CODE BREAKER - Key Persons


Adam Hill

Adam Hill is a passionate educator, leader, and STEM consultant. Originally from West Yorkshire in the UK, Adam's career in international education has taken him around the world. He recently returned to the UK to join the International School of London as the PYP (Primary Years Program) Coordinator. Throughout his career, Adam has held various leadership roles including Innovation Lead, Head of Mathematics, and Head of Year. In China, Adam was the Foreign Principal at a bilingual school, working in partnership with the Chinese Principal. His mission is to lead, support, and empower teachers to ensure that they reach their full potential. Adam is best known for his expertise in STEM education. He believes passionately that rich learning occurs when teachers inject creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on inquiry into their lessons. Combined with his leadership expertise, he believes that leaders can-and must-foster a whole-school culture of innovation and continuous improvement. With this goal in mind, Adam enjoys partnering with schools as a STEM consultant. Adam has been recognized internationally as a leader and influencer in education. His blog, Mr. Hill's Musings, won the UK Blog Award in 2017. Most recently, ISC Research recognized him as an "Edruptor" in international education. Furthermore, Adam has gained several certifications in educational technology, including Apple Professional Learning Specialist and Google for Education Certified Innovator.

Alexandria Masse

Job Titles:
  • Illustrator

Alice Aspinall

Alice Aspinall, B.Math(Hon), B.Ed, is a Portuguese-Canadian secondary mathematics educator in Ontario, Canada. She loves spending time with her husband and two children reading books, playing math games, and exploring the outdoors. Alice is a strong advocate of the growth mindset. She is continually looking for ways to build young people's confidence in math and to make math fun, challenging, and satisfying. Her innovative lessons and her dedication in the classroom have made a positive impact on her students' attitudes toward math. Her YouTube channel, "MrsALovesMath," exemplifies her commitment to her students' learning. Alice is also a champion for females in STEM by encouraging girls to pursue science and mathematics both in high school and in post-secondary education. Alice believes everyone can learn math and she is on a mission to prove it. Alice is the author of children's books, Everyone Can Learn Math and Let's Explore Math.

Alicia Burdess

Alicia Burdess has been an educator in Grande Prairie, Alberta since 2005 as a math teacher, assistant principal, and instructional leader. She is currently a Math Coach learning with teachers and students in their classrooms, where she finds the most joy! She has served as the President of the Math Council of the Alberta Teachers' Association and currently sits on the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Publishing Committee. She has a master's degree in education from Simon Fraser University and is looking forward to one day pursuing a Ph.D. She enjoys presenting at conferences and collaborating with teachers, especially about Thinking Classrooms and teaching through problem solving. She wants every child to experience the joy, confidence, and flow of solving big, beautiful problems! She wants every child to believe that they can learn math to the highest level and that their inner mathematician is waiting to be awakened! She wants all adults to believe this as well, about themselves and the children in their lives.

Andrew J. Canlé

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Principal, District Wellness
Andrew J. Canlé is an assistant principal, district wellness coordinator and doctoral student from the New York Metropolitan area helping kids cultivate a positive mindset through weekly focus questions on his YouTube channel show, EDUCanle Presents Mindset Moment of the Week. Andrew's writing has been featured in publications like The Marshall Memo, Edutopia, MiddleWeb, DisruptED TV Magazine and the EDCamp Foundation. He previously served in the capacities of sixth-grade level chair, general education classroom teacher and AIS Academy instructional coach. Andrew graduated from Hofstra University with a B.B.A. in accounting and a M.S.Ed. in elementary education for grades 1 through 6. He completed his advanced certificate in educational leadership and administration at the College of St. Rose and is currently enrolled in Hofstra University's doctoral program for educational and policy leadership with a focus on game-based interventions and student social competence. Andrew is a district certified administrator who is passionate about helping educators succeed in transforming the lives of all children and enjoys connecting with others via social media to help them overcome adversities and build resilience.

