Bio: Carrie Sand

Carrie is a Literacy Specialist for the School District of Mishicot. Her job role includes part classroom teacher, part interventionist, part literacy coach, which in her mind is the best of all worlds. Her work with literacy includes a unique passion for the incorporation of technology, which has led to numerous speaking opportunities around the state. In 2012, as a credit to the incredible literacy work of her district, Carrie was awarded the Herb Kohl Fellowship Teaching Award. Her three most powerful reading moments were: the day her high school English teacher introduced her to e.e. cummings, the first time she ever read Freak the Mighty with her seventh grade students, and watching her two young boys discover reading.

Bio: Barb Novak

Barb Novak is a literacy consultant at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) where she works collaboratively around standards, instruction, and assessment of reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language.

Barb is a proud believer in and product of Wisconsin's public schools. She attended public schools from kindergarten through graduate programs in Hales Corners, Eau Claire, Stevens Point, Oshkosh, and Madison. Before beginning her employment at DPI in 2012, Barb served for ten years as a classroom teacher, interventionist, and literacy coach for public schools in Chilton, Oshkosh, and Menasha.

Besides learning and talking about literacy, Barb enjoys traveling, laughing, reading, cooking, drinking coffee, and scheming.

Bio: Meghan Retallick

"Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher."--Japanese Proverb

Meghan is beginning her second year as a reading specialist/literacy coach for the School District of Rhinelander, working primarily with students and staff in grades 4-12.  Prior to this position, Meghan spent seven years as a classroom teacher working in several districts in Wisconsin teaching English/Language Arts in grades 6-12.  One of her favorite successes as a teacher was taking something many consider "boring" and making it relevant and engaging for students. One of her favorite aspects of her role as a reading specialist is being involved in collaboration between teachers and administrators to further learning to better instruct all students.   She is influenced greatly by the work of Jim Burke, Jeff Anderson, Barbara Marinak, and Linda Christansen when it comes to best practices in the teaching of reading and language arts.  Meghan is also very inspired by the work of Cathy Toll and Andy Hargreaves about coaching, leadership, and promoting change in education.

On a personal note, Meghan is a wife and mom, happily raising two daughters (ages six and four) in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.  She loves music, reading, theater, yoga, football, hockey, and the outdoors.  Meghan believes in working to live a balanced life and enjoying the little things.

Bio: Julie Schwartzbauer

Julie Schwartzbauer is beginning her fifth year working for the Appleton Area School District as the K-2 District Literacy Coach.  She completed her undergraduate work at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee.  She first received her Bachelor Degree in Psychology, knowing she always wanted to work with children.  Julie was later inspired by professor to pursue a career in teaching.   She received her Early Childhood license followed by her Master’s Degree in Reading from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh.

After staying home to raise her family, Julie became employed by the Menasha Joint School District.  It was there that she received training in Reading Recovery and began working as a Literacy Coach.  Now in Appleton, Julie still remains a strong advocate for Reading Recovery.

In her current role, Julie services 16 elementary schools as the District Literacy Coach.  She works to support building coaches and teaching staff.  She could not do all of this important work without her supportive colleagues, and family.

Julie has recently earned her license in Administration and Supervision.

When Julie does not have her nose in a professional resource, she is spending time up North boating and relaxing with her three children and husband.

Bio: Lisa Weiss

Over the past 20 years in education I have had opportunities galore. I’ve been a second grade teacher, a middle school reading teacher, an at-risk teacher, an elementary reading specialist/Title I teacher, a middle school literacy coach, a high school literacy coach, a K-12 literacy coordinator, and I currently am a secondary (6-12) literacy coordinator in the Oshkosh Area School District.

It’s been a fascinating journey—risks were taken, hairs greyed, tough lessons were learned about the value I place on my philosophies and belief system around teaching and learning. I’m grateful for the struggles and successes, for the people who were in my path to pose challenges, and to those were there to support me through them. All of the situations contributed to the learning that has prepared me for the work I am engaged in now—and hopefully will remain in for a long time!

I can’t write about myself without writing about my unnatural love of the Fox Valley Writing Project, in which I serve as the Co-Director and the Coordinator of Professional Development. The work of the Project is much like coaching: it is exhausting, and simultaneously energizing! I credit the FVWP for the development of my professional life--bursting with gratitude over all of the opportunities and learning National Writing Project has offered me.

