Mark A. Forget is the founder of MAX Teaching. He has been a teacher and coach since 1974, and has taught at the elementary, middle, high school, and university levels. The vast majority of his experience is at the high school level. He has successfully applied the pedagogy of content area reading and writing instruction in the teaching of mathematics, social studies, health and physical education, and as a reading teacher, in many other content areas to include career-technical fields. He has taught undergraduate and graduate level courses at Old Dominion University, where he was named a Darden College of Education Fellow in 2007, and at several other universities as an adjunct professor in reading education. Besides writing the first edition of this book, he is co-author of Reading for Success: A School to Work Approach (1996) and principal author of the accompanying instructors manual. He has published many articles about content area reading instruction and motivating students to perform deep reading. You can learn more about Mark at https://www.maxteaching.com.

Todd B. Luke has been in the field of education for over 25 years. He has a diverse background in education and industry. He started out as a vocational technical student then worked in the manufacturing field for ten years. From there, he moved on to teach Precision Machining at Lenape Tech for 18 years. He also served as an administrator at Lenape for three years before beginning his career as an educational consultant for MAX Teaching. Todd is currently President of MAX Teaching, a position that allows him to share his passion for the art and science of teaching. Todd's professional background, his degrees in Vocational Education and Workforce Education, and his certificates as Vocational Director and Career Counselor qualify him to train teachers across all content areas. Todd resides in Western Pennsylvania with his family. You can find out more about Todd at https://www.maxteaching.com.

Ronica Luke is the Vice President of MAX Teaching. Ronica graduated from Wilmington Area High School and grew up with dreams of becoming a teacher, a librarian, and a mom. She attended Edinboro University where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education, English. Her first teaching assignment was in North East, Maryland where she taught grades 9-12, coached softball and track (two of her favorite sports growing up), and also advised Student Council. After four years, she decided to move closer to home and began teaching at Lenape Technical School in Ford City, Pennsylvania. There, she taught grades 11-12 and specialized in curriculum and instruction areas including, but not limited to: writing in the content area, integrated thematic instruction, career research, job skills demonstrations, and senior project evaluator. She was also a NOCTI liaison between the academic classes and technical programs. Ronica advised Student Council and founded both a teacher and a student Relay for Life team at Lenape. She also served on many committees over the years including the Curriculum Development and Graduation Committees. In 2007, Ronica enrolled at Mansfield University and earned her Master's degree in Education, Library Media Specialist in 2010. She then became Lenape's librarian in addition to maintaining her position as an English teacher. MAX Teaching became an integral part of her teaching in 2003, and that completely changed her outlook on education. She has spoken at several conferences on literacy strategies. Today, as vice president of MAX Teaching, Ronica develops curriculum for schools across the country, working one-on-one and remotely to help teachers and students achieve academic success. On a personal note, Ronica is the proud mom of three daughters, one stepson, and two stepdaughters, and she currently resides in Worthington, Pennsylvania with her family.

• October 2005-May 2008- University of Scranton
  • Obtained a Masters in Administration
• December 1998 – Baldwin-Wallace College
  • Completed Educational requirements and took State Board Tests in January 1999.
• Fall 1990 – Summer 1995
  • Obtained a Bachelor of Liberal Arts Degree at Baldwin-Wallace College.
  • Major: History (Including American, European, and Asian)

• 2013-2017 Varsity Boys Basketball coach at Strongsville High School
• 2009-2013 Varsity Boys Basketball coach at Berea High School
• 2004-2008 assistant basketball coach at Strongsville High School
• 1999-2003 coached J.V. boy's basketball at Berea High School
• 1993-1998 assistant boy's basketball coach at Strongsville High School 

Lynda Y. Jackson is a transformational leader and advocate for improving teaching and learning. She currently serves three organizations each focused on a different level of education; local, state and national. The common theme of her work in each organization is support and improvement for new CTE teachers. Throughout Ms. Jackson’s career she has served as teacher, working at both the elementary and middle levels, a curriculum and assessment consultant, a teacher educator, a director of federal programs related to professional development, a learning support director, a superintendent of schools in an urban district and as the executive director of the Southern Regional Education Board’s Technology Centers That Work. 