Asante Haughton

Job Titles:
  • Co - Founder of the Reach Out Response Network
Asante Haughton is a mental health advocate devoted to changing the world. He is focused on amplifying the stories of everyday people to illuminate gaps in the system while working to build bridges between community members and policy makers in order to find solutions to challenges together. Asante is the co-founder of the Reach Out Response Network, an organization advocating for non-police led mobile crisis emergency response. Asante is also a 2x TEDx speaker and a CAMH Difference Maker, awarded with the distinction of being one of the top 150 mental health influencers in Canada. Asante has also recently contributed his poetry and writing to a book called, AfriCANthology, a collection of poems, stories and essays by Black artists and thinkers. When Asante is not speaking and advocating he is designing, managing and facilitating peer support training programs at Stella's Place, a youth mental health service agency in Toronto and hosting the web show, Cypher, which turns peer support stories into original songs by Juno nominated musicians. Young at heart, silly, self-deprecating and able to find a sports analogy for virtually anything, Asante tries not to take himself too seriously despite being engaged in the serious work of changemaking!

Barb Schwamman

Job Titles:
  • Superintendent
  • Member of SAI
At Osage, Barb has been instrumental in a number of educational initiatives that have helped Osage become a leader in collaborative learning with the Iowa Big North Program (Osage, Charles City, New Hampton, RRMR, North Butler, RIceville, and Turkey Valley), Business Partnership Program, and in building a PK-12 Computer Science pathway working with Code.org and NewBoCo. Barb has made numerous building and grounds updates with the Osage Schools a $12 million dollar renovation and expansion project. Mrs. Schwamman is an active member of SAI, having served 3 years on the Executive Committee, and currently serves on Central Rivers AEA Advisory Board. She serves on the Mitchell County Economic Development Board, Osage Chamber of Commerce Board, Osage Kiwanis, and is a member of the Board of Control for the Iowa High School Athletic Union representing the NE Region. She was elected as the Rural Schools Advocates of Iowa NE Legislative Rep. She spent 10 years on the Norman Borlaug Heritage Foundation Board. Barb serves as a mentor to new administrators and aspiring principals and superintendents. She is an adjunct professor for Drake University teaching summer classes to pre service principals. She has presented at numerous conferences. Barb was a candidate for Iowa Elementary Principal of the Year in 2012. In 2018 she was awarded a Computer Science Teacher's America national Administrator Impact Award. Barb was nominee for 2020 Iowa Superintendent of Year and recently a nominee for 2021 Iowa Superintendent of Year.

Ben Whitaker

Job Titles:
  • Chairman of Governors
  • Freelance Consultant
Ben is a freelance consultant working with a number of clients on both digital and cultural transformation. Prior to this, Ben worked in education for 15 years as an Assistant Principal and Curriculum Manager, focusing on Apprenticeships, Digital Transformation, and formerly in his subject specialisms of Religious Studies and Sociology. He is co-host of the popular Edufuturists podcast where he explores the future of education by interviewing thinkers from around the world, most notably around the implications of A.I. in Education. Ben has travelled around the world talking about effective tech integration that has an impact on learning and culture. Ben is chair of governors at a primary school but most importantly he is husband to Amanda, and dad to Niamh (13) and Martha (9).

Brandon Perry

Brandon has been an educator for nearly twelve years in Virginia and Georgia. He holds a Masters degree in Education from Clemson University with a specialization in Instructional Coaching. His main focus has been directed in the classroom where he has taught 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students in a variety of subjects. Brandon received the school yearbook dedication and earned the Christie Owen Excellence in Teaching Award in 2019. He has also been highly involved in making his impact through athletics. Brandon's main avenue has been through lacrosse, but has also coached tennis, soccer, and golf. He was voted Delaney Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in 2017 after leading his lacrosse team to its first ever conference championship. In addition, he has been involved with a variety of leadership and administrative departments during his educational journey. Brandon's passion is all things education and he enjoys how no two days are the same teaching in middle school. He is constantly striving to be better for his students and finds tremendous joy in helping students see the value of pushing themselves out of their comfort zones.

Brian Aspinall

Brian Aspinall is an educator and best selling author and is considered one of the brightest STEM innovators in education. He is the founder of Code Breaker Inc., an organization whose mission is to engage students and amplify voices of passionate educators who believe that all students can achieve if given a fair chance. He travels the globe speaking and leading professional development programs that inspire educators to create curious seeking individuals in classrooms built on a community of trust, risk-taking and a freedom to fail. His first book, Code Breaker, continues to top the charts in STEM education with a focus on rethinking assessment and evaluation. He was awarded the Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence for his work with coding and computational thinking. His enthusiasm, thought leadership, and approach to building capacity within STEM education has made him a sought after speaker across the globe.

