Alisa Berger is the Executive Director of the Deeper Learning Dozen. Alisa has over 25 years of experience as an educator, principal, and school leadership coach. She works with schools, districts and networks to support deeper and more engaging instruction for all students.

She also served as an adjunct lecture teaching the Deeper Learning course within the graduate programs at the school. Alisa is an independent consultant working with schools, districts and networks who are looking to design and implement innovative programs that better meet the needs of students and works to create a 21st century system that would support deeper and more engaging instruction for all students. Alisa is the co-author of the book How to Innovate: The Essential Guide for the Fearless School Leader, published April 2014. She was the founding co-principal at the NYC iSchool, a New York City public high school committed to rethinking high school for the 21st century. Previously, she has worked in the New York City central offices as a Director of Leadership and Organizational Learning, overseeing 250 schools in achieving their goal of increased student achievement by developing, aligning, and delivering cutting edge training and professional development. She was part of the design team for the Children First Intensive (CFI), a city-wide action research initiative designed to help build schools’ capacity to use accountability tools to differentiate, individualize, and improve instruction; as well as problem solving around school-based and systemic DOE issues to ensure that they do not interfere with schools’ effective operations. Alisa began her career in school administration as the founding leader of the Mott Hall II school, a small, progressive NYC public middle school. Alisa received her undergraduate degree from Barnard College, her MA in curriculum design from Teachers College, Columbia University and her MBA from the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University.

Aruna Patel is the Center for Civic Education’s Senior Director of Civic Education. She is responsible for supporting her colleagues at the Center in developing and implementing high-priority strategies, goals, and objectives to ensure ongoing success, spur innovation, and lead growth of the Center for Civic Education’s national civic education programs, curriculum, research, and innovations.

Aruna launched her career in social studies education as a high school teacher in Philadelphia School District. Building on her classroom experiences and passion for adult learning and curriculum development, Aruna supported social studies teachers, principals, and district leadership throughout New York City and New York State as the Lead Curriculum Development and Professional Learning Manager in Social Studies at New Visions for Public Schools. She also served on the New York State Task Force for Civic Education and Equity, spearheading an effort to develop the innovative Seal of Civic Readiness diploma seal. She followed up that experience by supporting civic education programming across New York City to ensure students were able to earn the distinctive diploma seal.

She lives in New Jersey with her husband and two young children, where they enjoy hiking, reading, and visiting beaches.

Dana Brown Professional Learning Services is an educational consultant and instructional coaching agency that provides training programs to teachers and staff employed in area school districts, focused on transitioning staff from one instructional program or method to an updated instructional program or method. Dana has uniquely held both leadership and teaching positions in recent years giving her a well-rounded view of how instructional shifts are experienced at all levels.

Dana Brown has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, with a concentration in behavioral sciences, from Concordia College-Bronxville, a master’s degree in reading and literacy from Fordham University, and an advanced certificate in educational leadership from SUNY New Paltz. She began her educational career in her family business, Open Day Educational Services, Inc., providing preschool, tutoring, and dance instruction to early childhood learners. She also taught first and second grade in the Peekskill City School District, worked as a reading specialist, literacy coach, specializing in adult learning, and district coordinator for the Wappingers Central School District in ENL and ELA, as well as served as a director for K-12 curriculum in the Arlington Central School District, a coordinator of professional learning for an area board of cooperative educational services, and an assistant and building principal K-12. Dana Brown is an actively certified teacher, building leader and district leader in New York State.

Dr. Edward Cohen is the founder of the Energy Museum, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering STEAM learning for individuals of all ages, from toddlers to seniors, while exploring the profound role of energy in every facet of our lives. He also serves as the Associate Director at Rutgers University’s Center for Math, Science, and Computer Education (CMSCE), leveraging over two decades of experience in innovative pedagogy for K-16 education.

Dr. Cohen has an extensive background in designing, implementing, and leading data-driven curricula. His career spans roles as a teacher, professor, Middle School Vice Principal and Supervisor of Instruction, District K-12 Science Supervisor, and District STEAM Specialist across multiple districts. He began as a middle school science teacher, where his passion for pedagogy in makerspaces and climate change education took root.

Following the 2011 tsunami, Dr. Cohen received a Fulbright Scholarship to Japan, where he studied the critical link between climate change and the need for engineered environmental solutions. This experience informed his work aboard the JOIDES Resolution, the premier U.S. research drill ship, where he developed a comprehensive, original climate change curriculum. He has presented this work at leading conferences, including the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), the National Association for Research in Science Teaching (NARST), and the American Geophysical Union (AGU).

