KEYNOTE & BREAKOUT SESSION SPEAKER

Ryan Rydzewski

Ryan Rydzewski is an award-winning writer and speaker. A former teacher, his magazine stories focus on everything from schools to space travel to Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. His next book explores human fulfillment – the weird and wonderful ways we pursue it; share it; and create the conditions for others to find it, too.

AAEE Breakout Session:
Available soon.

KEYNOTE & BREAKOUT SESSION SPEAKER

Gregg Behr

Gregg Behr, executive director of The Grable Foundation since 2006, is a father and children’s advocate. For nearly 20 years, he has helped lead Remake Learning – a network of educators, technologists, designers, and makers he founded in 2007 – to international renown. Among the foremost examples of learning ecosystems, Remake Learning has turned heads everywhere from The White House to the World Economic Forum for its efforts to ignite children's curiosity; encourage creativity; and foster joy and belonging in schools, libraries, museums, and other sites of learning. In 2023, HundrED named Behr as its Global Champion of the Year for inspiring learning innovation across continents. He's an advisor to the Brookings Institution and the Fred Rogers Institute, and has been honored by the White House, the Disruptor Foundation, ISTE, and AASA with national awards as an innovator and thought leader in education and policy leadership. Behr holds degrees from the University of Notre Dame and Duke University, as well as honorary degrees from Saint Vincent College and Carlow University.​

AAEE Breakout Session:
Available soon.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Sharif El-Mekki, CEO/Founder

The Center for Black Educator Development leverages the well-documented research that Black students are best positioned for success when they are taught by people who can serve as mirrors, not just windows, to their world—Black teachers, grounded in Black pedagogy, supported by policies that work for them and sustained by professional pathways designed with them in mind.

The first acknowledgment of harm must address educational disparities throughout the educational ecosystem that impact, not only Black children’s experiences, but also Black educators’ experience. 

In Fugitive Pedagogy, Dr. Jarvis R. Givens rightfully notes a distinctness about Black teachers: they are leaders among leaders. That’s who we get to serve at the Center: the next generation of leaders among leaders who will continue to make a colossal difference in our collective future. 

I’ve been blessed to have been, my entire life, in community with others. This work is no different. We engender natural, genuine ways of learning from one another that are authentic and intergenerational. We focus on our children, our hopes and dreams, while honoring our elders, traditions, rich history and painful lessons.

We continue to need your support as a part of our growing community. Together, we can and must rebuild the national Black Teacher Pipeline—producing one that is durable, protected, honored and predictable.

Every new Black teacher inspires hope— and is inspired by the sheer sacredness and weightiness of asserting and defending our students’ history and humanity. We have made much progress in 2022, but we have much more to do in the coming year. 

I’m simply in awe of our community and grateful to serve and build alongside you.

KEYNOTE & BREAKOUT SESSION SPEAKER

Leon Smith, PA Teacher of the Year

Leon Smith is an educator, leader and policy advocate with over twenty-three years of experience. He is a life-long learner and extremely passionate about the profession of teaching. Leon graduated from the University of Maryland at College Park with a bachelor’s degree in secondary social studies education, earned his master’s degree from Pennsylvania State University in Instructional Systems and received his PK-12 Principal’s certification from Cabrini University. Leon is an award-winning educator; exemplified by his selection as the 2025 PA Teacher of the Year. Cabrini University’s Center for Urban Education awarded Leon with the High Impact Moral and Courageous Teacher Award in 2024. In 2020, he was named a Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction by The National Society of High School Scholars.

