INcompassing Education offers high-quality professional development for teachers in Indiana to help them keep up with the ever-changing needs in education. We provide school-based training and seminars at schools in Indiana (on-site PD). INcompassing Education also provides professional development workshops on various topics, such as PBIS, RTI, Classroom Management, Leadership, Data, Alternative Education, School Turnaround, Mental Health, Trauma-Informed Schools, Elementary Math and many more (off-site PD). Additionally, with our Lounge & Learn sessions (online PD), busy educators can choose topics that will meet their needs wherever they are in the world.
The Importance of Professional Development
A good and inspiring teacher can positively impact student achievement. For this reason, it’s crucial to pay attention to how we train and support new and experienced teachers. Professional development should be collaborative, experiential, and address the needs of educators and students.
Support given to new teachers is often inadequate. The sad thing is, some novice teachers are assigned to the most challenging schools without much supervision and support. Almost 50% of teachers leave the profession during the first five years, highlighting the need for addressing the needs of educators to help them cope with such a challenging environment.
Stress, student misbehavior, and pressure for their students to perform well – all these factors can take their toll on any teacher. Mentoring can help new teachers overcome these challenges. It gives them the opportunity to gain best practices and analyze their teaching at the same time. Meanwhile, ongoing professional development keeps experienced teachers up to date on strategies to improve student learning, new curriculum resources, and new technological tools for the classroom.
The INcompassing Education Team
Dianne McKinley
Dianne holds an Ed.S from St. Thomas University in K-12 Educational Leadership. She also holds a B.S.Ed. from the University of Georgia and an M.Ed. from Georgia State University. She has been in education for over 25 years in four states. Dianne has been a classroom teacher, writing coach, building level administrator, Outreach Coordinator for the Indiana Department of Education, and now owner of INcompassing Education.
As a consultant, Dianne works with educational leaders in the areas of school turnaround, curriculum, assessments, PBIS, strategic planning, instructional coaching, and school and district leadership. Dianne has been providing professional development to educators for the past 25 years. She is proud to serve Indiana educators as they strive for excellence.
Tabitha Freeman
Tabitha is a business-minded, transformational leader with 15 years of educational experience. She is a licensed Elementary Teacher and P-12 administrator. She has served in several roles in her years in education. She began her career as a classroom teacher. Her leadership qualities excelled as she attained her P-12 administrator licensure. She was soon asked to join the Indiana Department of Education as an Outreach Coordinator, with the Division of School Improvement. In this role, she worked directly with numerous schools within the Indianapolis area on turnaround practices and building strong systems and structures. With her experience in school improvement, she attained a position as a building principal. This position led her to the role of curriculum director and district grant administrator. In this position, she led teachers and principals in CIA (curriculum, instruction, and assessment), data analysis, implemented district-wide PLCs and built the district’s pre-k program from the ground up. She has written, managed and overseen several million dollars in private, state, and federal grants, while ensuring these grants appropriately fund the district-wide goals.
As the Director of Partnerships, Tabitha develops affiliate relationships, writes and manages grants, and builds partnerships with school and corporation level leaders, Education Service Centers, and non-profit organizations. She is honored to provide expertise, leadership, and support to passionate professionals around the state.
Bill Reed
Bill is a licensed Secondary Math Teacher who has taught at every level from 7th grade through community college. He was a classroom teacher for over 30 years in a combination of both Indiana and California. He has taught every secondary math class from 7th Grade Math to Calculus. Bill has been a Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science State Finalist in both California and Indiana. After retiring from classroom teaching, he was the Secondary Math Specialist at the Indiana Department of Education and then a Regional Director for the Indiana GEAR UP Grant at Purdue University before joining the INcompassing Education team in 2021.
Bill earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Computer Science at Butler University along with his teaching certification. He worked on his graduate studies in Secondary Mathematics Education at both California State University and Ball State University. Bill received a Fulbright Memorial Fund Scholarship to study the education system in Japan during the summer of 2001 and a second Fulbright Scholarship to study the education system in Brazil during the summer of 2010. In 2019 he worked with U.S. Embassy in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan both in-person and online to give S.T.E.M Professional Development to Central Asian Teachers.