Ms. Jackson’s long-standing commitment to professional development can be seen in her work with 180 career/technical centers throughout the United States and in her service to SREB’s leadership team. During her time as a Superintendent in the public school system, she was able to implement a turnaround plan that included creating a Quality Instruction Rubric to monitor curriculum, instruction, assessment, classroom management, discipline and fidelity to core programs. 

As a Director of federal and state professional development programs, she facilitated core reading and math programs and designed a teacher leadership academy. During her time as a teacher educator, she supervised student teachers, presented on-campus meetings, conducted site visits, and met with supervising teachers. Ms. Jackson has been awarded numerous achievement awards. She has provided training in project-based learning, literacy, data-driven decision making, strategic planning, and assembling new CTE teacher induction programs.

Certification:

• Arkansas Administrator’s Certificate
• Secondary Principal’s Certificate
• 5th-12th Grade Social Studies, Global Studies, Arkansas History, and Physical Education

Education and Training:

• BSE – Bachelor’s of Science in Education
• The College of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Arkansas
• MSE – Master’s of Science in Education
• Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas
• 45 Additional Hours in Educational Leadership

Advanced Graduate Training:

• Harding University
• 12 additional hours in Educational Administration
• University of Arkansas at Fayetteville
• 15 hours in Educational Administration
• University of Arkansas at Little Rock
• 9 hours in Educational Administration

Advanced Instructional Training:

• Conducted Teacher Training and Professional Staff Development for MAX Teaching, Inc. in Findley, Ohio for multiple schools in Arkansas and Oklahoma, including:
  • Fayetteville High School
  • Prairie Grove Public Schools
  • Springdale High School
  • Rogers High School
  • Van Buren Junior and Senior High School
  • Conway High School
  • Sheridan Vocational Education Program
  • Jonesboro Westside Public Schools
  • Nettleton Junior High School
  • Manila Public Schools
  • East Poinsett County Public Schools
  • Valley View Junior and Senior High School
  • Texarkana (AR) High School
  • Ashdown Public Schools
  • Nashville Public Schools
  • Stuttgart Junior and Senior High Schools
  • Warren Public Schools
  • Arkadelphia Public Schools
  • Little Rock Public Schools
  • Multiple Arkansas Educational Cooperatives
  • The Oklahoma City, OK Public Schools
  • The Oklahoma Department of Education
• Provided Embedded Classroom Coaching for teachers in multiple subject areas at Little Central High School and OKC Douglas High School
• Conducted multiple workshops around the state of Arkansas for the Arkansas Department of Workforce Education, presenting on the topics of Content Literacy Based Instruction, Secondary School Reform, and Embedded Classroom Coaching.
• Professional Learning Community Facilitator for The Springdale High School:
  • Focus on Building Collaborative Relationships within the staff
  • Classroom Instructional Coach
  • Team Leader using Cross-Curricular and Content Area Teaming at the Secondary Level and in a Transition Center Program
• HSTW – Site Visit Team Member for High Schools That Work
  • Served on multiple Site Visit Teams, analyzing and making recommendations for school improvement
• Experimental and Demonstration Classroom Teacher for the Springdale Public Schools:
  • Teacher/Leader for teacher staff development in the Springdale Public Schools servicing hundreds of teachers both in district and from around the region
• Leader/Trainer in the Development of Professional Learning Communities (PLC’s) and Academy Development at The Springdale High School

