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Technology Audits Now more than ever, technology is an integral aspect of curricula and instruction. Zeal Education Group has experts who can help your district to develop a technology plan that will ensure your IT infrastructure is future-ready and that you have access to the best solutions for your school or district's needs. No matter how large or small the project, our team can help. In the rapidly evolving educational landscape, integrating technology is essential for fostering enriched learning environments and administrative efficiency. We offer technical expertise, guiding schools and districts in crafting forward-thinking technology strategies tailored to their distinct needs. Our seasoned team of superintendents and technology directors appreciate the intricacies of educational technology, ensuring institutions are equipped with innovative tools for effective teaching, streamlined administrative processes, and equitable resource access. Our tailored approach includes: Comprehensive needs assessment: Evaluate your school or district's current technological capabilities and pinpoint areas for improvement. Strategic technology roadmap: Align technology plans with your school or district's educational aspirations and objectives. Infrastructure design and implementation: Create scalable and adaptable solutions supporting future growth. Vendor and solution evaluation: Guide selection based on performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Professional development: Empower educators with skills and knowledge to integrate technology effectively. Ongoing support and maintenance: Ensure uninterrupted functionality of technology systems and solutions. With Zeal Education Group's holistic approach, educational entities can confidently navigate technology complexities, fostering improved outcomes and equipping students for success in our digital age. Schedule Your FREE Confidential Consultation OUR PROMISE We understand that our clients are not just districts and schools, but ultimately the students that they are designed to serve. As fellow educators, we are committed to acting with integrity, honesty, and transparency. Zeal is unlike any other consulting firm because we guarantee complete and total satisfaction on any service we provide, or we will start over. Learn more about our other services: Behavior Intervention Learn More Safety & Security Ensure your staff and students are safe and secure Learn More Financial & HR Optimize your human and fiscal resources at the school and district levels Learn More Cyber Security Reduce or eliminate the likelihood of a cyber-attack Learn More Organizational Effectiveness Clarify roles and responsibilities to promote a stronger organization Learn More

< Back Gabrielle Morquecho Associate Dr. Morquecho received a doctorate from the Educational Leadership and Policy program at The University of Buffalo. Her in-depth exploration of organizational research, theory and systems in both business and schools sparked her interest and passion in leadership. Dr. Morquecho’s extensive experience with elementary, middle and high school students, their families, teachers, and staff, set in the context of the educational institution, reinforced her value of integrating theoretical concepts with daily practice to effectively address the developmental needs of students, the special needs of students with disabilities and the context of the educational setting. Serving as principal at the largest urban high school in the Buffalo Public School District located in New York State for eight years at Hutchinson Central Technical High School, she utilized research strategies outlined in her dissertation. Her research focused on urban teachers’ perceptions and behaviors as they relate to conveying a sense of support and caring to students. Dr. Morquecho built a cognitive “bridge” between her research and daily implementation. Dr. Morquecho remained focused on disseminating research to her staff and worked collaboratively to implement empirically supported practices. She cultivated a school-wide culture of care that proved to be conducive to learning and growth. Dr. Morquecho led her team to prioritize social and emotional strategies supporting a responsive, student-focused school. Added levels of safety enhanced the school environment physically and psychologically. Dr. Morquecho applies her expertise to develop the leadership skills of current and prospective leaders. She is dedicated to providing guidance for a thriving culture of leadership and organizational growth.

< Back Verdel Jones Associate Verdel A. Jones is a dedicated educator with over 30 years of experience in K-12 public education. In addition to her role as an educator, she is a business owner, experienced talk show host, and author. She is the author of the essential guide, The Parent Agent: How to Represent Your Child and Get Them Into the College of Their Choice . Her deep understanding of the college selection process, current educational trends, and the social and emotional challenges students face establishes her as a leading expert in her field. Verdel also co-founded the Black Authors Festival in Sag Harbor, leading the first two years of planning and execution to create a platform celebrating influential Black authors and the power of storytelling. While she is no longer actively involved with the festival, her commitment to advancing literacy and amplifying diverse voices within the Black community remains strong. In addition, Verdel serves as an advisor for The Horace & Amy Hagedorn Covid-19 Education Equity Relief Fund, which provides resources for intensive academic summer programs aimed at addressing the educational and emotional gaps exacerbated by the pandemic. This $1 million (per year) fund has positively impacted communities across Long Island over the past three years. She is also a member of the Molloy University ELA Advisory Board and the Gold Coast Book Fair Advisory Committee, further showcasing her dedication to educational and literary advancement. Verdel holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Massachusetts at Boston, a master's in secondary education from Hofstra University, and a master's in educational leadership from Long Island University.

< Back Chris Malone Senior Associate Christopher Malone has been an educator for over 25 years. Prior to his retirement, he served as the Superintendent of Tewksbury Public Schools and Assistant Superintendent of the Revere Public Schools, both in Massachusetts. He also served the Revere schools as a Middle School Principal, a Dean of Students at the High School, and a Student Services Specialist, and the Beverly, MA Public Schools as an Assistant Principal at Beverly High School. His work in three school districts and in differing administrative roles has strengthened his understanding of complex educational matters such as budgeting and state mandated testing. Before his work with Massachusetts K-12 public schools, Malone spent three years working with the Mentor Shelter in Somerville through the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services, and five years as a Captain in the United States Army. He received a Bachelor of Science in Crime, Law and Delinquency from Suffolk University, a Master of Education from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Educational Leadership from Salem State University.