Bio: Andrea Reichenberger

Andrea Reichenberger is the District Literacy Coordinator (4K-12) for the Ashwaubenon School District.  In her past life she was an Instructional Literacy Coach and 6-12 English/Language Arts Coordinator for the Menasha Joint School District. She has worked with students and teachers PK-12 and began her career as an elementary library media specialist and spent 13 years as a middle school English/Language Arts teacher and teacher leader.  Because she loves learning, she prides herself in the professional learning network she has created as she is connected with some of the smartest people in education, not only in the Fox Valley, but also across the state. They inspire and continue to push her so she can be better for all kids.  Andrea is also a member of WSRA, ASCD, WASCD, NCTE, ILA, and AWSA and most recently experienced the pure joy of the Fox Valley Writing Project. She is also an adjunct instructor for Concordia University and does consulting work for area districts.

Andrea is very proud of the fact that she shares a birthday with Elvis, as she is a huge fan, but has yet to visit Graceland. Making the trip is on her bucket list. She loves to read, shop, walk/jog (more walking then jogging), and watch clever television. Andrea lives in Appleton with her husband and two tween daughters, who are also readers. Phew!

Some of Andrea’s favorite educational minds (i.e. Rock Stars/Professional Crushes)  include:  Doug Fisher, Nancy Frey, Kelly Gallagher, Cris Tovani, Penny Kittle, Jim Burke, Rick Wormeli, Jeff Zwiers, Jim Knight, Peter Johnston, Doug Buehl, Sarah Brown Wessling, Donalyn Miller, Myron Dueck, and Peter DeWitt.

Bio: Heather Zimmerman

Heather Zimmerman is a literacy coach at the middle school level in the Oshkosh Area School District.  She taught sophomore English,  mass media, and journalism at the high school level for three years.  She then spent three years teaching eighth grade literacy.  Heather received her bachelors from UW-Green Bay and her masters at UW-Oshkosh.  She lives in Appleton with her husband, who is a principal.  They both feel strongly about the importance of a quality education so all children can succeed.  When they are not working they enjoy traveling and sporting events.  Heather also loves to find time to enjoy a good book, go to a fitness class, or complete one of her many sewing/crocheting/craft projects.

Bio: Sharon Seely

Sharon Seely works as the K-5 Instructional Coach for the Tomah Area School District. She works in seven elementary buildings with four principals.  This is Sharon’s second year as an Instructional Coach and she finds it rewarding, challenging and life-changing.  She has learned so much from the teachers she works with and the literacy coaches she has had the opportunity to get to know through the Statewide Literacy Coaching Network.  Sharon believes “Coaching is the Universal Language of Change and Learning” CNN.  

Sharon received her Bachelor’s Degree (Elementary Education with Math minor) from Western Montana College and her Master’s Degree – Reading from University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse.  She has been teaching since 1986 in one capacity or another working for Child Development Services (military bases) in Germany, Title 1 –Interventionist and teaching Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th (reading) grade.

Sharon lives with her husband, Brian on their 67 acres of Haven.  They have three children; Logan, Amber and Andrew (Stephanie), and triplet grandchildren; Zeke, Julianna, Alexandra.  Sharon enjoys spending her time with family, riding on the back on their Harley sightseeing, basket weaving, reading, and crafting (shopping and creating).

Bio: Maggie Schumacher

Maggie Schumacher works as a literacy coach/reading specialist at Jack Young Middle School in the Baraboo School District. Before fully immersing herself in the world of literacy, she spent seven years working as a special education teacher of students with learning disabilities; the first three of these years were spent in the Arcadia School District before she made the move to Baraboo. Maggie received her bachelor’s degree from UW-Eau Claire and her master’s degree and reading specialist certification from Viterbo University in La Crosse. She is currently pursuing her gifted and talented certification from a collaborative UW-Whitewater/UW-Steven’s Point cohort. She is a member of the ILA, WSRA, and WTAG and has presented at both the WSRA reading convention and the Wisconsin RtI Summit.  

Maggie lives in Reedsburg, WI and enjoys reading, traveling, the outdoors, running, and spending time with her nieces and nephews. She recently spent a month traveling through Europe, is an avid Packers fan, and enjoys going to the movies (mostly for the popcorn!), seeing theatrical productions, and listening to live music whenever she can!