Caleb Bonjour

Caleb Bonjour is a father, husband, brother, son, educator, author, and speaker. He is currently principal of Cardinal Elementary in Maquoketa, Iowa. He just completed his second year in this position and prior to that he served as Dean of Students for Maquoketa Middle School, 5th and 6th grade classroom teacher and middle school coach in Grundy Center, Iowa, and a 6th grade math teacher in Pella, Iowa. Caleb is currently pursuing his Ed. D. in Educational Leadership from Drake University. He has obtained his master's degree in Education Leadership from Viterbo University and has a B.A. in Elementary Education from Central College. Caleb grew up in the home of an educator. His dad was an elementary principal for over 25 years and this had a profound impact on Caleb. He was able to see first hand the impact of leadership on the school system and how that affected students. Caleb was inspired to go into education and has since immersed himself into learning as much about the power of leadership, and especially educational leadership, as possible. Caleb is committed to ensuring that every student and staff member that he comes in contact with knows that they have genius and that they are all leaders. His new adventure of writing Be A Shark has allowed him to highlight leadership qualities that we can learn from animals and use in our day to day life to be as effective as possible! Caleb and his wife Amanda run the newly created Principals Bonjour Facebook page and website where the two of them discuss all things school, leadership, and all around craziness of being two principals with an active family. They have two children, Lincoln and McKinley, that keep them motivated to continue to be trailblazers and ruckus rousers in education that push the status quo to ensure that students can become whoever they want to be!

Chad Sussex

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Principal
Chad Sussex currently serves as the 7-12 Assistant Principal and AI Task Force Leader in the Winterset Community School District in Winterset, Iowa. Chad has been an educator for over 16 years. He previously served as a Technology Instructor and Technology Coach. Servant leadership is central to the various roles and positions Chad has held: restaurant management, U.S. Army, and education. Chad holds a B.S. degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management from Iowa State University, Secondary Teaching certificate from Morningside University, an M.S.E. degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Wayne State College, and a K-12 School Administration certificate and license from Iowa Principal Leadership Academy. He excels in supporting others to be innovative and willing to fail forward, iterate, and be perseverant. Chad finds strength and encouragement in his loving family: his wife and two children.

Chelsie Byram

Job Titles:
  • Educational Consultant
Chelsie Byram is an Educational Consultant with expertise in science, gifted and talented, future ready teaching strategies, STEM, and assistive technology. Ms. Byram has a master's degree in education from Upper Iowa University, a bachelor's degree from Wartburg College, a certificate in Natural Resources and Conservation Management from Hawkeye Community College and is working towards her administrative endorsement through the Iowa Principal Leadership Academy. Ms. Byram supports science educators, learners through life, and educational stakeholders in a variety of areas that include: curriculum development and adoption, vertical articulation, alignment to NGSS, inquiry-based teaching practices, and collaboration around "all things science". Ms. Byram's mission is to make science obtainable for each student; combining science and assistive technology to break down barriers, which is the foundation in her ownership of CB Innovations, LLC where science is for each. She is always wondering about and leading the way in accessible science.

Chey Cheney

Chey Cheney and Pav Wander are two middle school teachers from Toronto, Canada. They have a passion for elevating and amplifying student voice while honouring students lived experiences and identity. "The Chey and Pav Show" takes educators and listeners through the "ins and outs" of the field of Teaching, Learning and Leadership. With their anecdotal and inviting banter, laced with caring insightfulness, the audience engages in a conversation that is surely eye-opening and impactful while tackling some of the real and ever-changing issues in Education!

Chris Woods

Chris Woods loves helping kids and helping teachers help kids. He's taught math for 20+ years in Michigan, shares free STEM resources on his website and social media, and is the host of "The STEM Everyday Podcast." Chris loves finding creative ways to inspire students, especially by adding STEM to the everyday classroom & making STEM accessible to families at home. He believes that inspiration & creativity are just as important as instruction & curriculum, and that teaching kids is not just a job, its the most important job. Chris has been happily married to his wife Sue for over 20 years & has 3 great kids.

Daphne McMenemy

Daphne McMenemy is an educator, author, speaker, and recent recipient of the Canadian Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence for her work with coding, robotics, and STEM integration. Her children's book series, Gracie, draws from her classroom experiences of two decades, where she has empowered children to explore learning through innovative STEM approaches, Daphne's classroom expertise empowers hesitant learners, fostering confidence and active engagement. Committed to building relationships and inspiring students through creativity, she is much sought after international speaker and continues make an impact in classrooms across the continent.