Presentations

• Multiple Presenter at numerous SREB Summer Conference Workshops (New Orleans, Nashville, and Atlanta) focusing on Literacy Strategies and High School Transition Programs
• Presented, “Coaching School Change”, for the Center for Secondary School Redesign in San Diego, CA
• Presentation entitled, “Content Literacy Based Instruction in the Business Classroom” for the Arkansas Business Educators Association Summer Convention
• Multiple Presentations for the Arkansas Department of Workforce Education on the use of Literacy Strategies in the Classroom at sites around the state of Arkansas
• The Council of Secondary School Reform Winter Showcase
• Presenter in San Diego, California on the topic of
• “Developing a Sophomore Transition Center”
• Springdale Public Schools Professional Development Center
• Staff Development Leader/Presenter on Literacy Based Instructional Strategies
• Teacher Workshops for MAX Teaching in Springdale (AR)
• Conducted teacher trainer workshops, instructing Springdale teachers in the use of Content Literacy Based Learning Strategies

Work History

• Currently, Assistant Principal at The Springdale High School
• Assistant Principal and Dean of Students at the Archer Learning Center Alternative High School
• Springdale Public Schools
  • 25+ years as a Teacher/Coach at The Springdale High School
  • IT Academy Supervisor
  • Assistant Head Boys Basketball Coach
  • Head Track Coach
• Harding Academy in Searcy, Arkansas
  • 5 years as a Teacher/Head Boys Basketball Coach
• Lamar High School
  • 2 years as a Teacher/Head Boys Basketball Coach

Awards

• Springdale High School Teacher of the Year
• International Paper Company Award of Excellence in Teaching Economic Education, Blue Ribbon
• Wal-Mart Foundation Award of Excellence in Economic Ed.
• Multiple District and Conference Coach of the Year Honors
• Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow 2012

Service

• Supervisor and Special Event Coordinator for the Springdale Public Schools
• Curriculum Team Leader in Social Studies
• Department Chair for Secondary Health Education
• Written Curriculum Frameworks for the ADE
• Director of the Springdale Rotary Club Minor League Baseball Program

Education

Ashland University, Cleveland, OH

Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, 2009

Kent State University, OH

Bachelor of Science in Education, 1995

Professional Experience

Educational Consultant, Cuyahoga Educational Service Center, Independence, OH, 2010 to Present

• Created and provided professional development workshops for educators across multiple counties focusing on effective literacy strategies, formative assessment, curriculum mapping, common assessment design, and infrastructure management
• Lead and coached District Leadership Teams (DLT), Building Leadership Teams (BLT), and Teacher Based Teams (TBT) designed around best practices in instruction to develop collaboration amongst grade-level and grade-span teams
• Modeled lessons incorporating highly engaging, research-based strategies in a variety of urban, suburban, rural, and charter schools to increase student achievement
• Developed, facilitated, and monitored district-wide Writing Across the Curriculum initiative in multiple districts
• Created K-12 cross curricular standards-based rubrics and professional development to be used during collaborative teaming and to support vertical alignment of content literacy standards

• Provided professional development workshops focusing on standards-based content-literacy activities to be implemented in classrooms K-12 and across all subject areas in hundreds of schools across the United States
• Planned and modeled lessons using content-literacy activities in K-12 classrooms in urban, suburban, rural, charter, and career tech schools in all subject areas
• Observed and coached teachers while providing specific and timely feedback for refinement and reinforcement of teaching practices
• Created new MAX Teaching strategies now shared around the country as part of the MAX Teaching professional development workshop
• Incorporated use of technology and 21st Century Learning skills into MAX Teaching lessons including critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity

Adjunct Professor, Ashland University 2009 to 2016

• Taught Content Area Literacy course focusing on literacy strategies across all content areas
• Developed a syllabus to include 20 literacy strategies to share with educators taking the course
• Incorporated current educational research and articles as the readings for the course
• Assessed participants in their abilities to create literacy-based lessons and present lessons to the class

Academic/Teaching Experience

Solon City Schools, 2003 to 2010

• Taught Social Studies 7th grade World History, 8th grade American History, 9th grade World History and HS Sociology
• Served as the Literacy Coach for 5th Social Studies 2008-2009
• Provided the district with professional development on content literacy and United Streaming