April Connelley
April is a life-long learner and educator with 24 years of experience in elementary and special education. She offers expertise in literacy, including the Science of Reading, instructional coaching, professional learning, and curriculum development.
Prior to joining INcompassing Education, April fulfilled the role of Literacy Specialist working with multiple school districts across the country, as well as an Early Reading Virtual Coach, and Early Reading Training Facilitator. As a District Instructional Coach and E/LA Curriculum Coordinator April focused on bringing written and taught curriculum together. April spent 15 years working directly with students as a Reading Interventionist and Special Education teacher. She is an avid reader and advocates for students to develop life-long reading habits by finding their personal reading identity.
April has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Saint Francis; a Master’s Degree from Concordia University Mequon WI; and completed an endorsement program in Educational Leadership.
Dr. Wendy Wells
Dr. Wendy L. Wells is an experienced educational leader specializing in curriculum development, instructional leadership, and program management. As the Director of Academic Resources & Programs/Director of Curriculum at the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation, she oversees K-12 core instruction and ensures alignment with state standards. She also oversees the ESL, High Ability, Early Learning, Media, and Fine Arts programs.
Dr. Wells holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, a Master's in Educational Leadership/Building Administration, and a BA in Elementary Education. She is also licensed in High Ability. Dr. Wells is highly skilled in delivering professional learning on curriculum mapping, ILEARN & IREAD alignment, the Science of Reading, formative assessments, and adopting and implementing high-quality instructional materials, with a strong focus on enhancing literacy instruction. Her previous roles include serving as an Outreach Coordinator at the Indiana Department of Education and as a building administrator in a charter elementary school where she led initiatives in school improvement, curriculum alignment, and educational leadership.
MacKenzie Cox
With a robust background in mathematics education, MacKenzie Cox brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her work. Currently serving as an eighth grade math teacher at Centerville-Abington Junior High School, MacKenzie utilizes technology and innovative teaching methods to make complex math topics accessible and engaging for diverse student populations. Her previous roles include Secondary Mathematics Specialist at the Indiana Department of Education and dual credit math teacher at Lincoln Middle/High School.
As a 2024 Creative Teaching Fellow with the Indiana Arts Commission and a two-time nominee for the Indiana Student-Teacher Achievement Recognition (I-STAR), MacKenzie is passionate about improving the high school to postsecondary transition, researching mathematics acceleration practices, and increasing diversity and access in STEM education. Her skills in cross-departmental collaboration enables her to effectively contribute to and lead educational initiatives, fostering a love for mathematics and supporting students in their academic journeys.
Dr. Reneae Staley
Dr. Reneae Staley is a seasoned educational leader with nearly three decades of experience serving districts, students and families. Dr. Staley has held diverse roles in K - 12 education including middle school health teacher, elementary physical education teacher, intermediate and middle school assistant principal, elementary principal, and district special education director. With a deep passion for student success, Reneae has worked collaboratively with schools and communities to develop innovative solutions for students with diverse needs. Her career path has provided the opportunity to support the success of all students through servant leadership and building capacity in others.
Reneae holds a Doctorate of Education from Oakland City University, with a dissertation focused on the impact of trauma-informed interventions on discipline in elementary schools. Additional advanced degrees include an Educational Specialist degree from Indiana State University, a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Indiana University Bloomington, and an undergraduate teaching degree from Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis. Dr. Staley possesses a proven track record in both large and small district settings, fostering a strong commitment to creating inclusive and supportive learning environments for all students. Her practical approach to supporting staff and students creates the critical connection between special education and general education, promoting a collaborative process of teaching and learning.
Conclusion
INcompassing Education provides on-site PD, off-site PD, and online PD for teachers. Upgrade your knowledge and skills now! If you have any questions or inquiries, send us a message by visiting our contact page.
