This virtual summit will bring together education leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to explore the critical steps involved in developing, funding, and scaling successful, state and district-led K-12, high-impact tutoring programs.
During this event, you can expect to:
- Learn from leading examples: Hear from successful state and district high-impact tutoring programs, including insights from Florida, New Mexico, Arlington County Public Schools, VA; Ector ISD, TX; and Guilford County Schools, NC.
- Explore best practices: Discover proven strategies for recruiting and training tutors, implementing effective tutoring models, and leveraging data to drive program improvement, funding, and policy.
- Understand the role of technology: Learn how innovative tutor management systems like Pearl can support data-driven decision-making and improve program outcomes.
- Network with peers: Connect with other education leaders and build valuable relationships within the field. Ask questions and work through challenges you’re facing in starting and scaling a K-12 tutoring program.
Event Agenda
12:00pm ET
Welcome & Introduction: Understanding the Current State & District-Led Tutoring Landscape
Hear about the forum's big themes and expected takeaways, including the importance of state- and district-led tutoring programs and their potential for driving educational equity and outcomes.
John Failla
CEO & Founder,
Pearl
12:10pm ET
Keynote Panel: Data Infrastructure at Different Scales
This session will explore challenges and strategies in data collection for tutoring programs, focusing on aligning state and district systems, standardizing methods, and building scalable, customizable infrastructure. It will also cover ensuring data quality, real-time error correction, and transforming data into actionable insights to measure efficacy. The session will highlight data innovations and discuss policy and funding reforms needed to support sustainable data systems.
Holly Kurtz is the director of the EdWeek Research Center.
Kathy Bendheim
Director of Strategic Advising,
National Student Support Accelerator
Kathy Bendheim is currently the Director of Strategic Advising for the National Student Support Accelerator. Her early career was spent in business, however, her passion has consistently been the improvement of the public education system. Since leaving the for-profit world, she has worked in Bridgeport, CT for the YMCA, in New York City for Clearpool, Inc., and been the Executive Director of the White House Council for Community Solutions. Most recently she was a consultant with Building Impact, advising foundations and philanthropies on investments in public education, and Managing Director with the National Student Support Accelerator
Jimmy Leak
Director of Accountability, Research, and Evaluation,
Guilford County Schools
Dr. Jimmy Leak is the Director of Accountability, Research, and Evaluation for Guilford County Schools. He has extensive experience monitoring, evaluating, and creating data systems for tutoring programs and well as other educational interventions. Dr. Leak holds a Ph.D. in Education Policy and Social Context from The University of California, Irvine and a B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Nico Mora
Data and Reporting Manager,
Florida Tutoring Advantage
With a background in data analytics, business intelligence, and higher education, Nico serves as the Data and Reporting Manager for the Florida Tutoring Advantage, administered by the UF Lastinger Center for Learning. He has led workshops and panels to demonstrate the benefits of data and reporting tools for student assessment, curriculum development, and marketing strategies. In his current role, Nico manages relationships between the Florida Department of Education, districts, and tutoring partners to maintain the FTA data architecture and report the outcomes of high-impact tutoring. His passion is to see systems improve for the greatest benefit of all stakeholders. Holding a master’s degree in business analytics, Nico’s research with Accenture and the USDA developed a model to predict communities with low-income and low-access to viable, healthy food options. Most weekends, you will find him at a farmers’ market, baking bread, or making Neapolitan pizzas for friends and family.
1:00pm ET
Breakout Round Table: State-Led Tutoring
Explore the unique challenges and successes of state-led tutoring initiatives, focusing on scalability, policy integration, and impact. Ex: State models, what works, what challenges state programs are experiencing. Come prepared with your insights and questions to engage in the discussion.
Jason Godfrey
Strategic Data Fellow, Harvard University and the Director of Data Science at Accelerate
Dr. Jason Godfrey is a Strategic Data Fellow with Harvard University and the Director of Data Science at Accelerate. He works closely with state and local education agencies to track and improve direct student services.
