Leadership

Michael began his career in educational publishing after six years of teaching in a Boston school serving inner-city students. His classroom experience has consistently informed his product development work throughout his career.

As an executive at leading publishing organizations, he has managed the development of dozens of print and digital programs reaching millions of students.

Michael’s career has taken him internationally, including to China, where he led curriculum development for a joint venture between McGraw-Hill and New Oriental, and to Saudi Arabia, where he presented on literacy instruction to the Ministry of Education. Whether discussing phonics instruction in Riyadh or early childhood development with education leaders in Beijing, his work reflects a deep understanding of the challenges involved in creating meaningful learning experiences for children.

He has held several senior executive roles, including Publisher at Triumph Learning; Vice President of Curriculum, Educational Services at McGraw-Hill International & School Education Group; Vice President of Alternative Reading & Language Arts at McGraw-Hill School Education Group; Senior Vice President and Publisher at Sundance/Newbridge Publishing; and Executive Editor of Reading/Language Arts at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Jazmine is an educational leader with over 18 years of experience spanning classroom instruction, curriculum development, and executive leadership.

She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology from Winston-Salem State University and an M.S. in Educational Psychology from Walden University. She is currently a Doctoral Candidate in Reading and Literacy at Capella University.

She began her career as an elementary educator, teaching for nine years in Guilford County Schools (NC) and Chicago Public Schools (IL), building a strong foundation in instructional practice and student development.

She later served as a Responsive Classroom Consulting Teacher, Curriculum Developer, Professional Development Designer, Lead Program Developer, and Director of Programs, leading the design and implementation of instructional materials and educator learning experiences.

As Chief Program Officer at the Center for Responsive Schools, she leads the design and continuous improvement of the organization’s programs and curriculum, ensuring they are research-based, aligned with best practices, and responsive to educators’, students’, and their families’ needs.

She oversees cross-functional teams across curriculum, content, and educational technology, driving innovation, coherence, and quality across all offerings. She also leads research initiatives and translates educational research into practical, high-impact solutions.

She is the co-author of Yardsticks, a widely recognized resource on child and adolescent development, and The Adventures of the Center City Kids, a children’s series focused on student development, relationships, and real-world experiences.

Michelle Benson is a senior executive leader with over 25 years of experience in education, with expertise in professional learning, coaching, and strategic growth. In her role as Chief Professional Learning Officer and Business Development Officer at the Center for Responsive Schools, she leads the strategy and execution of professional learning and growth initiatives, supporting expansion across school districts in the United States and internationally.

Michelle has partnered with educators and school systems worldwide to deliver high-impact professional learning focused on Responsive Classroom practices, student engagement, and educator effectiveness. Throughout her career, she has held key leadership roles, including Professional Development Designer, Educational Consultant, Coach, and Director of Professional Learning for Fly Five.

She is known for translating educational research into practical, actionable strategies that strengthen teaching practice and improve learning environments. Her work centers on building educator capacity, fostering inclusive and supportive classrooms, and advancing strong academic and developmental outcomes for students.

Alice is a Financial Analyst with expertise in accounting, financial management, and strategic leadership. She brings a distinctive perspective to her work, supported by a Bachelor of Computer Applications from India, which enables her to bridge complex data systems with high-level financial strategy.

Her approach is further informed by her early career as a junior lecturer, where she developed strong skills in teaching and mentoring. She now applies this foundation to translating complex financial concepts into clear, actionable strategies for diverse stakeholders.

With experience across both nonprofit and for-profit sectors globally, Alice has a deep understanding of varied fiscal environments. She is highly proficient in ERP systems, including SAP/HANA and NetSuite, and is recognized for her advanced financial modeling capabilities. Her technical expertise allows her to transform complex data into insights that support effective decision-making.

Alice holds an MBA and is a member of the Corporate Finance Institute (CFI). She is currently a CMA candidate, reflecting her commitment to maintaining the highest standards in management accounting.

As a leader, she fosters environments grounded in integrity and accountability, ensuring financial strategies are both technically robust and aligned with organizational goals. She is also committed to continuous growth, promoting financial literacy, professional development, and a shared commitment to excellence.

Tina Miller is an educational leader with 25 years of experience dedicated to student success and positive school culture. As Chief of Educational Partnerships at the Center for Responsive Schools, she leads district partnerships, aligning tailored solutions with schools’ and educators’ unique needs.

Her work is grounded in a strong commitment to customer success, supporting schools in creating environments where both educators and students can thrive.

Prior to joining the executive team, Tina served as a Responsive Classroom consulting teacher for 18 summers. She also spent eight years as an elementary principal and was recognized as a 2021 NAESP National Distinguished Principal.

Her leadership approach is shaped by a diverse professional background that includes roles as a teacher, Charter School Grant Coordinator, and Behavioral Support Coach, reflecting a consistent focus on service, collaboration, and student-centered practice.

Tina holds a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, an M.A. from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, and an Administration Certificate from Viterbo University. She remains committed to supporting schools in fostering strong academic and developmental outcomes for all students.