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An Introduction to
Our Tactic Teams, Expert Networks, and Connect Networks

Keep Indiana Learning is a collaborative effort to develop and provide easy-to-access, high-quality professional learning for educators across Indiana. Our community cultivates a space for professionals with a desire to transform the landscape of education, aiming to remove all barriers to equitable, engaging learning experiences—for educators, leaders, and families. We provide a positive learning experience that is fostered by Indiana educators for Indiana educators. We accomplish this with guidance from our Tactic Teams, Expert Networks, Connect Networks, and creative contributions from state and national educators, practitioners, researchers, and thought leaders.

map of Indiana

Meet Our Tactic Teams

Members of our Tactic Teams serve as key connectors and content creators for our shared learning environment. The purpose of these Tactic Teams is to generate ideas, provide feedback, advise when needed, and share information to guide the creation of free and paid professional development content offered at CIESC and Keep Indiana Learning. The Tactic Teams are ever-evolving to meet the needs of various Indiana educators, students, and families.

The Teaching & Learning team’s focus areas include instruction, curriculum & assessment, and leadership & culture. Determining what’s essential–for learning–for all–is critically important. This team works to create and connect us to learning around quality formative assessment, depth of knowledge, early reading support, and equity and bias in curriculum and assessment. Comprised of teachers, building leaders, central office leadership, as well as educational consultants, this team supports students and teachers from across the state.

  • Kari Ottinger – Co-Chair  |  Lebanon
  • Ronald Cunningham
  • Brian Dinwiddie |  Southern Hancock
  • Michael Gath |  MSD Decatur Township
  • Dr. Michelle Grewe |  NIESC
  • Misty Hall |  Mt. Vernon
  • Sarah Henry |  Brownsburg
  • Martie Hoofer  |  CIESC
  • Darlene Kennedy |  NIESC
  • Jennifer Luce |  Hamilton Heights
  • Whitney Luther |  Washington Township
  • Diane Pike |  St. Mary’s Child Center
  • Carrie Rosebrock  |  Rosebrock Consulting
  • Tina Seymour |  Strategic Learning Solutions
  • Marcy Szostak |  Center Grove
  • Anthony Tharp |  North Montgomery Schools
  • Jennifer Jensen – Co-Chair  |  IDOE
  • Tara Bishop  |  Perry Central School District
  • Marie Dandie  |  Pilot ED Schools
  • Rick Doss  |  MSD Washington Township Schools
  • April Harper  |  Five Star
  • Stephanie Hofer  |  MSD Decatur Township
  • Stepheny Lemenager   |  Frontier School District
  • Duke Lines  |  Clark Pleasant Schools
  • Brian Lovell  |  Clark Pleasant Schools
  • Erin Mohr  |  Hamilton Southeastern Schools
  • Bethany Newson  |  Lebanon Community Schools
  • Abbie Redmon  |  Warrick County Schools
  • Sara Reeves  |  Marion University
  • Deb Snedden  |  Hanover Schools
  • Ryan Steuer  |  Magnify Learning
  • Christy Swartentruber  |  Warsaw Community Schools
  • Whitney Wilowski  |  Perry Township Schools
  • Jessica Zepik  |  South Madison Community Schools
  • Dr. Gaoming Zhang |  University of Indianapolis
  • Dr. Christy Hilton – Co-Chair  |  CIESC
  • Dr. Kelly Andrews – Co-Chair  |  IPLI
  • Dr. Scott Bogan  |  IDOE
  • Dr. Nicole Chrisley  |  Zionsville High School
  • Matt Clifford  |  Greensburg Jr. High School
  • Jeremy Coleman  |  Brookeville Elementary, Warren Township
  • Dr. Brent Comer  |  Mitchell Community Schools
  • Dr. Bret Daghe  |  Brownsburg H.S.
  • Rebecca Estes  |  IDOE
  • Dr. Rachel Geesa  |  Ball State University
  • Dr. Don Harman  |  NIESC/NWIESC
  • Dr. David Hoffert  |  Warsaw Schools
  • Richard “Rusty” King  |  West Central Education Center
  • Dr. Christopher Lagoni  |  Indiana Small & Rural Schools Association
  • Katie Lash  |  East Central Education Service Center
  • Dr. David Marcotte  |  Indiana Urban Schools
  • Michi McClain  |  Regional Opportunities Initiatives, Inc.
  • Dr. Danny Mendez  |  Seymour Middle School
  • Dr. Rhonda Roos  |  Former Asst. Supt. for New Albany Schools
  • Dr. Robert Taylor  |  IAPSS
  • Dr. Josh Wenning  |  Region 8 Ed Service Center