Dave Martin

Dave Martin has a Masters of Mathematics, a Degree in Education, and a love for prime numbers. He has been teaching for 15 years, during which time, he was nominated for Teacher of Excellence in Alberta, has spoken across North America, and has successfully removed grades in most of his high school and middle school math courses. Dave currently is a post secondary instructor, where he works with pre-service teachers, and consults with K - 12 schools and districts. Some of his passions include playing board games and reciting the digits of Pi…starting at the end.

David Houle

David Houle is not just a name; he's a force in the world of performing arts. An international star whose journey has taken him from the stages of epic festivals to the dazzling lights of Las Vegas, David's story is as captivating as his talent. In 2019, he wowed audiences as a guest keyboard artist and dancer with Montreal's eclectic metal band, Deadly Apples, gracing the stage at the iconic 25th Vans Warped Tour alongside legends like Simple Plan, Good Charlotte, and Blink-182. That same year, David lit up the VIVO X El ROCK festival in Peru, performing alongside giants such as Slipknot, The Strokes, and Bullet for My Valentine. And if that wasn't enough, he also toured with the one and only Marilyn Manson! With roots grounded in resilience-both of his parents served in the Canadian Armed Forces-David turned to dance full-time after the passing of his mother in 2003. He graduated from the prestigious School of Toronto Dance Theatre, where he refined his craft. In 2015, he worked alongside Cyndi Lauper in the Tony Award-winning musical Kinky Boots in Toronto, further solidifying his status in the industry. David's artistry knows no bounds. He starred in two productions of Cirque du Soleil and lent his talent as a dancer for the Canadian Opera Company. His creative vision extends to choreographing for Billboard-charting artist Dion Todd, allowing him to infuse the music scene with his innovative style. In recent years, David has been part of creations by choreographers Paul Roberts and Nathan Clarke. He also headlined a show at the legendary Jubilee Theatre on the Las Vegas Strip with America's Got Talent finalists. Today, he channels his experiences into inspiring keynotes that resonate with audiences around the world while transitioning into a full-time singing and acting career. He's been recording original music with top producers from Miami, Italy, Las Vegas, and Montreal, crafting sounds that push boundaries and ignite the senses. And the best part? This is just the beginning of his incredible journey! Get ready, because he's only warming up! Join David on this electrifying journey where passion meets purpose, and discover how your own story can transform into a masterpiece!

Dominique Smith

Job Titles:
  • Principal
  • Social Worker
Dominique Smith, EdD, is a principal, social worker, teacher, and mentor. Smith earned his Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California and his doctorate in educational leadership at San Diego State University. He is passionate about creating school cultures than honor student voice and build student and educator confidence and competence. Dr. Smith is a national trainer in restorative practices, classroom management, belonging, leadership, and the culture of achievement. He is the winner of the National School Safety Award from the School Safety Advocacy Council and the co-author of The Restorative Practices Playbook, The Social and Emotional Learning Playbook, Leader Credibility, and How Leadership Works.

Dr. Brandi Godino-Brotherton

Dr. Brotherton has over 20 years of experience in public education. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Oklahoma State University, her Masters in Educational Administration from Abilene Christian University, and her Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Innovation from St. Thomas University. Residing in Houston, Texas, Dr. Brotherton has led and cultivated success as a high school teacher, coach, advanced academic coordinator, assistant principal, associate principal of instruction, and is currently the principal at a National Blue Ribbon High School. Dr. Brotherton has been coined as the "Culture Queen" with her transformative leadership style that draws in and connects the school community like no other. Dr. Brotherton believes that relationships are the foundation for successful school outcomes and that leaders play an integral role in creating and sustaining a positive school culture. Dr. Brotherton is committed to building and equipping leaders with the necessary skills to create an environment that fosters teacher and student success. While she is the principal of a National Blue Ribbon High School, has the #1 Rated Gold Ribbon High School in Texas, has improved "Masters" scores on state assessments by 17% on her campus and runs the highest performing Title I school in the state of Texas, her biggest professional accomplishment is creating and sustaining a campus with a thriving culture that cultivates successful teacher and student outcomes..

