Gerry Brooks
Elementary School Principal | Education Humorist and Speaker
Gerry Brooks is an elementary school principal and education humorist. He has spent 15 of his 25 years in education as a school leader. What began as humorous videos for his staff has grown into a national platform to entertain and encourage educators. Through social media and speaking events, he has more than 1.2 million followers. Blending humor with honest insight about school culture and leadership, his book Go See the Principal shares practical strategies for creating positive workplace climate.
Cornelius Minor
Educator | Author of We Got This | Co-Founder, The Minor Collective
Cornelius Minor is a Brooklyn-based educator who partners with teachers, school leaders, and community organizations to advance equitable literacy reform in schools and districts across the country. His book We Got This challenges leaders to examine how equity lives in everyday decisions—especially in how we listen to students. A former middle school teacher in the Bronx and Brooklyn, Cornelius brings practical classroom experience and a deep commitment to sustainable change through The Minor Collective, a community-based movement supporting schools.
Kristan Rodriguez, Ph.D.
Former Superintendent and Principal | Author and MTSS Expert
Dr. Kristan Rodriguez is an internationally recognized education leader and former superintendent and principal who helps schools replace fragmented referral practices with proactive, data-informed systems. She is the creator of the MTSS² Framework™ and founder of Commonwealth Consulting Agency, partnering with districts and state agencies nationwide. A bestselling author of In Support of Student Data: A Data Workbook for MTSS Teams, Dr. Rodriguez equips school leaders with clear, practical tools to make MTSS equitable, aligned, and sustainable.
Jess Sims
Educator | Peloton Instructor | ESPN Reporter
Jess Sims is a New York City–based educator, fitness instructor, and broadcaster. She began her career with Teach For America. A former principal at Harlem Village Academies, she later joined Peloton, where she leads tread and strength classes for a global audience. She is also a reporter for ESPN’s College GameDay. Across education, fitness, and media, her work focuses on building strong, connected, and healthy lives.
Merlyna Valentine
Former Principal and Executive Director | Author and Consultant
Merlyna Valentine is a former principal and executive director who now inspires school leaders to lead with heart, resilience, and purpose. With more than 30 years in education, she transformed school culture and achievement through visionary leadership and an unwavering belief in excellence. After surviving a life-threatening medical crisis, Merlyna emerged as a powerful voice on perseverance and possibility—helping leaders reframe adversity, reconnect to purpose, and rise stronger in the face of change.
Rick Wormeli
National Board-Certified Teacher | Author | Expert in Assessment and Differentiation
Rick Wormeli is one of the first National Board-Certified Teachers in the United States and a longtime advocate for responsive, equitable grading and instruction. With 44 years in the classroom and extensive experience coaching school leaders, Rick brings practical strategies grounded in real practice. He is the bestselling author of Fair Isn’t Always Equal and Differentiation: From Planning to Practice, equipping educators with clear tools to strengthen assessment, rigor, and student learning.
