Danielle Bagdzius

As the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, Dani is dedicated to the pursuit of Educational Excellence by aligning research-based instructional practices with a district-wide vision for student growth. Rooted in the belief that rigorous learning requires a foundation of social-emotional support for both students and educators, Dani architected a specialized team of Instructional Coaches to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Together, they have launched a Model of Instruction that transcends traditional teaching to foster genuine student agency.

The impact of this system is most vivid in the classroom. During a recent visit to a 3rd-grade suite, Dani witnessed a profound shift in culture: students were no longer just “doing school,” but were actively holding one another accountable for the mastery of team roles and learning targets. In a neighboring classroom, student teams were using established norms to critically assess their own collaborative effectiveness. They weren’t just consuming content; they were mastering the art of leadership and self-direction. To observe these “world leaders in the making” is a testament to what happens when high expectations meet high-leverage instructional design.

Sarah Riley

As an Instructional Coach, Sarah is dedicated to the elevation of middle school excellence by centering instructional growth on the power of student-driven goals. Built on the belief that data is most impactful when it fuels student agency, Sarah partners with educators to transform traditional classrooms into dynamic settings of discourse and discovery. By creating simple routines for actionable feedback and collaborative team structures, she helps teachers bridge the gap between curriculum standards and authentic, student-led engagement.

Sarah believes that the most powerful learning happens when the teacher steps back and the students step forward. She works to create a culture where students are no longer passive recipients of information, but active participants who use established discourse norms to challenge one another’s thinking and track their own progress. In Sarah’s vision, students aren’t just completing tasks; they are truly taking ownership of their learning. Watching students manage their own progress and work through challenges together shows exactly what can happen when we set high goals and give kids a real voice in the classroom.

Jessica Hessler

As an IE Consultant, Jessica Hessler supports schools in implementing evidence-based proven methodologies for improving student outcomes. Jessica’s primary role centers around providing embedded professional development and coaching within turnaround schools. Before joining the IE team, Jessica worked as a public school educator, instructional coach, assistant principal, and principal in schools with diverse populations. Her 23 years of experience include urban settings in both Duval and Hillsborough County, FL. Jessica received her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from University of North Florida. Her other educational degrees include a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and an Educational Specialist Degree in School Turnaround. Currently Jessica is completing her Doctoral Degree with her dissertation focus on sustainable leadership practices in dual language programs. She believes that through the use of data-driven decision-making, rigorous instruction and equitable educational experiences for all students, the achievement gap will be eliminated.