Dr. Christopher S. Jones

Chris Jones has been an educator in Massachusetts for 20 years. He has just finished his 12th year as a building administrator. True to his why of improving the educational experience for as many people as possible, he is currently the principal of Whitman-Hanson Regional High School in Whitman, Massachusetts. Chris is passionate about continuous improvement and the idea that success is not a destination, but a process. Chris is a teacher centered Principal and his beliefs around the importance of a positive work environment, continuous growth, and a healthy family work life integration can be seen in the presentations/workshops he has given for the Massachusetts School Administrators Association (MSAA), Massachusetts Computer Using Educators (MassCUE), Massachusetts Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development (MASCD), the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP); and his participation in the Better Leaders Better Schools Mastermind group. Chris is described as being "…wholly invested in the success of the school…a creative problem-solver who is able to deliberate yet be decisive, be creative yet accountable…calm and clear-headed even under the most trying of times…has built a strong collaborative and collegial school culture…he is a positive influence on teachers, teaching, and learning." Chris blogs, is active on Twitter, and vlogs on a weekly basis as a way to reflect on his progress, share his story, and get others to think about different perspectives. His overarching goal is to positively model continuous improvement in all facets of life by being purposeful, acting with integrity, and building character.

Dr. Derek Fialkiewicz

Job Titles:
  • Superintendent of the Corbett School District

Dr. Erik Youngman

Job Titles:
  • Education Leader
Dr. Erik Youngman is an education leader who is passionate about topics such as homework, growth mindset, grading, and leadership. Published books he has written include The Magic of Growth Mindset and 12 Characteristics of Deliberate Homework, as well as a chapter for, 100 No-Nonsense Things That All Teachers Should Stop Doing. Erik has also written a vignette in Brian Aspinall's Risk Taker and numerous blogs about growth mindset and grading. In his twenty-third year in educational leadership, Erik is the Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning for Libertyville District 70 in Libertyville, Illinois.

Dr. Marc Isseks

Job Titles:
  • Writer
Dr. Marc Isseks is a writer, speaker, podcaster, and public school educator for nearly 30 years. He has served as a teacher, curriculum coordinator, and building administrator in Brooklyn and Long Island.

Dr. Michael Hynes

Job Titles:
  • Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Michael Hynes works as a public school superintendent of schools, Fulbright Specialist and an associate professor of education and leadership at Long Island University and Stony Brook University. His mission is to spread the message of the importance of a holistic approach to educating children. He emphasizes the importance of play, recess in schools, mental health and yoga and mindfulness in the classroom. Dr. Hynes is a former assistant superintendent, principal and teacher. Hynes is also a public school advocate, TEDx and keynote speaker and has published numerous articles and featured on several podcasts and articles on school leadership. Hynes has focused his work on transforming schools by tapping into Potential Based Education, which focuses on the significance of social, emotional, physical and cognitive development for students as well as developing strategic plans for school buildings and school districts. Dr. Hynes educates the masses on global school initiatives and universal best practices. He has studied and worked with the Finnish school system. Hynes received his undergraduate degree in psychology from Bethany College and his doctorate in educational administration from Dowling College. He has undergone professional training to integrate organizational learning and school leadership into programs at New York University, Stony Brook University and Harvard University.

Dr. Paul Kish

Paul Kish has thirty-four years of experience in education with twenty-seven years in school administration. He currently serves as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the Clearview Local Schools in Lorain, Ohio. Clearview has been awarded as the 2023 District of the Year by the Ohio Leadership Advisory Council and the Buckeye Association of School Administrators. Paul also currently serves as an adjunct professor at Indiana Wesleyan University. Dr. Kish speaks at education conferences regarding the topic of school leadership and has presented at the Ohio School Boards Association Capital Conference, the Ohio Middle Level Association State Conference, the Ohio Department of Education PBIS Showcase, the Ohio Teacher Leadership Summit, the Ohio Association of Administrators of State and Federal Education Programs Conference, The Ohio Leadership Advisory Council PBIS State Conference, and Lit Con the National K-8 Literacy and Reading Recovery Conference. Paul earned his PhD in educational administration from Kent State University in 2018. His dissertation is titled, "The Virtual School Teacher Evaluation Process." He received a bachelor's degree from the Ohio State University and a master's degree from Bowling Green State University. He is married to an amazing kindergarten teacher, Sharyn Kish. Together they are blessed with a loving family that includes Paul's daughter Kaylee, his son Lucas, two step daughters Hannah and Paige, and granddaughter Riven.

