Summer Retreat Featured Speakers

Dr. Cynthia Schmeiser, President/COO ACT: Education Division Presenting: National Standards in Math and English and What They mean to Michigan
Dr. Schmeiser has been with ACT for more than 30 years. She started as a research associate in test development in 1973 and held a number of different positions before she was named vice president of development, where she served for 19 years. In 2003, Schmeiser was named senior vice president of research and development. She holds the following degrees: BS, Psychology and Elementary Education, University of Iowa; MA and Ph.D, Educational Psychology, Measurement, and Statistics, University of Iowa.
Dr. William Skilling, Superintendent Oxford Community Schools, Oxford Presenting: TBA
Since beginning his career as a Government, History and Economics teacher in 1980, Dr. Skilling has added a range of experience to his educator repertoire. He became a middle level principal in 1991, and eventually arrived at Oxford in 2007. Led by Dr. Schilling, the district and community worked together to develop a five year strategic plan which implemented new curriculum, educational programs, and graduation requirements. In 2009, Oxford Community Schools was awarded Project ReImagine by the state of Michigan in recognition of innovation in preparing students to work and live successfully in a global world. His educational background includes: Ph.D, K12 Educational Administration, Michigan State University; Ed.S. K12 Educational Administration, Michigan State University; MA, Teaching Social Sciences, Western Michigan University, Additional Major & Minor, Social Science and English, Grand Valley State University; BS, Secondary Education, University of Michigan.View his complete bio here.
Sulura Jackson, Principal Skyline High School, Ann Arbor Presenting: The Art of Leadership…From Theory to Practice
Ms. Jackson has more than 20 years of experience in the education field, with children from "all walks of life" as she puts it. She is passionate about being part of a team that is working to prove that public education can work for all children in the 21st century and is highly trained in leadership and curriculum and instruction. Ms. Jackson's main focus is to ensure that students graduating from Skyline are well prepared and equipped with the life-long learning tools necessary for success in a global economy. Her education background can be summarized as follows: Ed.S Secondary Administration, Wayne State University, MED Secondary Education, University of Southwestern Louisiana; BS Business Education, Louisiana College; AA Accounting/Business Administration, Grambling State University.
Dr. Gerry Tirozzi, Executive Director, National Association of Secondary School Principals Presenting: The Principalship at a Crossroads: Change with the Times or Change Your Profession
Prior to joining NASSP in March 1999, Dr. Tirozzi held a variety of positions in the field of education. These included: Assistant Secretary of Elementary and Secondary Education at the U.S. Department of Education (1996-1999); Professor of Educational Leadership at the University of Connecticut (1993-1995); President of Wheelock College (1991-1993); Commissioner of Education in Connecticut, (1983-1991); Superintendent of New Haven (CT) Public Schools (1977-1983). Early in his career, Dr. Tirozzi also served as science teacher, assistant principal, and principal. His education background includes: Ph.d Educational Administration and Higher Education, Michigan State University; Sixth Year Certificate, Education Administration, Fairfield University (CT); MA Guidance and Counseling and a BS Elementary Education, Southern Connecticut State University.
Dr. Bill Bushaw, Executive Director Phi Delta Kappa International Presenting: Transforming Schools in the New Information Age
Dr. William Bushaw is a former middle-school science teacher and high school principal. For several years, he directed the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA) program in Michigan. He then served as the chief academic officer and deputy superintendent at the Michigan Department of Education before appointment to his current position. Dr. Bushaw's education can be summarized as: Ph.D., Education Policy, University of Michigan; MA, Education Leadership, Eastern Michigan University; BS, Biology, University of Michigan
Colin Ripmaster, Principal Mattawan High School, Mattawan Presenting: Moving from Numbers to Rank Schools to Meaningful Data to Fuel School Improvement
Mr. Ripmaster has been a high school principal, middle school assistant principal and elementary teacher. He is currently principal of Mattawan High School and also serves on the MASSP Board of Directors as the chairman of Region 7. As a product of special education, he has overcome the stigma and inherent challenges of being a student with a learning disability, speech impairment, and ADHD to successfully complete his formal education. His mission has been to work with students, staff and parents to provide a safe and academically rigorous learning environment that produces confident, competent and compassionate learners who are able to realize success in a global community. His specialty is curriculum, instruction, and assessment with an emphasis on technology and using data to inform decision-making and instruction. His education background is as follows: BA K-12 Special Education (Learning Disabilities and Emotional Impairments) and a Minor in Elementary Ed, Hope College (MI); M.Ed in K-12 Educational Administration and Leadership, Michigan State University. The focus on his presentation will be on using data from the EXPLORE, PLAN and ACT to improve teaching and learning.