become responsible global citizens.

Natalie.Tourtelotte@mpls.k12.mn.us

Role in Education: I work in the Core Academics Department in Minneapolis Public Schools, the last 3 years supporting 15 Candidate or Authorized PYP and MYP Schools. I recently transitioned to a Director position supporting all IB, AP, K-8 Advanced Learners, and all content areas except Literacy and Math.

Educational Core Values: Ensuring we provide high quality educational experiences to ALL students in ALL subject areas every day.

Andover, MN (just north of Minneapolis), USA

robert.kohnert@mpls.k12.mn.us

Role in Education: I work in the Core Academics Department for Minneapolis Public Schools as the District Lead of College Credit Programming. The role supports 11 schools in all college credit eligible programming including IB DP, IB CP, AP, concurrent enrollment, and PSEO. Prior to that, I was a high school social studies teacher for 13 years and Vice President of the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers, Local 59.

Educational Core Values: I believe that education should support the examination and exploration of their passions to help them achieve their unique and individual best. Programs should be grounded in philosophy that is inclusive (such as IB for all students) and engaging while also being fluid and flexible where students are able to try new things, fail at times, and be supported in their progressions. 

I also connect with a Stephen Fry quote “Education is the sum of what students teach each other between lectures and seminars.” My last years as a classroom teacher, I very rarely led a lesson. I used a method where students worked collaboratively in a circle to answer questions that their peers posed and create their own learning. I strongly believe students learning from students is far more relevant and impactful than students listening to me for 50 minutes a day. 

Shawnee Mission, Kansas, USA -- a suburb of Kansas City

email: nwwalker@smsd.org

My role in education: I am a wife and a mom. These two roles have taught me more than anything else. At work, I am the coordinator for our DP program. I help our EE and CAS Coordinators and teach IB Psychology, AP Psychology, and TOK.

My educational core value(s): Everyone has a story, and these stories are important to the learning process. People must feel respected and comfortable to embrace the challenges that come with authentic learning and be vulnerable enough to make mistakes. I work hard for all people to have this experience in my spaces. 

adierah.berger@ihsnola.org

I am the CEO and Head of School at International High School of New Orleans. We are a charter school authorized by the state of Louisiana, but we reside in New Orleans.

With experience as a teacher, a curriculum specialist, a principal, and a district leader, I believe that collaboration is the key to success in education. I strive to foster a positive and supportive school culture that values the input of teachers, students, parents, and community partners.

tmcafee@owncs.org

My role in education: I'm a trailblazer, leader, system disruptor, and a fighter. As an elementary principal, I lead with love and care to make sure my babies and families get the greatness they so inherently deserve!

My educational core values: The question I sit with each day, are the children well and loved, is by guiding factor. Being an antiracist educator helps me to keep fighting to be able to say yes to that question.

• Email:

  zimam@owncs.org

• My role in education:

  I am a PYP IB Coordinator and a Science teacher at Our World Charter School in Howard Beach, New York.

• My education core values:

I resonate with Gholdy Muhammad's quote: "Without joy and love, humanity cannot exist, and schools cannot truly be spaces of liberation and justice."

Contact me ddelmonico@cps.edu

My role in education: I am a mom of two adult (sort of..) children, a wife, a career educator, and an IB DP/CP Coordinator.

My educational core value(s): Access and Equity for all scholars.

Contact me: coceguera-p@cps.edu

My role in education: I am a wife and mom of one amazing four year old. I am the MYP coordinator at my school. This past school year was my first year being an MYP Coordinator, beforehand I was a Spanish teacher.

My educational core value(s): All students are deserving of a high quality education and it is our responsibility to provide it to our students.

Exploring and learning along with my school team on becoming a candidate PYP School, as part of district-wide initiative to have comprehensive IB programs in K-12. We currently have an well established high school DP IB program at Nogales High School, in Nogales Unified School District.

cstrong@shslou.org

My role in education: A.D. of Pedagogy at an IB, Reggio, and play based preschool.

My educational core values: children are capable and deserve to be treated as equal humans inside and outside of the classroom. Learning through play in the Early Years develops skills and building blocks for later life skills.

Contact: e045709@muscogee.k12.ga.us

My role: As a PYP Coordinator, my role is ensuring meaningful PYP implementation, teacher support, and JOY in our building.

My educational core value(s): All students can learn; fair isn't always equal; community matters.

My role in education : I have been a dual language teacher for 18 years, but am transitioning to be a principal this year. I have 3 wonderful boys (19,15,11) who keep me busy!