< Back Molly Ness Associate Dr. Molly Ness is a former classroom teacher, a reading researcher, and a teacher educator. She holds a doctorate in reading education from the University of Virginia, and she spent 16 years as an associate professor at Fordham University. She previously directed the University of Virginia’s McGuffey Reading Clinic. With five books and numerous peer-reviewed articles, her research focuses on reading comprehension, teachers’ instructional decisions, and dyslexia. Dr. Ness serves on the Board of Directors for the International Literacy Association, and is a founding member of the New York chapter of the Reading League. She currently serves as an adjunct professor for Brooklyn College’s Advanced Certification in the Science of Reading. She also serves on the New York City Mayor’s literacy advisory council.

< Back Prakash Nair, AIA Strategic Partner Prakash Nair is a futurist, a visionary architect and the Founding President & CEO of Education Design International (EDI). Prakash established EDI as an umbrella organization that brings together the best school architecture with research-driven innovations in a number of other industries including education, environmental science, neurology, psychology and child development. Prior to starting EDI, Prakash served for 16 years as the Founding President & CEO of Fielding Nair International – a Company he helped build into one of the world’s leading change agents in school design with consultations in 52 countries on six continents. He is the recipient of many international awards including the A4LE MacConnell Award, the highest honor worldwide for school design. He has written extensively in leading international journals about school design. He is the author of three books including the new landmark publication, Learning by Design: Live | Play | Engage | Create , The Language of School Design now in it’s 3rd edition, and Blueprint for Tomorrow: Redesigning Schools for Student-Centered Learning published by the Harvard Education Press. Prakash served as an instructor for Harvard X “Leaders of Learning ”, an online course which lets you explore and understand your own theories of learning and leadership. Led by Harvard’s Dr. Richard Elmore, Leaders of Learning helps identify and develop educators’ personal theory of learning, and explore how it fits into the shifting landscape of learning. In 2020, Leaders of Learning had over 159,000 registrants worldwide. Prior to co-founding Fielding Nair International, Prakash worked for 10 years as Director of Operations for a multibillion-dollar school construction program for New York City. Prakash Serves as a Managing Principal on several projects scattered around the world. He has served as a school planning and design consultant, presenter and/or keynote speaker for clients in Australia (five states), Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Denmark, Finland, Germany, India (six states), Indonesia, Israel, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Thailand, The Netherlands, Turkey, U.A.E., U.K. the United States (23 states) and Venezuela. By staying current with the research as well as national and international social, economic and cultural trends, Prakash is able to bring best practice thinking from many disciplines and fields to bear on education-related problems and projects. This approach has helped education clients save millions of dollars while still achieving or exceeding their schedule and quality expectations. He is widely considered to be the world’s leading authority on Innovative School Design. He lectures frequently, conducts various Webinars for educators and design professionals and authors a blog on school design. He is a regular keynote speaker at international events and has delivered a TedX talk. Prakash’s signature talent lies in his ability to communicate his passion for a new approach to education across the globe. He forges strong partnerships with local firms, helps client communities visualize their future, builds consensus for uniquely tailored solutions, and helps execute them successfully.

< Back Thomas Dillon Associate Lt. Tom Dillon is a decorated law enforcement officer, a renowned school security consultant, and a former public school Director of Safety and Security where he oversaw the development of safety and security plans, and conducted vulnerability assessments that conform to the All Hazard Plan that was instituted as a result of the Sandy Hook tragedy. Over the previous 25 years, Tom served as a Police Officer and various other law enforcement roles. This included the regional SWAT Team for approximately five years where he was promoted to the rank of Detective. As a Detective, Tom was a founding member of the Mid-State Narcotics Task Force, and a member of a regional Major Crime Unit before being promoted to the rank of Sergeant. As a Sergeant, Tom was assigned as a Patrol Shift Supervisor. After approximately five years as a Sergeant, Tom was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and assigned as the Commander of the Detective Division where he directly supervised seven detectives. At the same time, Tom was placed in command of the Mid-State Narcotics Task Force and the Capitol Region Emergency Services Task Force Search & Rescue Dive Team. Both task forces placed Tom in command of numerous police officers for Hartford CT area police departments. Tom remained the Detective Division commander until his retirement from the Wethersfield Police Department in September 2010. As a member of the Wethersfield Police Department, Tom received numerous commendations for his investigative abilities and numerous self-initiated felony investigations. These self-initiated investigations resulted in the arrests and conviction of numerous individuals for major felonies such as homicide, bank robbery, large-scale bank frauds, narcotic violations and burglary. Through the use of confidential informants for twenty years, Tom solved dozens of felony cases not only for Wethersfield PD but for other Hartford area Police Departments where no suspect existed. During Tom’s 25-year career with the Wethersfield Police Department, Tom has been awarded numerous commendations from the FBI and DEA for his work in narcotics enforcement and bank robbery. Tom was also elected as the Town of Wethersfield Public Safety Officer of the Year, and the Wethersfield Police Department’s Medal of Merit on three occasions and the police department’s Medal of Valor.