Highland Local Schools, 1996 to 2003

• Taught HS Social Studies including; Advanced Placement U.S. History, World History, Civics, and History of Sports in America
• Served as the Social Studies Department Chair 1999-2003
• Conceptualized and developed the curriculum for History of Sports in America which aligned to state standards and was adopted by Medina County in 1999
• Piloted a class using Highland’s Distance Learning Lab where students corresponded with nationally recognized historians and authors
• Wrote a grant to bring Loung Ung, author of First They Killed My Father and Cambodian Genocide survivor to speak with my world history students after we read her book
• Advisor for Close-Up Washington 1997-1999 and recruited, organized, fund raised, and chaperoned students on a one week in-depth study of Washington D.C.
• Coached football, baseball, and softball for 8 years of combined coaching

Academic Honors, Awards, and Certifications

• 4.0 GPA in Masters of Education
• My Reading History published in Reading and Learning to Read (7th edition) Vacca and Vacca
• Recognized by Cleveland Plain Dealer (11-20-97) and Medina Sun Banner on two occasions (2-6-03 & 12-2-99) for innovative teaching practices
• Presented Max Teaching at the 2010 Association of Middle Level Education Conference, Baltimore, MD
• Presented Multi Media Family History Project at the 2003 Ohio School Net Technology Conference, Columbus, OH

"Professional Development Presenter,  Instructional Leader, Master Teacher, Innovator, Mentor Consultant, Teacher of the Year, Benchmark Assessment Author, Evaluator, Collaborator"

Professional Profile:

• Accomplished career demonstrating consistent success as an educator at the elementary and middle school levels resulting in an outstanding record in student achievement
• Extensive background in developing and implementing building and district professional development on instructional strategies and best practices in urban, suburban, and rural settings in grades Pre-K through 12 across all subject areas
• Effective communicator with the ability to lead, establish goals, and attain results within the classroom, building, and district level • Established as an educational leader with excellent planning and organizational skills to enhance 21st century learning for teachers and students
• Responsible for creating and developing district-wide (Pre-K-12) curricular program focusing on content literacy standards to improve student achievement 

• Master’s of Kinesiology, Behavioral Studies Emphasis
  • Boise State University, Boise, Idaho; May 2013
• Bachelor of Science; Wildlife Biology
  • University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho; May 1998
• Idaho Teaching Certification- Secondary Education
  • Biological Sciences & Natural Sciences Endorsements
• Re-certified currently through September 2020
  • Idaho Educational Technology Certification

• Boise State Writing Project Fellow (2014) and BSWP Teacher Development Consultant
• Teacher of the Month, Meridian High School; May 2013, January 2015
• Nominated (by students) for Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers
• Nominated (by student) for Disney National Outstanding Teacher Awards
• Freshman Boys’ Basketball SIC Championship, 2001
• 3.7 cumulative graduate GPA
• 3.2 cumulative undergraduate GPA
• Dean’s List, University of Idaho
• Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation National Student Leadership Award
• University of Idaho Outstanding Freshman Award

• Interpersonal communication and public relations; oral and written
• Computer applications including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, professional presentations, PowerSchool, IGPro, Sasi XP, Class XP, internet applications, e-mail, and social media
• Motivating & Coaching
• Literacy Skill Development
• Academic Lesson Planning & Classroom Management
• Academic Instructional Coaching & Curriculum Development
• Quick learner: willing to learn, unlearn, relearn, and adapt
• Time management: balancing multiple tasks

• Idaho Teaching Certification – Secondary Education
• Idaho Technology Competency Certification
• National Coaching Certification
• First Aid (American Red Cross)
• CPR: Adult and Child (American Red Cross)