The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access team’s focus is to examine all Keep Indiana Learning opportunities through an equity lens. Working to create spaces where educators can come together and understand what it means to celebrate diversity and cultivate respect for all people is the goal of this team. The team consists of school and district administrators, university professors, and leaders from all over Indiana that have committed their own professional work to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This team embraces the work that is involved in providing opportunities for educators to learn how to support all students and their families while cultivating an environment that battles prejudice and racial discord.

  • Lena Darnay – Co-Chair  |  CIESC
  • Courtney Flessner – Co-Chair  |  CIESC
  • Dr. Dennisha Murff – Co-Chair  |  MSD Wayne Township
  • Shelley Bethel  |  Noblesville Schools
  • Ruby Butler  |   Clark-Pleasant CSC
  • Sloan Eckert  |  MSD Pike Township
  • Dr. Kimberly Fifer  |  Clark-Pleasant CSC
  • Dr. Ryan Flessner  |   Butler University
  • David McGuire  |   Tindley Summit Academy
  • Nataki Pettigrew  |   Hamilton Southeastern Schools
  • Stephanie Steward-Bridges  |  South Bend Community School Corporation
  • Ally Swensen  |  Indiana Online
  • Jen Townsend  |  Noblesville Schools
  • Shayla Webb, Esq.  |  Brownsburg Schools
  • Dr. Craig Willey  |  IUPUI
  • Kit Malone | ACLU of Indiana
  • Dr. Tessa Sutton | South Bend Community School Corporation
  • Jennifer Gooldy | School City of East Chicago
  • Ayana Willson-Cole | MSD Pike Township
  • Jen Anderson | North Lawrence Community Schools
  • Jodie Akinbo | Rural Community Schools
  • Dr. Brian Dinkins | Center for Empowering Education, Inc.
  • Rita Brusca-Vega, Ed.D. | Purdue University Northwest

Research-based, high quality STEM professional development and resources focusing on supporting the development of equitable, sustainable, and high impact STEM learning opportunities is top priority for this team. Sponsored by STEM Synergy, this team consists of practicing STEM teachers, building and district leadership, consultants, state-level STEM representatives, business & industry partners, and STEM leaders from higher education.

  • Amanda McCamon – Co-Chair  |  CIESC
  • Jake Koressel – Co-Chair  |  IDOE
  • Tracy Ballinger  |  Plainfield
  • Jeremy Eltz  |  CELL, UIndy
  • Michael Gorman  |  Region 8 and 21centuryedtech llc
  • Carolyn Hayes  |  HASTI
  • Jenny Hicks  |  Purdue University, Indiana Science Institute
  • Sara Hoover  |  City of Mishawaka Schools
  • Pat Jarboe  |  Tell City – Troy Township Schools
  • Darlene Kennedy  |  NIESC
  • Reginald McGregor  |  Rolls-Royce Corporation & MSD Lawrence Twp.
  • Keith Monfreda  |  Indiana Afterschool Network
  • Karen Morris  |  Institute for Educational Initiatives University of Notre Dame
  • Jim Poyser  |  Earth Charter Indiana
  • Nicole Simpson  |  MSD of Warren Township
  • Laura Smith  |  Region 8 ESC
  • Shelly Sparrow  |  City of Mishawaka Schools
  • Ryan Steuer  |  Magnify Learning
  • Vera Vander Kooy  |  The STEM Connector
  • Bill Walker  |  CATALYST Purdue University
  • Georgia Watson  |  Lawrence Central High School
  • Dr. Eimear Towler | IDOE

Keep Indiana Learning is always looking to expand our collaborative network of educators, student service professionals, leaders, community partners, and families. Interested in learning more about joining one of our Tactic Teams? Contact us today!

Meet Our Expert Networks

Have questions? Leave it to the experts! Our Expert Networks are the thought leaders, influencers, and key content providers in the focus areas to guide practice and support education across Indiana. These networks meet regularly to define the current needs and challenges in education, brainstorm solutions, and implement actions to administer ongoing support.