 

Bio: Jaimie Howe

Jaimie Howe is an intervention specialist in the School District of the Menomonie Area. She has previously taught in the Eau Claire Area School District in many facets which include four-year old kindergarten, kindergarten, first grade, and literacy coach; all of which were at Roosevelt Elementary. She is also an adjunct instructor for the St. Mary’s University of Minnesota K-12 Reading Program and teaches a course focused on elementary reading instruction. She received her bachelor’s degree from UW-Stout in Menomonie, WI and her Master’s Degree in Literacy Education from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.  She lives in Menomonie, WI with her husband and two young boys.  When Jaimie is not taking on new learning opportunities, she enjoys running, scrapbooking, watching her husband’s many softball tournaments, and reading to her two boys.

Bio: Jaimie Howe

Jaimie Howe is in her fourth year as a Literacy Coach at Roosevelt Elementary School in the Eau Claire Area School District. She has taught four-year old kindergarten, kindergarten, and first grade; all of which have been in Eau Claire at Roosevelt Elementary. She also teaches a graduate course at St. Mary's University of Minnesota focused on elementary reading instruction. She received her bachelor's degree from UW-Stout in Menomonie, WI and her Master's Degree in Literacy Education from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. She lives in Menomonie, WI with her husband and two young boys. When Jaimie is not taking on new opportunities, she enjoys running, scrapbooking, watching her husband's many softball tournaments, and reading to her two boys.

Bio: Bobbi Campbell

Bobbi Campbell is a Literacy Activist for the Madison Metropolitan School District. Bobbi has a passion for working collaboratively to promote and support equitable access  to high quality instruction for all of our children.

Bio: Diane Jenquin

Diane Jenquin's teaching career started in middle school science where she quickly realized that students couldn't fully enjoy science because they were struggling with reading and vocabulary. That is when Diane began to pursue her reading license. That was 23 years ago. Her siblings joke that she made a career out of getting sent to her room as a child where there was nothing to do but read!

One of Diane's most important jobs as been raising three children who are not young adults and share her passion for reading. She now has three dogs that live with her and each fit her children's personality. Diane's children, dogs, home remodeling, and design keep her busy. She also dabbles in making her own jewelry. She likes long walks on the beach, warm weather, and sunshine. Ha ha!

Five years ago, Diane took a nine credit literacy coaching class through Viterbo. With the help of two great mentors, Missy Bousley and Diane are now teaching the courses and having a blast sharing their passion and leadership skills.

Bio: Andrea Reichenberger

Andrea Reichenberger is in her third year as the Instructional Literacy Coach and 6-12 English/Language Art Coordinator for Menasha High School in the Menasha Joint School District. She has worked with students and teachers PK-12 and began her career as an elementary library media specialist and then spent the next 13 years as a middle school English/Language Arts teacher and teacher leader.  She prides herself in the professional learning network she has created as she is connected with some of the smartest people in education, not only in the Fox Valley, but also across the state. They inspire her to keep learning and to be better for our kids.  She is also a member of WSRA, ASCD, NCTE, IRA, and AWSA.

Andrea is very proud of the fact that she shares a birthday with Elvis, as she is a huge fan, but has yet to visit Graceland. Making the trip is on her bucket list. She loves to read, shop, walk/jog (more walking then jogging), and watch clever television. Andrea lives in Appleton with her husband and two tween daughters, who are also readers. Phew!

Some of Andrea’s favorite educational minds (i.e. Rock Stars and Professional Crushes)  include:  Doug Fisher, Nancy Frey, Kelly Gallagher, Cris Tovani, Penny Kittle, Jim Burke, Rick Wormeli, Jeff Zwiers, Jim Knight, Peter Johnston, Doug Buehl, Sarah Brown Wessling, and Donalyn Miller. (By the end of 2015, I will have met them all!)

Bio: Carrie Sand

Carrie is a Literacy Specialist for the School District of Mishicot. Her job role includes part classroom teacher, part interventionist, part literacy coach, which in her mind is the best of all worlds. Her work with literacy includes a unique passion for the incorporation of technology, which has led to numerous speaking opportunities around the state. In 2012, as a credit to the incredible literacy work of her district, Carrie was awarded the Herb Kohl Fellowship Teaching Award. Her three most powerful reading moments were: the day her high school English teacher introduced her to e.e. cummings, the first time she ever read Freak the Mighty with her seventh grade students, and watching her two young boys discover reading.