• *Science Teacher and Peer Coach, Meridian High School, Meridian, Idaho
• Science Department Chair, Meridian High School, Meridian, Idaho
• *Independent Contractor, MAX Teaching, Inc.
  • Content Literacy Professional Development
• *Adjunct Faculty (Dual Credit) Instructor
  • Boise State University (Biol 107), College of Western Idaho (Biol 201)
• *Boise Ranch Golf Course Pro Shop Employee
• Science Teacher and Coach, Nampa High School, Nampa Idaho
• Substitute Teacher; Boise, Meridian, and Nampa School Districts
• Field Biologist, Ogden Environmental and Energy Services, Boise, Idaho
• Scientific Aide, California Department of Fish & Game, Bay-Delta Region
• Biological Aide, Idaho Department of Fish & Game, Region 2
• Hydrology Technician, U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Payette National Forest

• Head Coach, Boys & Girls Golf, Meridian High School
• Assistant Coach, Boys & Girls Golf, Meridian High School
• Assistant Coach, JV/Sophomore Boys Basketball, Rocky Mountain High
• Head Coach, Sophomore/Freshman Boys Basketball, Meridian High
• Assistant Coach, JV Boys Baseball, Meridian High School
• Head Coach, Sophomore Boys Basketball, Nampa High School
• Head Coach, Freshman Boys Basketball, Nampa High School
• Head Coach, Freshman Baseball, Nampa High School
• Assistant Coach, JV Baseball, Nampa High School
• Assistant Coach, Freshman Boys Basketball, Centennial High School
• Assistant Coach, Freshman Girls Basketball, Centennial High School
• Assistant Coach, Freshman Boys Basketball, Ontario High School
• Coach, 13-year old Babe Ruth Baseball, Ontario, Oregon
• Coach, Junior High Boys Basketball, Logos School, Moscow, Idaho  

Joseph Fullerton has been an educator for the past 18 years. Currently serving as a Principal of a comprehensive technical high school, he has vast experience teaching mathematics, developing curriculum, and modeling instructional strategies to engage students in the learning process and working with staff to improve the overall culture of the school.  Joe has experience working with all disciplines and enjoys working with students and teachers.  Certified as a math teacher, principal, assistant director and superintendent, Joe spends a great deal of his day in classrooms to continue to grow as an educator along with his staff.  Joe believes in building relationships with students and staff in order to make all instructional strategies more effective.

Joe currently resides in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and has two children, Alexis and Ethan.

Lisa graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics Education and in 1998 with a Master’s Degree in Education Administration. She has taught mathematics for 23 years, which has included middle school, high school, and adult education. She currently teaches at Francis Tuttle Technology Center in Oklahoma City where she teaches Applied Math in Welding and Computer-Aided Drafting, and also teaches AP Calculus BC in the Pre-Engineering Academy. She has been a MAX Teaching Consultant for 7 years and began using MAX Teaching in her classroom in 2008.

Amy Mednick is a Cosmetology instructor at the EASTERN Center for Arts and Technology in Willow Grove since 2011. Amy has a Bachelors Degree in Vocational Education from Temple University. Amy comes from an extensive background in both the salon and the classroom. Amy started using MAX teaching in her classroom soon after she was introduced to Todd Luke in 2012. Amy has helped train other instructors in other shops including Protective Services and Automotive Technology using the MAX teaching strategies. Amy presented on MAX Teaching and NOCTI Data analysis at the Integrated Learning Conference in 2013. In 2016 Amy was also named PA New Teacher of the year.

• Elgin Middle School Teacher of the Year 2015-16
• Teacher of Today 2015-16
• Superintendent’s Award of Excellence 2010
• Teacher of Today 2010
• Star of Education 2004

• Provide professional development to 32 area school districts.
• Provide information to districts about the Reading Sufficiency Act.
• Collaborate with teachers and administrators about best teaching practices and PreK-3rd grade literacy strategies.
• Liaison between the OK SDE and the districts to distribute information.
• Manage two websites.
• Maintain a Facebook page.