Michelle Korbakes
ACCELerate NM Project Manager,
New Mexico Public Education Department
Michelle Korbakes is the ACCELerate NM Project Manager at the New Mexico Public Education Department. With 25 years in education, she has served as a teacher, literacy coach, principal, and district leader, driving instructional change and strategic planning. She has also managed statewide Communities of Practice and successfully implemented a High-Impact Tutoring program. Michelle holds degrees in Elementary Education, Reading Instruction, and Administration. A passionate lifelong learner, she embraces innovation to improve educational outcomes.
Shaunté Duggins
Director for State Initiatives,
UF Lastinger Center for Learning
Shaunté Duggins, Ph.D., is a dedicated leader committed to improving student learning and family engagement through research-driven initiatives. As Director for State Initiatives at the UF Lastinger Center for Learning, she oversees strategy and research for the New Worlds Reading Initiative and Florida Tutoring Advantage, managing operations and partnerships across policy, business, and philanthropy.
John Failla
CEO & Founder,
Pearl
1:00pm ET
Breakout Round Table: District-Led Tutoring
Highlight best practices and innovative strategies from district-level tutoring programs, emphasizing operational excellence and community engagement. Come prepared with your insights and questions to engage in the discussion.
Zenovia Crier
Principal,
L.B.J. Elementary School
Dr. Zenovia Crier is a passionate educational leader with 22+ years of experience. A proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran, she brings a disciplined, mission-driven approach to her role as principal of L.B.J. Elementary. Dr. Crier specializes in reading and science instruction, advocates for data-driven teaching, and champions fine arts education. She supports staff through coaching, professional development, and targeted intervention programs to close achievement gaps and boost student success. Committed to fostering a strong school community, she prioritizes academic excellence, teacher growth, and a culture where every child can thrive.
Kara Hamilton
Tutorial Programming Director,
Guilford County Schools
Kara has dedicated her career to supporting and advancing educational excellence. She previously served at the North Carolina Association of School Administrators, where she played a key role in advocacy, communication, and professional development for the state’s visionary educational leaders. Now, in her role as Tutorial Programming Director with Guilford County Schools, she leads efforts around high-dosage tutoring, working to ensure students receive the targeted support they need to thrive academically.
Sarah Putnam
Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction,
Arlington Public Schools
Sarah Putnam is a dedicated educator with 26 years of unwavering commitment to public education. She has broad experiences in curriculum development, school support, program supervision, and organizational leadership. Her impressive track record encompasses diverse roles as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, math specialist, and K-12 Mathematics Supervisor. In her current role as the Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Arlington Public Schools, she has been a catalyst for the academic progress of culturally and linguistically diverse students across PreK-12 school settings.
Matt Barrow
Director of Services,
Pearl
1:00pm ET
Breakout Round Table: Vendors
This round table will focus on the evolving Request for Proposal (RFP) landscape and its implications for vendors in the tutoring space. Participants will explore the importance of establishing robust data and technology standards to future-proof tutoring programs. With insights from industry leaders and verification from Jason Godfrey, the discussion will address how vendors can align with emerging standards to enhance program effectiveness, improve interoperability, and support data-driven decision-making at scale.
Nate Casey
Chief Strategy Officer,
Pearl
1:45pm ET
Panel Discussion: Foundations and Funding
This session will discuss strategies for securing funding and building sustainable partnerships to support long-term tutoring program success.
Nate Casey
Chief Strategy Officer,
Pearl
Valerie Sakimura
Executive Director,
Deans for Impact
As Executive Director of Deans for Impact, Valerie Sakimura brings a belief that great teachers have incredible power to honor and lift up children and 15 years experience supporting leaders and teams in education, non-profit, and for-profit organizations to strengthen their impact. She previously served as Vice President of Program at Deans for Impact, Associate Partner at NewSchools Venture Fund, and a consultant at Monitor Group. Valerie holds an AB in Social Studies from Harvard College, an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, and an MPA from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Valerie is: from Hawaii originally but currently Colorado-based, proudly hapa and sansei, a wife and mother to two multiracial daughters, and a lover of the outdoors and elaborate home-cooked meals.
2:15pm ET
Closing Remarks & Next Steps
Hear the key takeaways from the forum, receive resources for further learning and program implementation, and get information on post-summit engagement opportunities and community support.
John Failla
CEO & Founder,
Pearl