Recognized as the Eastern United States Outstanding Earth Science Teacher by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT), Dr. Cohen earned the award for his exceptional contributions to inspiring interest in Earth Sciences at the pre-college level. His certifications include elementary education, middle school science, K-12 Earth Science, Supervision, Principalship, and Superintendency.

An international presenter and consultant, Dr. Cohen specializes in pedagogy focused on the Nature of Science, technology education, and climate change. His current research and professional development initiatives integrate these areas with design thinking and makerspace education pedagogy, equipping educators to address real-world challenges and inspire the next generation of problem solvers.

Dr. Frias is an experienced educational leader and dedicated professional in curriculum and instruction. Recently appointed as a Director of ENL/MLL, he brings a wealth of expertise from his previous roles, previously serving as a Program Administrator at Eastern Suffolk BOCES, he is passionate about improving educational practices and supporting both teachers and students in their academic journeys.

Before his current role, Dr. Frias held significant leadership positions, including Principal at Valley Stream 13 and Assistant Principal at Hewlett-Woodmere UFSD. In these roles, he focused on creating inclusive and effective learning environments where every student could thrive. His leadership style emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Dr. Frias' expertise extends to instructional coaching, where he has excelled as both an Instructional Coach and Teacher Development Coach. His work in these capacities has involved mentoring educators, guiding curriculum development, and implementing effective teaching strategies. Through these experiences, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to fostering educator growth and enhancing instructional quality.

His teaching background includes working with students in the Bronx, New York City, where he developed a strong understanding of urban education's diverse challenges and opportunities. This firsthand experience informs his approach to educational leadership, allowing him to address the unique needs of students and teachers alike.

In addition to his educational career, Dr. Frias is a proud Marine Corps veteran. This background has instilled in him a strong sense of discipline, resilience, and a commitment to service—values he carries into his work in education.

Dr. Frias holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, solidifying his expertise and dedication to advancing the educational landscape. He remains committed to empowering educators and students through innovative practices, collaborative learning, and a focus on academic excellence.

Dr. Julianne Ross-Kleinmann (Juli) is an accomplished educational leader with a strong focus on elementary education, supporting teachers, and bridging the digital divide. Recently completing her doctorate, Juli serves as the Supervisor of Instructional Services for Model Schools and Distance Learning at Ulster BOCES. A past ISTE Board member, former STEM PLN Chair, and long-standing ISTE participant, she has written articles on educational technology, contributed to The EdTech Advocate's Guide to Leading Change in Schools, and co-hosts the AI Café Podcast. Among her many presentations, her favorites are co-presenting on computer science alongside
students.Her work emphasizes equity, sustainability, and transformative learning
practices.

Kevin Gant is a Director of Growth and District Success with the non-profit group, New Tech Network, and has been facilitating teacher and leader learning for 12 years. In his 19 years in the classroom, Kevin was a science and mathematics teacher focused primarily on Physics education. In his most recent classroom work, he was a founder of and the Lead Teacher at nex+Gen Academy, a public project-based high school in Albuquerque, NM. Kevin is a twice-certified National Board Certified Teacher (Physics, 2006 and 2016), and a recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching in (NM, 2015).

KK has a Master’s in Teaching and Curriculum from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and has been working in education since 2000. She has taught social studies and English at every grade level between 5th and 12th in both public and private school settings, and her passion for ensuring that all students graduate with the skills they need to thrive in a complex world has remained at the center of her practice throughout her career. In 2021, KK came to World Savvy where she has been leading the work with district and school leaders. She is a regular presenter at both national and regional conferences across the country on the need to reimagine teaching and learning for the modern age and the kind of school leadership that can help us achieve a bold new vision for our K12 education system.

Melanie Peterson-Nafziger is a World Savvy Professional Learning Facilitator partnering with schools, districts, and communities to re-imagine teaching and learning and the leadership we need to cultivate to support systems change through collaborative innovation. For 30 years Melanie has worked as a teacher of IB history, global politics, geography, and theory of knowledge; IBDP coordinator; Montessori school administrator; and Minnesota Association of IB Schools board member. Melanie's leadership passions include intelligent failure, sensemaking, navigating complexity and systems change, unlearning and hospicing things we need to let go of, futures thinking, inquiry-based professional learning/collaboration, and the role of imagination in leadership.

