Keynote Speaker

Sarah-Jane Thomas, PhD is a Regional Technology Coordinator in a large district in Maryland. She is the founder of the EduMatch project, which promotes connection and collaboration among educators around the world. Through EduMatch, Sarah has published several collaborative and individual books. EduMatch is also a recognized Google for Education professional development partner.

Sarah serves as President on the Board of Directors for EduMatch Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit that supports grassroots work of students and educators. In addition, she is a co-author of the ISTE publication series, Closing the Gap, focusing on digital equity, as well as a Google Certified Innovator and trainer.

Sarah graduated from George Mason University with a doctoral degree in Education, and a concentration in International Education. She also holds a Master’s degree from Howard University in the field of Curriculum and Instruction.

Sarah was designated an ASCD Emerging Leader in 2016, and was recognized in EdTech Magazine’s 30 K-12 IT Influencers Worth a Follow in 2020. She was named by the National School Board Association as one of the “20 to Watch” in 2015. She was part of the Technical Working Group that refreshed the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards for Educators in 2016-2017, and in 2017, she received the ISTE “Making IT Happen” Award.

Keynote Speaker

Ann loves to explore, share, and contribute and has spent 20 years dedicated to transforming education as a classroom teacher, Innovation & Instructional Support TOSA, and as an Educator Innovation Lead on Team Flipgrid at Microsoft. Believing that “Play is our brain’s favorite way to learn,” Ann loves to bring the fun and is passionate about helping others learn how to meaningfully integrate technology into teaching and learning. She is a member of the Apple Distinguished Educator Class of 2015 and Leading Edge Certified as a Professional Learning Leader. Connect with her on Twitter at @annkozma723

Ali Uslu, Chief Academic Officer of the Concept Schools, is responsible for oversight and operation of all the academic programs for all schools under Concept Schools’ management. He has extensive experience as a science teacher, administrator, and published textbook author, which he brings to Concept. He has been influential in Concept Schools’ success as has been with Concept since 2001. He holds a degree in teaching biology. He received his Master’s degree in charter school leadership from Central Michigan University. He is married and has three children.

Andy Flaherty is the Director of English for the Concept Schools’ network. He writes curriculum for grades 6-12, provides observation feedback and cognitive coaching, and creates customized professional development on a wide range of literacy topics. Prior to joining Concept Schools, he was part of the literacy planning team for Chicago Public Schools and an Internal Baccalaureate (IB) English and THeory of Knowledge teacher at Amundsen High School. Known for his consulting with IB and Chicago Area Writing Project (CAWP), Andy has applied these approaches to his professional development of teachers and other adults. He has worked with numerous student teachers and as adjunct for Northwestern and Roosevelt Universities to name a few. He is agile and modifies learning strategies as needed to ensure training is interactive and dynamic. Described as a visionary, driven and accountable, he thrives in creating projects that are interdependent and collaborative. Prior to his work in education, Andy managed million dollar advertising and marketing projects focused on implementing effective communication, data analysis, and product launches. Topic area (s): Backward Design/Essential Questions, Cognitive Coaching, Evidence- Based Writing, Instructional Development, Inquiry Based Learning, Guided & Close Reading, Poetry and Performance, and Reciprocal Teaching

M.Sc in Math, M.Ed in School Leadership,Central Michigan University.
My passion is to empower all learners to reach their full potentials and give them the opportunity to achieve whatever they are capable of. It’s been11 years since I started working at Concept Schools. This job, after spending 15 years in the classroom and starting the day with the kids around you every day, fueled up with their energy, has been a wonderful experience for me. I believe in the power of innovative digital content and technology integration, and that this will bridge the learning gap and promote active learning, engagement, and equitable learning environment for all learners. I love helping teachers access meaningful, relevant, and engaging resources and strategies. It was around high school when I decided that I wanted to become a math teacher. At this point in time, I had an amazing teacher, one who treated students as individuals whose ideas and opinions mattered. Not only did he help to nurture his love of learning, but he helped me to realize that I could make a difference in other peoples’ lives as well.
I also worked for a publishing company for 4 years right after i graduated from college and published several math textbooks for HS Mathematics.