He is extremely passionate about diversifying the educator workforce. From 2022 to the present, Leon has served in multiple roles with Teach Plus, whose mission is to empower teachers to take leadership over key policy and practice issues that advance student success. From 2022-2023, Leon served as a policy fellow, and was named Teach Plus PA Fellow of the Year. He was selected to serve as a Senior Fellow from 2023-2024 where he co-led a group of policy fellows. In these roles, Leon advocated for policies and programs to expand and diversify the educator pipeline to legislators and members of the PA Department of Education. In 2024, he was selected to the inaugural Regional Advisory Board for Teach Plus PA supporting its mission of transforming education policy, advocacy, and instructional practice in Pennsylvania. Currently, Leon serves on the National Teacher Policy cabinet, a federal policy fellowship for current classroom teachers to develop their policy skills and partner with the federal government on issues to promote student achievement and teacher leadership development. He also serves as a mentor with Project IMPACT, a program at Rowan University designed to increase the representation of males from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds in teaching.

His contributions to the field of education extend to leadership roles with organizations advocating for educator diversity and equity. Leon is a Board member with the Pennsylvania Educator Diversity Consortium whose goal is to increase the number of teachers of color and culturally relevant and sustaining educators in classrooms across the Commonwealth. Leon currently serves as a College Board AP workshop consultant for the new AP African American Studies course where he supports national and international educators as they prepare to teach the class. He is also enjoys coaching and has coached freshman basketball for over twenty years.

AAEE Breakout Session:
Available soon.

BREAKOUT SESSION SPEAKERS

Cassie Harwell

Cassie Harwell is a passionate force behind teacher development at Caddo Parish Public Schools in Shreveport, Louisiana. As a Human Resources Development Specialist and member of the Teach Caddo Team, she brings over 25 years of educational experience to nurturing excellence at all levels.

Cassie has been instrumental in the district-based alternative certification program since its inception 10 years ago. Her expertise helps future educators, new teachers, and veterans alike achieve their professional goals.

Throughout her career, Cassie has worn many hats: a dedicated first-grade teacher, a skilled reading interventionist, a Paideia Coach, an insightful instructional coordinator, and a knowledgeable professional development specialist. This diverse background fuels her ability to connect with educators at every stage.
With a deep understanding of the teaching profession and a commitment to continuous improvement, Cassie empowers Caddo educators to thrive throughout their careers.

AAEE Breakout Session:
Empower Your Growing School District: Unveiling the C.I.R.C.U.S. Approach

William Anders

This session explores innovative strategies to recruit, support, and retain diverse teacher candidates, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, in teacher preparation programs and PK-12 schools. Drawing on research and real-world experience, attendees will learn actionable approaches to create inclusive environments that foster a sense of belonging for teachers. Participants will leave with tools to address challenges in recruitment and retention, strategies for mentoring and leadership development, and insights into shifting the narrative about teaching as a profession.

AAEE Breakout Session:
Building a Community of Belonging: Recruiting and Retaining Diverse Teachers

Heather Finley

Heather Finley has dedicated her career to serving students and educators in rural Georgia. She began as a special education teacher in 1997 and later moved to Fannin County, Georgia, where she held various roles, including Special Education Specialist, Director of Student Services, and Director of Technology and Informational Services. Heather developed an innovative teacher induction and mentoring program that significantly improved teacher retention in her rural district. In 2023, she joined the Georgia Department of Education as a Teacher Retention and Recruitment Specialist in the Office of Rural Education and Innovation (REI). In this role, she supports rural leaders in teacher recruitment and retention efforts and has been instrumental in developing the Georgia Registered Teaching Apprenticeship Program (GaRTAP).

AAEE Breakout Session:
Cultivating Local Talent: Building a Sustainable Educator Pipeline through High School Pre-Apprenticeships and Registered Teaching Apprenticeship

Virginia Shank

Virginia Shank is a native of Lynchburg, Virginia, and previously served as an elementary classroom teacher, reading specialist, Sylvan Learning Executive Director, and Director of Student Teaching/edTPA Coordinator at the university level. She is currently the assistant professor of reading for the School of Education at Liberty University and holds a Ph D. in Curriculum and instruction. Dr. Shank has worked in the field of education for more than twenty-five years, and she has a passion for developing and supporting the next generation of teachers.

