Principal Kafele
Principal Kafele, a leading school leadership and classroom equity presenter, has impacted American schools for over 35 years. He has delivered over 3000 keynotes, workshops, seminars, and assemblies. An expert in "attitude transformation," he provides effective strategies for closing the "Attitude Gap."
NCIS 2024 Featured Speakers
Dr. Shane Naterman
Dr. DeAndrea Fleming
Dr. DeAndrea Fleming
Shane Naterman was raised in Fort Worth, Texas, where he went on to build a career in secondary education before joining the Flippen Group. Shane works with professional organizations and educational advisory boards. He is a published author, a regular guest lecturer at local universities, and a self-professed “school nerd” – the only way he can articulate his love and appreciation for all things education.
Dr. DeAndrea Fleming
Dr. DeAndrea Fleming
Dr. DeAndrea Fleming
Dr. DeAndrea Fleming is an advocate, ally, and thought leader in the advancement and equity of education for students and communities of all socioeconomic compositions. Dr. Fleming began her path in education as a classroom teacher and coach before assuming educational leadership roles in large and small urban and suburban school systems.
Bring Sexy Back to Education: A Panel Discussion
Moderator: Dr. Kris DeFilippis, Program Director for Educational Leadership Department of Education NYU
Dr. Kris DeFilippis is an educator, researcher, author, and activist whose work centers critical inquiry to advance equity and anti-racism, shift organizational culture, and focus on contextual strategic planning. Currently, Kris serves as a Clinical Faculty member and Program Director for Educational Leadership in New York University’s (NYU) Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. As an executive director/assistant superintendent in the New York City Department of Education, Dr. DeFilippis worked directly with the School’s Chancellor, coaching leadership and faculty to apply critical and context-specific improvement science to reduce disproportionality, complete root cause analyses, strategically goal set, and align multi-tiered systems of support to district goals. In addition to district leadership, he has served public education systems in roles including a custodian, teacher’s aid, coach, teacher, department chairperson, and building administrator.
Panelist: Jennifer Felton, Author
Jennifer Felton is an author and a transformative education consultant
specializing in unleashing teacher greatness through innovation,
introspection, and intent. She is a renowned master trainer impacting
thousands of educators throughout the southeastern United States.
Jennifer is focused on modern-day teaching practices, personal
accountability, and cultural relevance, which she has dubbed Teaching in
the Now! Ideals which she has captured in her book Teaching in the Now-
Classroom Momentum Begins with You!
Panelist: Dr. Donald Rucker, Principal KIPP Atlanta
Dr. Donald Rucker serves as principal of KIPP Vision Academy. He holds his doctorate in School Improvement with a concentration in Educational Leadership. Dr. Rucker is deeply committed to creating equitable and dynamic spaces that cause kids to want to run to school each day.
Panelist: Dr. Matt Tyson, Principal & CEO at Tapestry Charter School
Dr. Matthew Tyson is the Principal of Tapestry Public Charter School, where he is dedicated to advancing the school's mission of fostering an innovative, individualized, and inclusive educational environment. With a deep commitment to providing all students with a rigorous education that prepares them for college and the workforce, Dr. Tyson emphasizes integrating technology in the classroom and the importance of quality STEAM courses. Dr. Tyson believes that equipping students with the necessary skills to thrive in an information-based economy in our rapidly changing society is more crucial than ever.
Panelist: Dr. Denise L. Williams, Director of Equity and Excellence NYC Public Schools
With over 22 years of experience as an educator in the NYC Public Schools, Dr. Denise L. Williams has a long track record demonstrating her commitment to designing, developing, and leading systems-level change to interrupt disparities that exist for historically marginalized students. In 2012, she founded Pelham Gardens Middle school. In her capacity as principal she curated a culturally responsive and inclusive environment for her students. Post principalship, Denise worked as the Director of Equity and Excellence at Bronx Central Office, where she supported district leaders with developing a vision for equity. Currently, she serves as the Executive Director for Strategy and Implementation for the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging where she continues to support and build district leaders capacity to lead with an equity lens. In addition to her current role in NYC Public Schools, Denise is the CEO and founder of Dafina Consulting, a leadership development organization dedicated to helping clients design, lead, and win through implementation of sustainable equity practices.
NCIS2024 Evening Event Highlights
Wednesday Night Welcome Reception at Rosa Mexicano
Join us for the Wednesday Night Welcome Reception, a vibrant kickoff event for NCIS2024. This special evening, which blends professional networking with a surprise performance, is designed to set the tone for the exciting days ahead.
Give Back Thursday
Join us for Give Back Thursday at NCIS2024, where attendees will engage in a team activity to support local students in Las Vegas. Together, we will fill essential needs, making a positive impact on the community while fostering teamwork and collaboration. This meaningful event underscores our commitment to innovation and social responsibility