I am an experienced web developer who chose to dedicate himself to help society after working couple years with corporations. I love practicing and sharing my knowledge with scholars along with my enthusiasm to technology. I believe establishing strong relationship with scholars will help majority of teachers to excel their teaching skill and achievements.

For over 23 years, Dincer Coach has been in education as a teacher and an administrator driven from the philosophy of “Serving to Others”. Dincer Coach works as director of science education at the Concept Schools’ Charter Network. He earned his master’s degree at the Central Michigan University. Dincer Coach also worked internationally and founded two schools abord.

Upon graduating from Illinois State University, Dr. Christopher Murphy taught high school science and coached baseball in Chicago Public Schools, during which he earned Master’s degrees in education from DePaul University and Northeastern Illinois University. While serving as a principal in the Chicago suburbs, he successfully earned his Doctorate in Education from National-Louis University with his research focused on Social Change Theory.

Chris first joined Concept Schools in 2016 and now serves as Chief Strategic Growth & Communications Officer. In this capacity, he oversees Communications & Marketing, Community Relations, and Charter School Advocacy, Growth & Sustainability. Chris deeply believes in the potential of all students and is committed to expanding high-quality educational opportunities for all low-income, minority students.

He currently lives in Chicagoland with his wife Mary and their two children.

Elif Polat has been working as a high school science teacher in a charter school for 8 years. She is self-motivated and passionate about creating and building a learning environment. She nurtured and empowered students through personal development, community service, physical activities, and educational adventures. Elif Polat has designed and taught science courses focused on STEM activities, test-taking strategies, and advanced science concepts

Elisa Salazar, MS, MA, LMSW graduated from GVSU with her Master’s degree in social work in 2010 and her second Master’s degree in communications in 2020. Her background is in diverse settings including juvenile justice, special education, and substance abuse; however, she has spent most of her career as a therapist working with children, families, and individuals from mild to severe mental illness. She currently works in higher education. She also owns Embrace Strategies, LLC where she does presentation on emotional wellness.

Ihsan Ozulas has been the Head of Foreign Language Department at Concept Schools since 2011.Before starting to serve as the Department Head, he taught English as a second language and Turkish as a foreign language. He also initiated the organizations of Art and Language Festival at Concept Schools to promote and honor the diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds of the language learners.

Kimber serves as the Director of Educational Technology at Concept Schools. She has worked internationally, has served as the Director of Technology at a K-8 school specializing in students with learning differences, and has taught multiple subjects and grade levels K-12. She has her EdM in Learning Design and Leadership and is a Google Certified Educator and Trainer. She loves working with students and educators to integrate technology into teaching and learning, and believes technology can be life-changing for students as it allows them to both access knowledge and share their ideas in ways not otherwise possible.

Kristina is an Education Specialist based on a small island in Alaska known for its large bear population and friendly people. She specializes in teaching reading and providing engaging, relevant instruction for learners of different needs. Kristina is proudly neurodivergent and uses her experience with ADHD and ASD to help students understand their own minds.

I received my BA in English Language Arts from Indiana University where I was the student speaker for my graduating class. I have been teaching middle school ELA for 8 years in Indianapolis. Prior to taking my position four years ago at IMSA North, I ran the High Ability Track program for Paramount School of Excellence. I have completed several professional development courses focused on equity in the classroom, including “Equity Matters: Confronting Implicit Bias” in which I received my certification.

LarGlendal Wallace is an educator, poet, and diversity trainer. She earned her B.A. in Journalism and M.S. in Education from Purdue University. She is the author of two poetry collections, several essays and articles that address the role of education and its impact on our society. As a board member of the St. Louis Poetry Center, her main goal is to encourage, teach and inspire students at all levels.