• Provided instructional/literacy coaching at four middle schools.
• Modeled lessons.
• Observed teachers and provided feedback.
• Collaborated with teachers about classroom management and lesson planning
• Collaborated with principals to provide professional development in CCSS, Text-Dependent Questions, Cross-Curricular Writing, and other areas determined by the principals.

• 6th Grade – English, Reading 2014-present

• 8th Grade – Pre-AP English, Pre-AP Reading, English, Reading 2007-2010
• 7th Grade – Honors English, English 2006-2007

• 5th Grade 2002-2006
• 4th Grade 2001-2002
• Summer School using Soar to Success and Guided Reading 2000-2004
• 3rd Multiage Class 1999-2001

• MAX Teaching Consultant 2011-present
  • Provide professional development, modeling, and coaching
• LETRS – Foundations Certified April 2014
  • Trainer within the state of Oklahoma

• Reading Summit – Paraphrasing 2016
• K-4 Writing (Oklahoma City Public Schools) 2015
• REAC³H Coach – provide PD at least once a month across the state 2012-2014
  • Topics:
    • PreK-3rd Literacy (5 Components of Reading)
    • Passage-based Writing
    • Using data to make instructional decisions
• MAX Teaching – within district 2010-2012, 2015
• 3 hour and 6 hour trainings for teachers K-12
• International Reading Association Convention in Chicago – MAX Teaching 2012
• REAC³H Presentation to students at Great Plains Technology Center 2012
• Writing Workshop & Co-teaching – Middle School 2012
• Write to Learn 2012
• 3rd Grade LCI (Learning Centered Instruction) – MAX Teaching & CCSS 2011-2012
• MAX Teaching – Presentation to the House of Representatives – 2011
  • Education Committee (request of Rep. Ann Coody)
• Co-Teaching 101 & Beyond 2011
• Strategy Saturday (MAX Teaching & Pre-AP Strategies) 2011
• 4th Grade LCI (Learning Centered Instruction) – MAX Teaching 2010
• Teaching with a Twist (Pre-AP, MAX Teaching, Co-Teaching Models) 2010
• Curriculum Mapping 2009
• Co-Teaching 2009
• Guiding Readers & Writers (Fountas & Pinnell) 2005
• FQR Strategy from Harvey & Goudivs Strategies that Work 2005

• Edcamp – OKC 2017
• Edcamp – SWOK 2017
• GAFE (Google Apps for Education) Summit 2016
• EdCamp – EOC 2015
• EdCamp - OKC 2015
• GAFE (Google Apps for Education) Summit 2015
• LETRS – TOT for Foundations and Modules 1, 2, 3 Spring 2014
• LETRS – Foundations, Early Childhood, Modules 1-12, ESL 2012-2014
• REAC3H - Lawton Public Schools District Team 2012
• OASCD Spring Conference - A Framework for Understanding Poverty 2012
• American History Rocks! 2012
• The Instructional Coaching Institute – University of Oklahoma 2012
• The Impact of Reading on Student Achievement (UCO & Scholastic) 2011
• Instructional Coaching – Kansas University Coaching Project (Jim Knight) 2011
• Oklahoma Regional Math Summit 2011
• MAX Teaching: Administrator Training 2011
• MAX Teaching: 2 day workshop 2011
• MAX Teaching: Train the Trainer 2010
• Pre-AP Interdisciplinary Strategies for English and Social Studies 2010
• Pre-AP Middle School English 2010
• All Kinds of Minds 2009
• Mentor Teacher Training 2009
• Pre-AP Interdisciplinary Strategies for English and Social Studies 2009
• Pre-AP Middle School English 2009
• Pre-AP Instructional Leadership through AP Vertical teams 2008
• Pre-AP Instructional Leadership for Administrators-Equity & Excellence 2008
• Curriculum Mapping 2008
• Pre-AP Middle School English 2008
• Great Expectations 2007 Co-Teaching 2007
• Middle School Institute 2006
• Every Child Reads & PWIM (Picture Word Induction Model) 2004-2006
• Directive from Iowa State Department of Education Data Driven Instruction (DDI) within the L to J model 2004-2006

