Deborah L. Butler is an Associate Professor at UBC. Her research interests are in the areas of understanding and supporting strategic, self-regulated learning by students in inclusive and support classrooms at the intermediate, secondary, and postsecondary levels. Her research also focuses on the qualities of professional development activities that support teachers in making meaningful and sustained revisions to practice.

Judy Halbert is committed to developing strong learning communities through inquiry, thoughtful use of evidence, and teamwork across roles and districts. Developing induction programs designed to meet the needs of new principals was the focus of her doctoral studies and has informed her work with leadership development across BC.

Alma Harris is the author of a number of articles and books on distributed leadership including 'Challenging the Challenged: Developing an improvement programme for schools facing exceptionally challenging circumstances' (2007) Improving Schools Through Teacher Leadership (2005) and Distributed Leadership; Developing Leaders for Tomorrow (in press 2008). As a researcher, professor and speaker she is in demand worldwide. Alma has recently joined the University of London’s Institute of Education.

Linda Kaser is recognized provincially and nationally for her work in developing networks that sustain learning change, her interest and application of critical thinking strategies, and her contributions to strengthening the literacy programs of the province.

Jan Robertson is Director of the London Centre for Leadership in Learning at the Institute of Education, London University. Jan’s book Coaching Leadership (2005) has provided the basis for the coaching part of the CSML program at U Vic and she is highly renowned for her work with school leaders internationally.

Leyton Schnellert is a PhD student in UBC’s Centre for Cross-Faculty Inquiry in Education. His research interests fall in the areas of inquiry communities and communities of practice as they relate to student learning, writing instruction and teacher professional development. He works part time as an In-service Faculty Associate in SFU’s Field Programs where he supports teachers completing self-directed graduate diplomas in the areas of Special Education, Diversity and Literacy.

Linda and Judy are the authors of Leadership Mindsets - Innovation and Learning in the Transformation of Schools (in press 2008) and are assistant professors in the CSML program at U Vic.