Bio: Julie Schwartzbauer

Julie Schwartzbauer is beginning her fourth year working for Appleton Area School District as a K-2 District Literacy Coach.  She completed her undergrad work at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee.  She first received her Bachelor Degree in Psychology, knowing she always wanted to work with children.  Julie was later inspired by professor to pursue a career in teaching.   She received her Master's Degree in Reading from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh.  Julie is currently pursuing licensure in Administration and Supervision.

After staying home to raise her family, Julie became employed by the Menasha Joint School District.  It was there that she received training in Reading Recovery and began working as a Literacy Coach.  

Now in Appleton, Julie still remains a strong advocate for Reading Recovery.  She services 16 elementary schools as a Literacy Coach and loves supporting the staff. She could not do it without her coaching colleague and supportive administrators.

Bio: Lisa Weiss

I joke that I cannot hold a job. In my 19 years in education I have had opportunities galore. I’ve been a second grade teacher, a middle school teacher, an elementary reading specialist/Title I teacher, a middle school literacy coach, a high school literacy coach, a K-12 literacy coordinator, and I currently am a secondary (6-12) literacy coordinator in the Oshkosh Area School District. Home sweet home!

It’s been a fascinating journey—risks were taken, hairs greyed, tough lessons were learned about the value I place on my philosophies and belief system around teaching and learning. I’m grateful for the struggles and successes, for the people who were in my path to pose challenges, and to those were there to support me through them. All of the situations, both good and bad contributed to the learning that has prepared me for the work I am engaged in now—and hopefully will remain in for a long time!

I can’t write about myself without writing about my unnatural love of the Fox Valley Writing Project, in which I serve as the Co-Director and the Coordinator of Professional Development. The work of the Project is much like coaching: it is exhausting, and simultaneously energizing! I credit the FVWP for the development of my professional life--bursting with gratitude over all of the opportunities and learning National Writing Project has offered me.

I am a National Board Certified Teacher in the area of reading: three year olds to adolescence. I credit the FVWP and UWO Reading Department for providing me with the knowledge, insights, and self-reflection abilities that the Boards require. This was an interesting endeavor, and one that I am glad I pursued. It was not a collaborative for me like it is for some people, but rather introspective and reflective. It required a very different type of writing than I prefer, but it was an important challenge at the time.

Speaking of writing…I want to be a writer when I grow up. I’m a magnet for odd occurrences, so I have a few memoirs in me. If only I had the time to write them…

Who knows? Perhaps one day, I can add that to my list of credentials. A girl can dream.

Bio: Heather Zimmerman

Heather Zimmerman is a literacy coach at the middle school level in the Oshkosh Area School District.  She taught sophomore English,  mass media, and journalism at the high school level for three years.  She then spent three years teaching eighth grade literacy.  Heather received her bachelors from UW-Green Bay and is currently finishing her masters at UW-Oshkosh.  She lives in Appleton with her husband, who is a principal.  They both feel strongly about the importance of a quality education so all children can succeed.  When they are not working they enjoy traveling and sporting events.  Heather also loves to find time to enjoy a good book, go to a yoga class, or complete one of her many sewing/crocheting/craft projects.

Bio: Barb Novak

Barb Novak is a literacy consultant for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). Having attended public schools from kindergarten (suburban Milwaukee and Eau Claire) through college (UW-Stevens Point) and graduate degrees (UW-Oshkosh and UW-Madison), Barb is the proud product of and an advocate for Wisconsin's public school system. Prior to joining the DPI in November 2012, Barb served as a literacy coach, reading interventionist, and reading teacher. She prides herself on being a bit of a professional matchmaker by helping the incredible literacy leaders she meets throughout Wisconsin form relationships to improve professional practice. When she isn't working, Barb enjoys eating, drinking, traveling, reading, and laughing.

Bio: Heather Zimmerman

Heather Zimmerman is starting her first year as a literacy coach at the middle school level in the Oshkosh Area School District.  She taught sophomore English,  mass media, and journalism at the high school level for three years.  She then spent three years teaching eighth grade literacy.  Heather received her bachelors from UW-Green Bay and is currently finishing her masters at UW-Oshkosh.  She lives in Appleton with her husband, who is a principal.  They both feel strongly about the importance of a quality education so all children can succeed.  When they are not working they enjoy traveling and sporting events.  Heather also loves to find time to enjoy a good book, go to a yoga class, or complete one of her many sewing/crocheting/craft projects.