Announcing the 2021-2022 Educator Advisory Board

We love educators. Nora Project educators lift our lessons from the page, give them voice and context and meaning, and bring them into the hearts and minds of a generation with real capacity to effect large-scale social change. Equally as important, they let us know what is working in our curriculums and what isn’t--what doesn’t land or doesn’t make sense or needs more emphasis--so that we can constantly go back and improve our lesson plans and supporting materials to maximize their impact and improve student outcomes. They give us ideas for new programs to supplement those we already have in place. They provide feedback on our content delivery systems and training modules and parent communications. They help us reach new educators by sharing about the impact of our programs on their classrooms. Educators are our life force, and we need them to make The Nora Project magic happen. 

That’s why last year we launched our Educator Advisory Board, an application-based committee of standout Nora Project educators who review our materials, provide feedback and guidance on our ideas, and help us further our mission of promoting disability inclusion in K-12 education. Candidates are required to complete a demanding application review, to demonstrate excellence during our summer training camp, and to obtain letters of endorsement from their colleagues. We look to onboard a variety of educators from diverse backgrounds, with different roles, and who serve students of all ages. 

There were many worthy applicants, and it was very challenging to narrow the field, but it is with great pride and excitement that we introduce you to this year’s Nora Project Educator Advisory Board!

Close up headshots of 9 individuals all smiling and looking happy.

Brian Doolin, Special Ed. Dept. Head, Westchester Intermediate School, Chesterton, IN

Kerry Duffey, 4th Grade Teacher, Indian Knoll School, West Chicago, IL

Dottie Jendreas, Self-contained Teacher, Edison School, Elmhurst, IL

Heather Pearl, Principal, St. James Preschool, Verona, WI

Samantha Rosell, Special Education Teacher, Thornton Fractional High School, Calumet City, IL

Kimberly Smith, 4th Grade Teacher, Congress Park School, LaGrange, IL

Danya Sundh, 4th Grade Teacher, Rockland School, Libertyville, IL

Samantha Uribe, School Counselor, Haugan Elementary School, Chicago, IL

Debbie Weinberger, School Counselor, Washington Episcopal School, Bethesda, MD

Join us in congratulating these outstanding educators who we know will make a significant impact on Nora Project programs in the year ahead.