Experts

"I get by with a little help from my friends ..."

The experts listed on this page are personal friends as well as great authors, presenters, and people. If you're looking for professional development in the areas of math, technology, writing or reading – they are some of the best.


Char Forsten, Math K-6

Offering over 18 years of classroom experience, Char Forsten has earned a national reputation as a renowned education speaker and author. She works extensively in the areas of math, writing and classroom management to help teachers help all children learn.

Char has developed curriculum materials in math, writing, language arts, and social studies. She is the author of several books, including Step-by-step Model Drawing  and Math Strategies You Can Count On.

Char is considered one of the country's foremost experts on Singapore Math and Model Drawing. Contact her at: cforsten@aol.com.


Andy Clark, Math K-8

Andy Clark is a consulting author on Math In Focus, helping to bring the highly cited Singapore curriculum to the United States. Formerly he was the K-12 Math director for Portland Public Schools, a district of 46,000 students that outperformed the state and significantly closed the achievement gap in mathematics. He also served as Title I Coordinator for Portland Schools. He has taught at all levels of the K-12 system and has conducted professional development in more than 30 states.

In addition to his consulting role in Math In Focus, he is the author of Algebra Readiness, Summer Success Math, Partner Games, and Practice Counts, published by Great Source.

Andy believes the future of education lies in improving instruction through the hard work and dedication of educators. Contact him at: andyclark@qwest.net.


Tammy Worcester Tang, Technology K-12

TammyWorcester.com

Tammy Tang is a highly sought after speaker, author, and dedicated educator. She has taught nearly every grade in elementary and middle school, and brings 25 years of educational experience, a unique perspective, loads of enthusiasm, and a wide scope of knowledge to her work as a technology leader and consultant. She's a sure bet to enhance your inservice or conferences experience.

Tammy is a keynote and featured speaker at many state, regional, and national conferences including ISTE, NCTIES, TCEA, and FETC. Participants of NECC have selected Tammy's workshops "best of the conference" for the past two years.

To find out how you can better integrate technology in your school and classrooms, contact Tammy at: tammyw@essdack.org.


Ruth Culham, Writing K-12

CulhamWriting.com

Dr. Ruth Culham is the recognized expert in the traits of writing field and author of many professional resources, including 6+1 Traits of Writing: The Complete Guide; 6+1 Traits of Writing: The Complete Guide for the Primary Grades; and Traits of Writing: The Complete Guide for Middle School, winner of the 2011 Teacher’s Choice Award.

As a pioneering researcher in this field, Ruth creates and conducts teacher workshops and is a featured speaker at state and national conferences on teaching writing using the traits. Most recently, she has authored Traits Writing, a revolutionary new writing program for grades K–8 available from Scholastic.

Contact Ruth at: ruth@culhamwriting.com.

Steve Layne, Reading K-12

SteveLayne.com

Dr. Steven Layne is a frequent keynote speaker at large conferences and gatherings of literacy educators and librarians throughout the world. Steve's experience working at multiple grade levels in the public schools allows him a unique camaraderie with teachers and librarians. His award-winning books for children and young adults add another appealing element to his dynamic presentations.

Steve currently serves as a board member for the International Reading Association. He has been honored with numerous awards for his work as an educator and researcher, including a Milken Award for Teaching Excellence.

To bring this dynamic and inspiring speaker to your conference, contact Steve at: slayne@judsonu.edu.


Danny Brassell, Reading K-12

DannyBrassell.com

"America's Leading Reading Ambassador," Dr. Danny Brassell is a professor in the Teacher Education Department at California State University-Dominguez Hills. He has created numerous CDs and other products, and he has authored 14 books.

A recognized authority on leadership development, motivation and communication skills, Danny has been honored for his strategic intellect and practical solutions. Audiences rave about Danny’s ability to deliver meaningful and memorable messages to people at all levels of their organization.

To bring Danny's energy and expertise to your school or conference, contact him at: dbrassell@csudh.edu.