Content/What to Expect

Jack Berckemeyer
Self-Proclaimed Ruler of Education

Jack is a nationally recognized presenter, author, and humorist known for bringing a new level of engagement to his presentations and a focus on realistic and practical hands-on tools for educators. His latest book, Successful Middle School Teaming, was released in 2022.

Kim Campbell
Daring Dean of Students

Kim currently serves as a Dean of Students while also crossing the country energizing educational professionals as a dynamic presenter. Kim’s second book, If You Can’t Manage Them, You Can’t Teach Them, offers humor and common sense approach to the building blocks of effective teaching and relationship-building.

Persida Himmele
Champion of Student Engagement

Persida is an associate professor at Millersville University in Pennsylvania. She has served as an elementary and middle school teacher, a district administrator, an English language learner program consultant, and a public speaker on issues related to student engagement and teaching in diverse classrooms. She is the co-author of Total Participation Techniques and, most recently, Why are we still doing that?

William Himmele
Champion of Student Engagement

William is an associate professor at Millersville University in Pennsylvania. He has served as an ESL teacher and a speech pathologist, a higher education administrator, an international consultant, and a speaker on issues related to increasing student engagement and teaching English language learners. He is the co-author of Total Participation Techniques and, most recently, Why are we still doing that?

Houston Kraft
Ambassador of Kindness

Houston Kraft is a professional speaker, author, curriculum designer, and kindness advocate who speaks at schools, conferences, and events internationally. He has spoken to over a half a million people at 600 engagements and counting. His first book, Deep Kindness, was published in 2020.

Katie Powell
Boredom Buster

Katie has served as a special education teacher, Title 1 teacher, instructional coach, and classroom teacher. Her focus on providing interventions for struggling students led to the development of strategies that leverage curiosity and fun to engage students while driving learning deeper, compiled in her first book, Boredom Busters. Her latest book, Frustration Busters, was released in 2021.

Jennifer Rose
AMLE Director for Professional Development

Jennifer is a veteran leader with decades of experience implementing the middle school model in both the private and public school settings. She also specializes in facilitating DEI professional development and in helping schools effectively use instructional technology to advance student achievement.

Anitra Warrior
Passionate Mental Health Advocate

Anitra is a psychologist specializing in working with children with anxiety, depression, ADHD, Autism, and those who have experienced traumatic events, helping educators understand how these factors can impact daily interactions for kids at school and home. She is a fierce advocate for culturally competent mental health care, and especially ending disparities for American Indians and rural populations.

Rick Wormeli
Education Avenger

One of the first Nationally Board Certified teachers in America, Rick brings innovation, energy, validity and high standards to both his presentations and his instructional practice, which include 39 years teaching and coaching teachers and principals. He is the author of the best-selling book Fair Isn’t Always Equal: Assessment and Grading in the Differentiated Classroom (Second Edition), as well as several other titles.