I have a passion in empowering students to be agents of their education by advocating for themselves. I have been at an IB school for five years.

Role: Music Educator 6-12

CVs: Integrity & Effort

Demetria Faison (she/her)

Demetria_Faison@scps.k12.fl.us

My role in education: Assistant Superintendent for Middle Schools in Seminole County Public Schools, supervising 12 middle schools, four of which are in the process of MYP authorization (whole-school model).

My educational core value(s): All kids. Every class. Every day.

Contact me: rreid@spsd.net

Saginaw, Michigan

My role in education: I am a wife, mother of an amazing, brilliant, and beautiful daughter and a dog mom of a dog. I am a principal of a gifted and talented campus in an urban school district. I love life and educating others.

My educational core value(s): is to keep kids first through ensuring equity for all.

kneil@navajoprep.com

Role: Associate Head of School for Academics and Operations (Principal)

I have been at Navajo Preparatory School for 7 years. We are a 9-12 Tribally-Controlled Grant School. We have the DP, moving into our 10th year, and are in Authorization process for the MYP.

Education Core Values:

Create students who are Creators and not just Consumers.

Contact: sarka.kubelikova@peelsb.com

My Role: Vice Principal at Turner Fenton Secondary School.

jkraniak@spsd.net

Saginaw Arts & Sciences Academy

Saginaw, MI

I am the Assistant Principal of Saginaw Arts & Sciences Academy, a top 5 high school in the state of Michigan.

As the assistant principal at Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy, I am dedicated to fostering an environment of academic excellence, student-centered learning, and innovative teaching. I prioritize equity, inclusion, and collaboration, ensuring all students have equitable access to opportunities and resources while promoting a diverse and respectful community. Committed to lifelong learning and professional development, I uphold integrity and ethical behavior, holding myself and others accountable to high standards. Through visionary leadership and compassionate understanding, I aim to inspire and support the academic and personal growth of every student.

My role in education: Currently Assistant Principal at a PYP school (PK-5th grade)

My educational values: Build relationships first and the rest will happen!

lmalito@ttdistrict205.net

My role in education: IB History (HL) teacher.

My educational core values: Equity, humanity, high expectations with high support.

stefan.fearnley@det.nsw.edu.au

My role in education:

I am a high school mathematics teacher of 7 years experience.

My education core values:

I’m driven by finding those “Ah ha!’ moments each lesson where things just click for my students.

Learning Specialist Kororoit Creek Primary School, Melbourne, Australia

Biancagavin@education.vic.gov.au

My role in education:

I am a Grade 3 Learning Specialist and been in education for 10 years. I am a mum of two daughters who share a love of Taylor Swift.

My educational core values:

To ensure that all students feel valued and part of an inclusive and collaborative learning environment. I strive to promote critical thinking, lifelong learning whilst fostering a senses of belonging.

Columbus, GA, USA

lawson.teresa.m@muscogee.k12.ga.us

tlawson96@gmail.com

Head of School

Relationships first!

smalikbarnes1@saisd.net

My role in education is to be a campus-wide leader. I teach STEM.

My educational core values are:

• Every student should feel welcomed, safe, and respected in every classroom.

  • All students can learn regardless of the needs/disabilities, but it requires the right, positive attitudes from everyone.

_{Head of School; Handley Elementary}

_{Program for the Creative & Academically Talented}

_{IB World School; PYP Programme}

_{jmmiller@spsd.net}

My role in education:

I am a wife, mom of soon-to-be 5th Grader and 2nd Grader who go to Handley too! I am a public school elementary principal in the only urban school district in Saginaw, Michigan. I am a proud neuro-divergent learner, ally, and advocate for human rights.

My educational core values:

I am a lifelong learner who believes in reflection, being open-minded and empowering others. I value connection and balance in both work and life and am striving to be better everyday.

gregory_webster.c@charleston.k12.sc.us

Greetings all!

I am coming from James Island Charter High School in Charleston, SC where I serve as the DP Coordinator and TOK teacher. I am also the SC IB Schools President-Elect.

My core value as an educator and human being is that we are all lifelong learners who each have unique educational paths in our life journeys. I try to stress this value daily in my TOK course and by modeling an attitude of curiousity and open-mindedness about my students' experiences and perceptions.

I consider my service in the Peace Corps in Mali as well as teaching for 5 years in Ecuador and a year in China as integral to cultivating this mindset. These life experiences shaped my appreciation for the diversity of the human experience.