Michael is the Superintendent of the Mineola School District, a suburb of NYC. Mike began his career as a social studies teacher in NYC. While teaching he earned his doctorate from Columbia University and accepted an administrative position with Mineola in 1999.

He believes strongly in the district’s mission to inspire students to become lifelong learners that exhibit strength of character and contribute positively to a global society. During his twenty five years with the district, he has been a big proponent of using technology to engage students in rigorous content. All five schools in Mineola have been recognized as Apple distinguished schools. Mineola is also a member of the League of Innovative Schools, Dr. Nagler is the Chairperson of the Advisory Board.

Mineola was one of the first schools in the State to implement a comprehensive computer science curriculum starting in kindergarten. Mineola is also at the forefront of digital student portfolios. Dr. Nagler recently utilized the Districts coding platform to create his own digital portfolio. http://michaelnagler.oyosite.com

Dr. Nagler was the 2020 New York State Superintendent of the Year and was a Finalist for the 2020 National Superintendent of the Year. He recent published a book entitled: The Design Thinking, Entrepreneurial, Visionary Planning Leader- a Practical Guide for Thriving in Ambiguity

He was recently named the 2024 CoSN and AASA EmpowerED Superintendent of the year for 2024 as well as District Administrators Top 100 influencers in Education.
 

Nikki was born and raised in San Diego where she was often found in one of 3 places: at school, on the soccer field, or at the Boys and Girls Club. She was taught how to love tenaciously and dance with spice by her Abuelita, how to listen and study every detail by her mother, how to show up, work hard and do push-ups by her father and how to be curious, seek adventure and fight fires by her brother. She attended the University of Notre Dame for her undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Computer Application and earned a master’s of educational studies at Loyola Marymount University.

She began her career as an educator in 1998 in East Los Angeles and then moved to Boston, teaching math and science in 5th through 8th grades at private, charter, and traditional public schools before finding her home in the High Tech High community. She was the founding director of both High Tech Middle Media Arts and High Tech High North County and then worked as the dean and director at High Tech High International. For the past 6 years, Nikki has been the director at High Tech Middle. After 16 years as a school leader at High Tech High schools, she looks forward to supporting communities in school design and redesign at the High Tech High Graduate School of Education within the Center for Love and Justice. When she is not celebrating the amazing work of educators and students, she can be found gardening, finger painting or doing improvisational dance with her 2-year-old.

Rachel Arbor is a Presidential Award winner whose work has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, the EPA, and the White House. She is the CEO of Gaia Scholastic, NY State Lead for SubjectToClimate, and the PK-8 Director of Environmental Education for the Garrison School District. For all of these roles, her mission is to cultivate a generation of environmentally-literate global citizens by integrating nature and environmental concepts into the learning experiences of students of all ages and abilities. With a Masters in Education, she builds interdisciplinary content in a way that challenges students to make connections: with themselves, with each other, and with nature, across content areas. She trains teachers across the country on how to re-shape their curriculum through an environmental lens, coaches students on how to turn their climate anxiety into climate action, and fosters environmental connection in and out of the classroom.

A seasoned educator and dedicated school leader with over 25 years of experience in education, I bring a wealth of expertise in fostering academic excellence and cultivating strong, collaborative school communities. As an Assistant Principal and former Literacy Coach, I have a proven history of driving student achievement through data-informed instructional practices and innovative approaches.

My leadership is grounded in a deep commitment to culturally responsive pedagogy, ensuring that every learner feels valued and supported. Additionally, I specialize in designing strategies that promote teacher retention and professional growth, empowering educators to create inclusive, dynamic learning environments where both teachers and students flourish. Passionate and results driven, I strive to inspire transformative outcomes in all aspects of education.

Stacia Snow has been leading change in education for the last 20 years in the classroom as a teacher, then as a district coach and now with the New Tech Network (NTN), a leading non-profit national school development organization, as the Senior Director of Service Design & Development. Previously, Stacia taught humanities at Tech Valley High School, a NTN school in Albany, New York. As a founding teacher at Tech Valley HS, she worked first to co-design the school’s four year project-based STEM curriculum and then led the design of the school’s professional development and outreach program partnering with school districts across New York State. She currently works with New Tech Network Districts to scale deeper learning outcomes district-wide, reaching more students and increasing the sustainability of school and district transformation.