Georgina Dean

Job Titles:
  • Visionary Leader
Georgina is a visionary leader, currently working as Director of Learning Technology for a K-12 non-profit organization in Jordan, where she's supporting their school in unlocking their digital transformation potential. Her goal is to offer creative EdTech integration leadership to education communities around the world. Georgina is an inspiring and thought-provoking education leader, mentor, coach, podcaster, and keynote speaker, and is keen to impact creative innovation across Europe, Middle East & Africa, where she has been fostering innovative change in education for over a decade.

Jenn Breisacher

Jenn Breisacher started her teaching journey in 2007. She graduated Cum Laude with her BA from Monmouth University with dual majors in both. History and Education. Throughout her tenure of teaching, she taught in both an affluent, academically charged district and also a Title I, technical CTE school. Through her own research and both trial and (lots of) error, she was able to make the transition from a 100% teacher-led classroom to a 100% student-led one, with her final years encompassing a blended learning model (including teaching a course that was fully hybrid). While managing this, Jenn also started a family and received her Master of Science degree in Public Service Leadership from Capella University. After falling in love with giving workshops to other teachers and finding it her calling to help students outside of the walls of her own classroom, Jenn founded Student-Centered World in 2018 with the goal to help every teacher create a fully engaged classroom, in turn reducing teacher stress, reclaiming teacher time, and increasing student success.

Jenn Overstreet

Job Titles:
  • Leader
Jenn Overstreet is an educational leader, tech advocate, and wellness champion. With over 13 years of leadership and teaching across K-12 and higher education, her roles have ranged from Director of Teaching and Learning to Education Technology Coordinator. Her work spans Italy, the United States, and soon, the Middle East, highlighting her dedication to enhancing educational practices through mentorship, innovative curriculum, and global citizenship. Her efforts in leadership and curriculum development have advanced education, aligning curriculum with diverse standards and leading technology integration to boost learning outcomes. Jenn's work has earned her multiple awards, including Teacher of the Year nominations in 2015 and 2017, the PBS Lead Digital Innovator honor, SmartBrief Education Blogger of the Month, and accolades from Penn State for her educational professionalism. She's been invited to speak at forums such as the Aspen Institute in Washington, D.C., and the Vision Coalition Conference, showcasing her expertise on topics like the role of Open Educational Resources (OER) in curriculum and professional development, and the advancement of teacher support. Her presentations at the iNACOL Blended and Online Virtual School Symposium and the ELMLE Conference on digital tools demonstrate her commitment to dynamic and effective student learning experiences. A 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher, Jenn integrates mindfulness and wellness into educational environments, promoting well-being alongside academic success. At the heart of Jenn's educational philosophy are creativity, innovation, and mindfulness, with a special emphasis on nurturing students' passions and teachers' well-being.

John Sammon

John Sammon has a distinguished career spanning over two decades. Currently serving as a STEAM Professional Development Specialist in his current district in New York, John has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to enhancing educational standards as he works in classrooms and engages with students everyday. John has been a classroom teacher for grades 3-6, and has moved into pivotal roles like a Literacy Coach and a District Wide Professional Development Specialist. John's forte lies in crafting comprehensive Project-Based Learning (PBL) units, a reflection of his dedication to innovative teaching approaches. An advocate for Design Thinking, PBL, and STEAM practices, John actively fosters cross-disciplinary, as well as 21st Century skills among students. His involvement in district-wide transformation teams has contributed significantly to the evolution of educational methodologies on a broader scale. Beyond the building, John has shared his expertise at national and state-level conferences including, ISTE Creative Constructor Lab in 2020, NYSCATE Annual Conference for consecutive years from 2020 to 2023. Additionally, John has had the honor of participating in the Curriculum & Associates Annual Symposium in 2023. A classroom teacher and collaborator at heart, John has co-authored numerous articles deeply rooted in the practical applications of STEAM and PBL. His work reflects a profound intent to facilitate authentic learning experiences, encouraging children to engage with fundamental questions about the world and the intriguing ways humans have explored and unraveled these questions.

Joël McLean

Job Titles:
  • Principal
Joël is presently Principal / School Efficacy Leader at his school board in North Bay, Ontario Canada, as well as a Provincial Leadership Coach for his professional principal's association. He is the founder of Inspire Leadership Coaching, and the host of 2 podcasts: Inspire Leadership Podcast (French) and This Is Leadership Podcast (English).