AAEE Breakout Session:
Boosting Teacher Self-Efficacy and Retention

Jennifer Gillespie

Jennifer Gillespie, Ed.S
Jennifer is an innovative educator and advocate for equitable education. With over 15 years of experience in field of Education, Jennifer has dedicated her career to creating inclusive and empowering learning environments for all students.

A recipient of the prestigious 2023-2024 Lions Club Teacher of the Year Award, Jennifer brings a wealth of expertise and creativity to her work. Jennifer holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, a Master's of Education, and an Education Specialist degree in Special Education. Her advanced academic credentials and hands-on expertise has made her a leader in designing and implementing effective teaching strategies that meet the diverse needs of all learners.
Known for being data-driven, fearless in taking educational risks, and highly effective in classroom management, Jennifer believes that building positive relationships is the cornerstone of creating inclusive learning spaces. This philosophy is at the heart of her professional development presentation, “Building Bridges: Fostering and Cultivating Inclusive Learning Environments Through Positive Relationships.”

Beyond the classroom, Jennifer inspires fellow educators to innovate and lead with purpose. Her work reflects a deep commitment to fostering connections, promoting equity, and creating environments where every student feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.

AAEE Breakout Session:
Building Bridges: Fostering & Cultivating Inclusive Learning Environments Through Positive Relationships

Dr. Alisa Ross

Dr. Alisa Ross is an educator, published author, podcaster, and philanthropist. She taught in the PK-12 setting for 15 years. In 2018, she began her tenure in higher education. Currently, she is serving as the Director of Data Assessment and Quality Enhancement Plan at Southern University and A&M College.

AAEE Breakout Session:
Passion & Purpose: A Hands-On Learning Opportunity

Darleen Romenick

Dynamic and results-driven education leader with a strong background in talent management, recruitment, and school leadership. As Director of Talent Management for Fort Mill School District, I oversee strategic initiatives to attract, retain, and develop top-tier educators, ensuring alignment with district goals. With extensive experience as a principal, assistant principal, and teacher, I have a proven track record of fostering positive school cultures, mentoring educators, and driving student success.
Before transitioning into education, I gained valuable experience in private industry, serving in public relations and marketing roles for a prestigious law firm and a luxury hotel. My expertise in strategic communication, branding, and stakeholder engagement has strengthened my ability to build partnerships, enhance district visibility, and implement innovative recruitment strategies.
Throughout my career, I have been committed to educator retention, instructional excellence, and leadership development. I take pride in my ability to create collaborative environments, support teacher growth, and develop forward-thinking initiatives that enhance both student learning and staff effectiveness. My diverse background in education and business enables me to bring a fresh perspective to talent acquisition and organizational leadership.

AAEE Breakout Session:
Engagement by Design: The Influence of Connecting, Committing & Coaching

Erin Sandoval

Erin Sandoval is the Director of Residency and Induction at Propel Schools, where she is dedicated to developing and supporting the next generation of educators. A 2010 graduate of Penn State University, Erin began her career in education through the City Teaching Alliance Residency Program in Washington, D.C. She spent four years teaching kindergarten at a Tier 1, Title 1 public charter school in Southeast D.C., where she was nominated for Teacher of the Year and served as a mentor teacher to a resident educator. In 2014, Erin relocated to Pittsburgh and joined Propel Schools as a founding first-grade teacher at Propel Hazelwood. Over the years, she took on multiple educator roles, including Third Grade Lead Teacher, Instructional Coach, and Math Specialist. In 2019, Erin transitioned into a leadership role, leveraging her experience as both a resident and mentor teacher to enhance the Propel Teacher Residency Program (PTRP). Over the past five years, she has remained deeply committed to transforming public education and ensuring that all children have access to high-quality, high-performing schools. In 2022, Erin was honored with the Award for Vibrant Teaching Communities for her work in preparing new educators. She lives in Pittsburgh with her husband, three children, and two dogs.

AAEE Breakout Session:
Setting New Educators Up for Success with Classroom Management