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During her time in Florida, Michelle worked with some of the most struggling schools, collaborating with the instructional leadership teams. Due to the systems and structures put into place, and an intentional focus on instruction, many of her schools saw great gains and continued to see improvements in student achievement.

Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Illinois State University, a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Aurora University, and a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Northern Illinois University. Her dissertation, titled Student Involvement in the Formative Assessment Process, draws upon her belief that students can and should be active participants in their own learning and that all education should be data-driven.

A three-time Teacher of the Year, Penny has a career in education that spans four decades, excelling in the roles of teacher, school and district-level administrator, trainer, leadership coach, and consultant. She has dedicated the past 20 years to coaching and training school leaders, providing vital expertise in leadership development and high-quality instruction.

Penny worked in a large urban district in a variety of administrative, coaching, and teaching capacities, where she developed vast experiences as a leader and obtained a solid understanding of what good curriculum and instruction entail. As the Executive Director for Instructional Leadership Solutions, she enhances educational systems for children across the country. Ultimately, Penny holds herself responsible for the success of the students, teachers, leaders, and districts that partner with Instructional Empowerment.

Penny earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Exceptional Education from Central Michigan University and her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Central Florida.

Prior to joining IE, Kim served as a classroom teacher, Curriculum Administrator, and High School Principal during her 14 years with Cleveland City Schools. As an educator, she dedicated her focus to the mission of exposing students to enriched learning experiences that were not otherwise afforded.

With Instructional Empowerment, Kim has been a Staff Developer, Conference Speaker, Leadership Coach, and District Lead. Her expertise in helping teachers and school leaders identify the components of rigorous instruction has been the conduit for schools to develop instructional strategies that meet the unique needs of today’s learners while enhancing student achievement, school climate, and overall morale. Kim’s leadership of a school with persistently low achievement scores, resulted in increased achievement for the first time in six years, allowing the school to exit state oversight. Kim’s work is tethered in her social mission to impact the people who impact the world – she is passionate about supporting leaders to shift their individual leadership styles and strategies to evoke change.

Kim attended Cleveland State University where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and a Master’s Degree in Education with an emphasis on Adult Learning and Development. She is a Certified Scrum Master and uses her skills to strengthen internal systems, keeping leadership teams agile and responsive to changing demands while executing strategic initiatives.

Deana calls upon her 20+ years of experience in education to support leaders and teachers in increasing engagement, ensuring equity, and closing achievement gaps through student conversations and rigorous learning. She is an award-winning author, international speaker, and conducts research and development for Instructional Empowerment. Having experience that spans the United States and Canada in rural and urban districts, she is passionate about creating innovative solutions for all students, teachers, and leaders.

Deana holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Texas A&M University, and a Master of Science in Science Education from Montana State University.

Jody has extensive experience supporting and empowering teachers and leaders by facilitating rigorous and engaging learning through PLCs, professional development, and classroom support. She has successfully devoted the last two decades to educational transformation, advocating her core belief that all children deserve a solid path for a successful future.

While serving as a Faculty Coach with IE, Jody was an instrumental player in the successful advancement of several of our partner schools in the state of Florida. Most specifically Lakewood Elementary, where core instruction was elevated to new heights during the 3-year partnership. The implementation of the model of instruction resulted in a successful transformation for all students, teachers, and leaders, as well as increased achievement.

Jody attended Florida Atlantic University where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education.

Meg also leads IE’s annual Building Expertise Conference, which provides partner districts and schools with opportunities to network with other educators from across the country while diving deeper into IE’s Model of Instruction and learning new strategies and tools to bring back to their own districts. As the Executive Director overseeing the conference, she provides unique opportunities for educators to connect around our shared social mission to end generational poverty and eliminate racial achievement gaps, which drives the heart of our work.

Meg has spent more than 30 years in the field of education serving students, teachers, and administrators in North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Florida, and believes education is the great equalizer. Meg has developed curriculum and supported its implementation in both elementary and secondary settings. After serving for several years as Assistant Principal and Principal, she became the Director of Elementary Curriculum for one of the nation’s largest school districts. Meg served on the Board of Directors for the Early Learning Coalition and on the Board of Advisors for the Children’s Movement, reflecting her dedication to early childhood and social justice. She feels her work with IE aligns perfectly with her passion for ensuring all students have access to a rigorous and engaging curriculum.

Meg attended UNC Charlotte where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, and James Madison University where she earned a Master’s Degree in Reading. Meg also completed doctoral coursework in curriculum at the University of Maryland. She uses her skills to strengthen partnership experiences while actively supporting school districts across the nation in attaining their goals.