Megan Parker is in her 14th year as an educator. She was a middle school Social Studies teacher for 10 years before moving into administration, where she has been both Assistant Principal of School Culture and Assistant Principal of Academics. Prior to administration, she performed a variety of roles alongside her teaching responsibilities, including Grade Lead, Social Studies Department head, and curriculum support. Since attending the Ideas for Our Future conference in 2018 on the Opiod crisis in Ohio, she has had an expanded interest in trauma and how it affects children in the classroom. By attending several professional development seminars and conferences on the subject, she has become a Trauma Informed Trainer.

Regina Armour is currently the Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for Concept Schools. She started 8 years ago as the Director of Community Engagement & New School Development. She received her doctorate from National Louis University’s National College of Education and her research focuses on instructional & organizational coaching and culture transformation. Her work in schools began with becoming an intermediate and upper grade teacher of biological sciences and math. She has also taught high school, community college and university graduate students.

Sam Davis is a math teacher and a college counselor. He is currently working at Concept Schools as the director of college counseling and assessment since 2012. He has two masters degree in high school teaching and educational leadership. He works with colleges counselors at 12 high schools and assessments coordinators at 30 Concept Schools.

Sara is a classroom educator who recently transitioned to her new role as Director of Upper Elementary at Concept Schools. Sara’s passion comes from education, especailly supporting teachers and adminstration in urban and diverse environments. Sara graduated with her Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and recieved her EdM in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University in 2019.

Sarah is the director for the social studies department. Before working in this role, she was a middle school social studies teacher in Chicago for five years and a English language teacher in South Korea for four years. She has a masters degree in secondary education with a focus in English Language Learners.

Shabana is a PLTW-PBS & HBS/AP BIO/BIO Teacher, an Adjunct Faculty member and a Researcher.

She holds two Masters degrees, one in Microbiology and another in Biotechnology from IIT as well as ESL endorsement from UIC. She has completed Education related course work from Benedictine University and recently got Ed.S in Educational Leadership from National Louis University. She has been Delivering Professional Development activities at Horizon Science Academy, HSA SW, 2019-to date. She is also a PLC – Science Team Lead and PSAT/SAT data analysis team member at her school.

Stephanie has been working in Pickerington Schools since 2014. She is currently the Middle School and Junior High Instructional Technology Coordinator for Pickerington Schools. She enjoy working with staff and students to increase the use of instructional technology. Stephanie has spoken at conferences such as ISTE, ITIP and OETC and her most recent achievements are being apart of the team named ISTE’s Distinguished District, WOSU Leadership Award, a Google Innovator, and PLSD’s Innovative Leader award. Stephanie is one of the founding members of Global GEG. Stephanie has a masters in Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Leadership.

Tammie currently serves as the Director of Primary Education at Concept Schools. She loves supporting teachers and developing curriculum as part of her role in making primary education as awesome as possible. Before joining Concept, Tammie taught second grade and was the PLC coach for a school district in the suburbs of Chicago. In her spare time, Tammie enjoys spending time with her husband, her family, and her Bernese Mountain Dog named Winston. Tammie earned her Elementary Education degree from Northern Illinois University.

Masters Degree from the University of Cincinnati in Educational Leadership
Executive Certificate from Duke University in Nonprofit Leadership
Certificate from Duke University in Nonprofit Management
Superintendent Licensure Program student at Ohio State University (OSU)

Victoria Thompson is a STEM Integration Transformation Coach at Technology Access Foundation–a nonprofit leader redefining STEM education in public schools–and a consultant for Ignite EdTech. She has been in education for five years and began her journey teaching fifth and sixth grade math and science in Summerville, SC. After completing her masters degree in curriculum and instruction she moved to the Seattle, WA area in 2018, where her career has pivoted to focusing on STEM integration in schools, K-12 mathematics instruction with research on decolonizing mathematics curriculum for teachers and learners, creating inclusive math environments, and using technology to bridge equity gaps in math education. She has presented at ISTE, ImpactEducation, CUE, and DigCitSummit on topics such as creating inclusive math classrooms, culturally responsive STEM education, and equity in educational technology.