• Oklahoma Academic Standards (5-8 group) 2015

• Curriculum Writers (Oklahoma Department of Education) Project Manager 2017
• ELA Taskforce – ELA OAS Lesson Plan Development 2016
• Lawton Public Schools High School Playbook (ELA Curriculum Guide) 2012
• Lawton Public Schools Middle School Playbook (ELA Curriculum Guide) 2011
• Lawton Public Schools Elementary Playbook (34d-5th ELA Curriculum Guide) 2011
• Tomlinson Middle School – ELA Curriculum Guide 2009
• Pre-AP English & Pre-AP Reading 2009
  • Collaborated to write proposals to create classes at Tomlinson

• District Reading Benchmark Assessment Committee 2010
  • Worked to revise district reading benchmarks
• Title One School Improvement Committee 2010
  • Analyzed test data and collaborated on school improvement plan
• Tomlinson Middle School Improvement Plan 2008-2010
  • Analyzed test data and collaborated on reading plan

• Tomlinson Middle School Academic Team 2009-2012
  • 3 teams have competed at OJABA State Competition

• Lawton Public Schools - District School Improvement Team 2011-2012
• Language Arts Department Chair 2008-2010
• Team Leader 2009-2010
• Tomlinson Middle School - School Improvement Committee 2008-2010
• Mentor Teacher 2009-2010
• BAT (Building Assistance Team) 2000-2006
  • Brainstormed ideas with teachers for students who were having behavior and/or academic difficulties
• Grade Level Representative 2004-2006
• Language Arts Cadre – Council Bluffs Community School District 2004-2006
• Supervised teacher candidates at various times from Cameron University, Buena Vista College, and the University of Northern Iowa 

Allison Larson has 31 years of experience in Career and Technical Education. She began her career as a guidance counselor and moved into administration as the Supervisor of Curriculum and Professional Development at Reading Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center in 2007. She revamped the curriculum and began utilizing data analysis to review curriculum pacing, delivery, and assessment. She began working with Todd Luke integrating MAX strategies into all programs, and for the past 15 years, the MAX Teaching framework has been integral in her work. She became the Supervisor of Career and Technical Education at Eastern Center for Arts and Technology in 2012 and continued to utilize MAX as the primary training for teachers and utilize Mr. Luke as a mentor to work with data, focus on school goals, and stay current with trends in education. She has witnessed seasoned teachers become more effective educators and new teachers learn the art of teaching through MAX. She has presented at numerous conferences on curriculum development and alignment, integration of literacy strategies, teacher evaluation, and intentional and systematic school change. She participated in 339 and Technical Assistance Program reviews at many schools in Pennsylvania and enjoyed seeing best practices throughout the Commonwealth. Allison retired from Public Education in 2021 and began working as a MAX Teaching Consultant. She currently splits her residency between Gulf Harbors Florida and Ocean Gate New Jersey.

Heather has been passionate about and actively involved in improving literacy instruction in the field of education for over ten years. Heather began her teaching career after graduating from her Master's program in Education in 2012; she has held teaching positions in several states, school districts, and grade levels ranging from 7th through 12th grade and the collegiate level. Heather has taught a variety of courses ranging from introductory to advanced in English Language Arts including composition, literature, reading, as well as geography and social studies, critical media literacy, marketing and production, and remedial mathematics. Before beginning her teaching career, Heather earned her Bachelor's degree from Penn State and held a variety of industry roles in the fields of marketing, sales, and the legal field. Heather currently resides in Western Pennsylvania with her husband, daughter, son, and two dogs. She currently teaches 8th and 9th grade ELA and serves a leadership role as one of the district's instructional coaches and data team teachers. Heather is excited to utilize her diverse background in both education and industry to partner alongside districts using MAX strategies to support, enhance, and inspire meaningful literacy instruction across the content areas.