< Back Ed Pietrzak Associate Ed Pietrzak is a multifaceted STEM educator, data and innovation specialist, and achievement coach who has a passion for teaching, instructional coaching, and magic. Since receiving his Master’s Degree in Entrepreneurship Education from the University of Pennsylvania, Ed has created and delivered numerous engaging and impactful professional development workshops for school districts. His work with data analysis in the classroom, along with assessment building and reassessment practices earned him the title of Teacher of the Year. With a background in education and years of experience in the field, Ed has honed his skills as both a teacher and an instructional coach, helping students and fellow educators achieve their full potential. Beyond the classroom, Ed is also an accomplished magician, captivating audiences with impressive illusions and sleight of hand. His love for magic extends beyond just entertainment, as he incorporates the art of magic into his classroom and professional development sessions, using it as a tool to engage and inspire his students and educators. Ed was selected by the State of NJ Department of Education to train as an achievement instructional coach, through which he has helped countless teachers improve their classroom management, increase student engagement, build standards-aligned assessments, and overall enhance their effectiveness as educators. Through thoughtful analysis, he is able to innovate in creative ways and provide solutions to outdated systems. Ed is known for his ability to connect with his peers and provide valuable feedback and support, all while making the process enjoyable and fun. With a passion for both education and magic, Ed is truly a unique and dynamic individual, constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible in both fields. Whether in the classroom or on stage, he is always striving to amaze and inspire those around him.

Helping exceptional leaders find their passion. "The best time to look for a new position is when you don't need one!" Whether you’re seeking your first superintendency or exploring your final leadership opportunity, we invite you to register using the form below. Your information will be held in the strictest confidence , and we will reach out as new positions align with your interests. Confidential Candidate Registration Form First name(Required) Last name(Required) Phone(Required) Email(Required) What is your current title? What is your geographic location? Are you willing to relocate? Yes No Which best describes your current status? I am not interested in a new position at this time I am not really looking, but i'm open to offers I am starting to think about my next role I am actively searching for my next position I'm retired and open to interim superintendent roles Where did you hear about Zeal? LinkedIn Website Google / Search Conference Word of Mouth Other Please upload your most recent CV or Resume in PDF format Upload File Submit Recent Searches Led by Zeal Superintendent of Schools Oxford Public Schools Oxford, Connecticut Superintendent of Schools Rock Hill Schools Rock Hill, South Carolina Superintendent of Schools Coming Soon TBD

Special Education & MTSS Audits Our team has the knowledge and skill to assist districts in managing the complex mandates of IDEA and 504 while maintaining quality, personalized programs for students with disabilities. We help districts identify their gaps, leverage their strengths, and develop professional development plans which support high-leverage practices in a fiscally responsible manner. Ensuring equitable and inclusive education for students with disabilities remains a cornerstone priority for schools and districts. However, navigating the complexities of specialized programs mandated by IDEA and 504 regulations can pose challenges to operational efficiency. Here's how our aduit services can help address your school or district challenges and leverage strengths: Procedural Assessment: Identify strengths and vulnerabilities in current procedures, scheduling, and program offerings. Professional Development: Design and implement targeted professional development plans to enhance operational efficiency and align practices across schools for administrators and staff. IEP Compliance: Conduct comprehensive assessments and deliver training on crafting legally sound, defensible Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Goal Setting & Cohesion: Facilitate goal-setting initiatives to foster departmental cohesion and alignment. Contracted Services Review: Evaluate and optimize contracted services to ensure alignment with educational objectives. Mentorship Programs: Provide individualized and small-group mentoring for administrators, directors, coordinators, and teacher leaders to cultivate leadership excellence and best practices implementation. Ensuring equitable education for students with disabilities is essential, yet schools often struggle with the complexities of mandated programs like IDEA and 504. Our services simplify this process by assessing procedures, offering targeted professional development, ensuring compliance, fostering teamwork, optimizing services, and mentoring leaders for improved outcomes. Schedule Your FREE Confidential Consultation OUR PROMISE We understand that our clients are not just districts and schools, but ultimately the students that they are designed to serve. As fellow educators, we are committed to acting with integrity, honesty, and transparency. Zeal is unlike any other consulting firm because we guarantee complete and total satisfaction on any service we provide, or we will start over. Learn more about our other services: Behavior Intervention Learn More Fine Arts Increase engagement and participation Learn More Financial & HR Optimize your human and fiscal resources at the school and district levels Learn More Organizational Effectiveness Clarify roles and responsibilities to promote a stronger organization Learn More Chronic Absenteeism Increase student attendance and engagement Learn More Board Policy Still have policies from the 80's? We can help! Learn More

Free consultation. Contact us if you have any questions related to our services or if you would like more information. We would love to speak with you. Schedule Your FREE Confidential Consultation

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