Counselor Connect

The Counselor Connect Expert Network is a district-led and championed community of practice. Our network offers high-quality professional development, resources, and support for Student Service Professionals to foster the delivery of equitable, accessible, and data-informed services to students in the areas of academic, postsecondary, and social-emotional learning.

To support student service professionals across the state, this team is focused on providing quality learning opportunities regarding MTMDSS, systems for comprehensive school counseling development, leadership development, and advocacy. Sponsored by Counselor Connect, this team are school counselors, social workers, program directors, consultants, and central office leadership.

  • Amanda Culhan – Co-Chair  |  Counselor Connect
  • Lizette Baumann – Co-Chair  |  Hamilton Southeastern Schools
  • Sam Vidal – Co-Chair  |  Zionsville Middle School
  • Dr. Nick Abel  |  Butler University
  • Rachel Bauer – Co-Chair  |  CIESC
  • Michelle Clarke  |  Indiana Department of Education
  • Brittanie Davis | Kokomo High School
  • John Dizney  |  Speedway Schools
  • Kelly Dunn  |  IUPUI
  • Ericka Gayle  |  MSD of Decatur Township
  • Megan Lewis  |  Lebanon High School
  • Kathy Luessow  |  Perry Township Schools
  • Karen Moffett  |  Chesterton High School
  • Dana Nelson  |  Noblesville Schools
  • Angie Ness  |  Elkhart Community Schools
  • Cathy Patane  |  Zionsville High School
  • Melissa Rarick  |  Noblesville Schools
  • Jessica Sullivan  |  Fall Creek Intermediate School
  • Jenny Thixton-Stoffer  |  Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
  • Christy Vance  |  Perry Meridian Sixth Grade Academy

This team consists of professionals serving in student service leadership roles, which may include Directors of Student Services, Counseling, Mental Health, College and Career, etc. These leaders serve at the district- or school-wide levels and are often the only person working at this level within the district. This team will support counselor leaders, meeting their unique professional learning needs, and connecting them to each other for networking and collaboration opportunities.

  • Amanda Culhan – Co-Chair  |  Counselor Connect
  • Jennifer Dodson –  Co-Chair  |  MSD of Washington Township
  • Heidi Schellinger –  Co-Chair  |  Indiana Connections Academy
  • Laura Butgereit  |  MSD of Warren Township
  • Stephanie Crandell  |  Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation
  • Kristi Davis  |  Michigan City Area Schools
  • Brooke Lawson  |  Hamilton Southeastern Schools
  • Lydia McNeiley  |  School City of Hammond
  • Melissa Rarick  |  Noblesville Schools
  • Connie Sivertson  |  MSD of Lawrence Township
  • Stephanie Whiteside  |  Carmel Clay Schools

Preparing for life after high school is a necessary step for all Indiana students. With support, guidance, and programmatic structures in place, all students can and should have a path after graduation. Created by Counselor Connect, this team consists of school counselors, program directors, and district coordinators. This team focuses on college and career readiness (K-12) and employability skills.

  • Dr. Andrew Melin – Co-Chair  |  CIESC
  • Allen Hill – Co-Chair  |  ISCA/JR Phalen Leadership Academy
  • Flora Jones – Co-Chair  |  IDOE
  • Laura Butgereit  |  MSD Warren Township
  • Tracy Butler  |  Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning (CELL)
  • Ben Carter  |  Inspire Success
  • Jackson Dutton  |  Decatur Central High School
  • Dr. Chris Duzenbery  |  MSD Decatur Township
  • Jason Graves  |  Indiana Office of WBL & Apprenticeship
  • Hope Harp | Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights Joint Apprenticeship Training Fund
  • Kim Hendrick  |  Indiana Online
  • Julie Hill  |  Western Boone Jr./Sr. High School
  • Dr. Kori Jones  |  Indiana Youth Institute
  • Lee Larkins  |  Mt. Vernon High School
  • Jayne Mertz  |  Wooden Middle School
  • Dawn Meadows | Indiana Online
  • Stacey Monnett  |  Mill Creek CSC
  • Ryan Preci  |  Warren Central High School
  • Laura Robbins | South Newton High School
  • Kristen Scott  |  Lebanon Community School Corporation
  • Joanie Strader  |  Monrovia High School
  • Laura Tucker  |   Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning
  • B.J. Watt  |  Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation

Trauma-responsive practices, restoration, adult, classroom, and district-wide SEL are just some of the areas of focus for this tactic team. Created by Counselor Connect, members include school counselors, social workers, directors of guidance, program coordinators, principals, consultants, and central office leadership. Their goal is to provide relevant, timely social-emotional learning support across the state.