Colin Greenawalt is entering his sixth year in the field of education. For the past five years, he has worked as a 9th and 10th grade Biology teacher at York County School of Technology in Pennsylvania. He also served as an academic coach to student teachers, a football coach, and the freshman class advisor. His new role in education will be at Bath High School in Michigan where he will be teaching Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, and Environmental Science to students in 9th-12th grade. Colin has been utilizing MAX Teaching strategies for the past three years during his tenure as a teacher.

Hannah Boaks is an accomplished educator with a robust background in science and education. She holds a Master's degree in Secondary Education from Mercyhurst University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from The Pennsylvania State University. Currently, she teaches 7th and 8th grade science at the Montessori Regional Charter School, where she creates engaging lesson plans incorporating literacy, technology, and hands-on activities. Hannah strives to adapt lessons to meet diverse student needs, ensuring all students succeed.

Her teaching experience includes subjects like computer coding, chemistry, and environmental action. Previously, she taught 6th grade science at the Erie City School District, where she honed her ability to create dynamic learning environments. As an Analytical Scientist at Parker Lord, she gained a deep understanding of scientific principles, which she integrates into her teaching to make complex concepts accessible and relatable. Hannah is passionate about inspiring students and supporting their academic growth. She is committed to advancing education through innovative and inclusive teaching practices, leveraging her diverse expertise to make a meaningful impact in the classroom.

Hannah currently resides in Erie, PA with her husband, Adam.

For several years, Adam has served as a 7th and 8th grade General Science teacher at Wilson Middle School in Erie, PA. He earned his B.S. in Biology from Penn State Behrend in 2022 and completed his M.S. in Secondary Education at Mercyhurst University in 2024. During his tenure at Wilson Middle School, Adam also advised the media club, guiding students in writing, recording, producing, and streaming the morning announcements. Recently, Adam transitioned into a new role at NWPA Collegiate Academy, where he teaches high school Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Science. Throughout his career, Adam has consistently integrated MAX Teaching strategies into his classroom to ensure high student engagement and to foster literacy skills across all content areas. Adam currently lives in Erie, PA with his wife, Hannah.

Shelby Moore is an accomplished educator with a passion for inspiring young minds and fostering a love for learning. Born and raised with a natural curiosity and dedication to education, Shelby pursued her higher education at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. There, she earned a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, laying the foundation for her career in teaching. Eager to further her expertise and specialize in mathematics, Shelby continued her academic journey at Walden University. She earned a Master's degree in Middle School Mathematics.

With over 20 years of dedicated service in the Armstrong School District, Shelby has made a significant impact across various educational roles. Her extensive experience includes working in gifted education, inclusion co-teaching, and teaching fifth and sixth grades. Shelby is currently teaching social studies and English Language Arts (ELA) to sixth-grade students in an elementary setting. She lives in Kittanning, PA with her two children, Kendall and Kamden.

With nearly three decades of experience in education, Patti Stevens has devoted her career to cultivating student success and supporting educators. With a master’s degree in Reading and an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership, she has served in various roles, including high school English teacher, K-12 Literacy Specialist, Elementary Principal, Superintendent, and Adjunct Instructor. She has also served on school and university committees, offering insight and leadership to enhance educational initiatives.

Understanding the challenges educators face, she remains dedicated to empowering them as they create meaningful learning opportunities for students. Drawing from her extensive experience, she provides guidance and insight through the lens of a seasoned educator and as a MAX Teaching consultant for content-based literacy strategies. Mrs. Stevens believes that building relationships with students and their families is a key to a student’s successful academic journey and that by inspiring and equipping students with strategies to be successful readers and writers, they will lead successful lives and become productive, contributing citizens in our local communities, across the nation, and around the world.

Beyond her work in schools, she actively contributes to her community.

Mrs. Stevens believes that education is the key to success and a driving force behind individual and community growth.