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Christopher J. Steinhauser served as superintendent of the Long Beach Unified School District from 2002 to 2020; the fourth largest school district in California serving approximately 70,000 students. With more than 39 years of experience in the diverse Long Beach school system, Chris has earned a national reputation for improving student achievement and closing achievement and opportunity gaps.

Meghan Gregoire-Smith, MA, is a multilingual learner (ML) coach at SupportEd. In this role, Ms. Gregoire-Smith coaches ML educators and develops and facilitates interactive professional development for teachers of MLs. Ms. Gregoire-Smith began her career teaching English as a foreign language (EFL) to young adults in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Her time in Ecuador sparked her love of language teaching.

Leslie Bross is an Assistant Professor of Special Education in the Department of Special Education and Child Development at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Charlotte. She serves as the director of the Graduate Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) program at UNC Charlotte. Leslie earned her doctoral degree from the University of Kansas in 2019 with an emphasis in evidence-based practices and ASD.

Justin Cohen (he/him/his) is a writer, organizer, activist, and dad. His work explores how education, race, privilege, and public policy intersect. He cofounded Wayfinder Foundation and Neighbors Reimagining Public Safety. He is on the board of Friends of Abolitionist Place, helping to create a heritage center in downtown Brooklyn, committed to preserving radical liberation traditions.

Tricia Ebarvia is a lifelong educator, author, speaker, and literacy consultant. She is an expert in curriculum design, culturally responsive and sustaining pedagogy, and social justice education, as well as a teacher consultant and member of the National Writing Project. For more than two decades, Tricia taught high school English, including courses in American literature, world literature, and Advanced Placement English.

Bilge Yurekli is a research associate at the University of Pittsburgh’s Learning Research and Development Center. She holds a PhD in mathematics education. Her research focuses on mathematics teacher education, at both pre-service and in-service levels, with a specific interest in teacher development of beliefs and practices that is required for high-quality instruction.

Melissa C. Jenkins, PhD, is an assistant professor of Special Education at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA. She brings over 18 years of public school experience to her role as a teacher educator, having worked in Virginia public schools as a special education teacher, instructional coach, and central office administrator.

Larry Thompson is a popular speaker, author, and thought leader in the field of education and leadership training. Often called upon to deliver keynote presentations for state and national conferences, leaders immediately connect with Larry’s knowledge, humor, and passion.

Rachel Lambert is an Associate Professor in Special Education and Mathematics Education at the University of California Santa Barbara. Before becoming a professor, she worked for over 10 years as both a special education and a general education inclusion teacher in New York City and Los Angeles. Dr.

Michelle Shin, Ed.D., brings over 15 years of experience and research to her role at San Diego State University. She has a proven track record of excellence, transforming schools in the areas of instruction, systems, leadership, and culture. Dr. Shin has experience serving as classroom teacher in mathematics, teacher leader, site administrator, and educational consultant.

Enrico Biscocho is coordinator for new teachers in Long Beach Unified School District in the Office of Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Development. As a lifelong learner, he always takes advantage of learning and growing in his profession. His passion for education was born from the many professional development opportunities he was provided.

Taryl Hansen, is a National Board Certified Teacher, Associate Trainer of Cognitive Coaching SM, a highly skilled visual practitioner, and the founder of Frame the Message Ink. As a live graphic recorder, Taryl works internationally to create vibrant and engaging visuals that bring essential elements to the forefront for learners, enhancing retention, engagement, and inspiring learners to collaborate in more meaningful ways.