  • Amanda Culhan – Co-Chair  |  Counselor Connect
  • Christy Berger – Co-Chair  |  Center Grove Community School Corporation
  • Brooke Lawson – Co-Chair  |  Hamilton Southeastern Schools
  • Christine Balak  |  CIESC
  • Dr. Tonya Balch | Indiana State University
  • Kevin Enders  |  Indiana Youth Institute
  • Jennifer Haston-Maciejewski | Greenfield Central Schools
  • Sara Knoop  |  Carmel High School
  • Amy Lents | Sheridan Elementary School
  • Kyle Miller |  Westfield Washington Schools
  • Jen Money-Brady  |  Indiana Wesleyan/ISCA
  • Angie Ness  |  Elkhart Community Schools
  • Doria Nielsen  |  Ambassador Academy
  • Claire Porter  |  Batesville Primary School
  • Connie Poston |  Clark Pleasant Community School Corporation
  • Amanda Pulley | Southridge Middle School
  • Kimberly Spurling  |  Franklin Community Schools
  • Mike Taylor  |  Pendleton Heights High School
  • Krista Weber  |  Fortville Elementary School
  • Michele Whaley  |  Noblesville Schools/INSSWA
  • Stephanie Whiteside  |  Carmel Clay Schools
  • Trudi Wolfe | Consultant

Math Connect

Math Connect is a community of practice dedicated to collaborating with organizations around the state to serve Indiana educators through providing quality professional learning opportunities, ongoing support, and resources. This network gathers the collective expertise of higher ed institutions, state math organizations, district and school leaders, and expert practitioners. The focus areas of Math Connect include content knowledge, effective teaching practices, critical thinking & problem solving, and real-world application.

  • Jessica Miller more info
  • Mary Auger more info
  • Amanda Huffman more info
  • Sarah Ewing more info
  • Schauna Relue more info
  • Christy Swartzentruber more info
  • David Feikes more info
  • Courtney Flessner more info
  • Amanda Pitzele more info
  • Tim Davidson more info
  • Jennifer Jensen more info
  • Ryan Flessner more info
  • Lauren Smith more info
  • Kyle Kline more info
  • Joanne Philhower more info
  • Lauren Smith more info
  • Amy Linkel more info
  • Jean Lee more info
  • Kelly Treinen more info
  • Laura McDermott more info
  • Jeff Harker more info
  • Amber Van Den Berg more info
  • Amy Knerr more info
  • Dana Hartzell more info
  • Robin Conti more info
  • Kalisha Hoffman more info
  • Aubree Smith more info
  • Mary Jackson more info

STEM Synergy

STEM Synergy is a STEM-centric community of practice committed to fostering the delivery of data-informed services, including an array of high-quality professional development and resources. In addition, STEM Synergy supports STEM-focused districts, programs, and organizations in an endeavor to produce a combined impact greater than the sum of separate STEM efforts. These endeavors include Indiana STEM Ecosystem, STEM School Certification, and Science Standards & Instruction.

Research-based, high quality STEM professional development and resources focusing on supporting the development of equitable, sustainable, and high impact STEM learning opportunities is top priority for this team. Sponsored by STEM Synergy, this team consists of practicing STEM teachers, building and district leadership, consultants, state-level STEM representatives, business & industry partners, and STEM leaders from higher education.

  • Amanda McCamon – Co-Chair  |  CIESC
  • Jake Koressel – Co-Chair  |  IDOE
  • Tracy Ballinger  |  Plainfield
  • Jeremy Eltz  |  CELL, UIndy
  • Michael Gorman  |  Region 8 and 21centuryedtech llc
  • Carolyn Hayes  |  HASTI
  • Jenny Hicks  |  Purdue University, Indiana Science Institute
  • Sara Hoover  |  City of Mishawaka Schools
  • Pat Jarboe  |  Tell City – Troy Township Schools
  • Darlene Kennedy  |  NIESC
  • Reginald McGregor  |  Rolls-Royce Corporation & MSD Lawrence Twp.
  • Keith Monfreda  |  Indiana Afterschool Network
  • Karen Morris  |  Institute for Educational Initiatives University of Notre Dame
  • Jim Poyser  |  Earth Charter Indiana
  • Nicole Simpson  |  MSD of Warren Township
  • Laura Smith  |  Region 8 ESC
  • Shelly Sparrow  |  City of Mishawaka Schools
  • Ryan Steuer  |  Magnify Learning
  • Vera Vander Kooy  |  The STEM Connector
  • Bill Walker  |  CATALYST Purdue University
  • Georgia Watson  |  Lawrence Central High School
  • Dr. Eimear Towler | IDOE

Meet Our Connect Networks

Our Connect Networks—EdTech Connect, School Leader Connect, Special Ed Connect, and Literacy Connect—are responsible for connecting Indiana support organizations and educators in the focus area and collaborating on event and content development. In addition, each network reviews connections and evaluates potential new opportunities for underserved areas or regions. 

Within the Connect Network are partner organizations, like-minded organizations, and support providers united in the mission of providing professional learning and constant support to educators within each focus area. These partner organizations serve on our Connect Network core coordinating team and collaborate with Keep Indiana Learning to expand, enhance, and elevate how the Connect Network provides services and outreach to the community.

EdTech Connect

EdTech Connect is a free and open collaborative support network for educational technology educators, leaders, and coaches across the state of Indiana. EdTech Connect seeks to provide a space for collaboration, networking, professional learning, and support. It is inclusive of all platforms and devices. EdTech Connect features a shared calendar of events across many partner organizations including Indiana Connected Educators, Hoosier Education Computer Coordinators (HECC), as well as a directory of EdTech coaches, leaders, and practitioners across the state. The directory consists of not only contact information but key areas of expertise or interest to facilitate conversation, support, and opportunities for connection. Keep Indiana Learning will feature School Leader Connect events virtually and in person throughout the year to provide networking, support, and ongoing professional learning specific to technology in education.

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School Leader Connect

School Leader Connect is a network that connects the organizations and supports providers specific to the needs of school and district leaders. School Leader Connect features a shared calendar of events across many partner organizations, including the Indiana Principal Leadership Institute (IPLI) and the Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP), as well as a directory of school leaders across the state. The directory consists of not only contact information but key areas of expertise or interest to facilitate conversation, support, and opportunities for connection. Keep Indiana Learning will feature School Leader Connect events virtually and in person throughout the year to provide networking, support, and ongoing professional learning specific to school leaders. Launching Fall 2023!

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Special Ed Connect

SpecialEd Connect is a network that connects organizations and support providers specific to the needs of special education practitioners, leaders, and support staff. SpecialEd Connect features a shared calendar of events across multiple partner organizations, including the Indiana Council of Administrators of Special Education (ICASE), PATINS Project, and IN*SOURCE Special Education Parent Support, as well as a directory of special education professionals statewide. The self-submitted directory serves to connect our focused community with other practitioners, leaders, and support staff across the state who are also serving in the Special Ed Connect focus area. On a regular basis, Keep Indiana Learning will feature SpecialEd Connect events both virtually and in person to provide networking, support, and continuous professional learning specific to special education practitioners, leaders, and support staff.

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Literacy Connect

Literacy Connect is a network that links the organizations and support providers specific to the ongoing literacy education work across the state of Indiana. Literacy Connect coordinates a shared event calendar across numerous partner organizations, including The Indiana Literacy Association (ILA), The Indiana State Literacy Association (ISLA), and the Reading League, as well as a directory of literacy-focused professionals across the state. Keep Indiana Learning will highlight Literacy Connect events virtually and in-person throughout the year to provide networking, support, and consistent professional learning specific to special education practitioners, leaders, and support staff.

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Stay Connected with the ICIA

The Indiana Curriculum and Instruction Association (ICIA) is a professional organization composed of educators interested in curriculum best practices, the latest research efforts, and networking with other professionals in similar roles.

ICIA meets monthly from September to April virtually. Each monthly topic is selected based on Indiana educational trends, research movements, and interests. ICIA strives to address the most current topics in education with guest speakers who prompt engaging, in-depth conversations. We encourage engagement from any educator interested in curriculum and instruction trends in Indiana.

Keep Indiana Learning is always looking to expand our collaboration network of educators, student service professionals, leaders, community partners and families.  If you are interested in learning more about joining one of our Tactic Teams please contact us.

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