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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 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.

< 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.

Why Zeal - Dedicated to students, integrity, and excellence. We go beyond districts and schools, ensuring satisfaction with transparency and commitment. Why the name, Zeal? Pronunciation: noun \ zeel \ Definition: To have fervor for a cause; an eager desire; enthusiastic diligence. Zeal Education Group was founded to inspire fresh solutions to education-industry challenges. Our diverse, nationwide team of leaders bring centuries of experience as principals, directors, superintendents, commissioners, professors, authors, and thought leaders. Our team is not only exceptionally qualified to provide the services we offer, but we are zealous about the work we do. We guarantee you will be satisfied with the results, or we will start over. 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.

Community Engagement At Zeal Education Group, we believe that when families and communities are meaningfully engaged, student outcomes improve, school culture strengthens, and trust grows. But authentic engagement requires more than newsletters and back-to-school nights—it demands intentional strategies that meet families where they are and empower them as true partners in the learning process. Our Family and Community Engagement services help schools move from outreach to impact. We provide the tools, training, and strategies needed to build relationships, elevate voices, and create inclusive pathways for collaboration between families, educators, and community partners. Our Approach: Parent Engagement Workshops: We design and deliver dynamic workshops that equip families with the knowledge and confidence to navigate school systems, support their children’s learning, and engage in meaningful conversations with educators. Workshops are tailored to reflect the cultural and linguistic needs of each community. Tailored Communication Plans: Zeal helps schools develop communication strategies that are multilingual, accessible, and culturally relevant. We support districts in crafting messages that resonate with families, using a mix of formats and platforms to ensure every family is informed and included. Student Programming to Support Engagement: To maximize family participation, we offer afterschool programming for students during engagement events. These activities provide academic enrichment and social-emotional learning opportunities—allowing caregivers to attend workshops while their children are engaged in safe, supportive environments. Building Community Partnerships: We help districts strengthen partnerships with local organizations, faith-based groups, and service providers to build a broader network of support for students and families. These partnerships extend the reach of your school and reinforce a shared investment in student success. Partnering with Zeal means creating a culture where families feel welcomed, heard, and empowered—turning engagement into action, and relationships into results. 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, a nd transp arency. 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: Strategic Communications Ensure your most important messages are received Learn More Team Building Bring the best out of your team for optimal performance Learn More Subject Matter PD Contemporize your curriculum and teaching in all content areas Learn More Strategic Planning Develop a one-page plan that is actionable and impactful Learn More

< Back Chris Wester Associate Chris Wester is a 23-year educator with over a decade of school leadership experience including diverse roles within the education sector. These leadership experiences in public and private schools include teaching, athletic direction, program creation, curriculum design, boarding, and international school oversight. Chris has led the Florida Council of Independent Schools accreditation teams, and has served on local Rotary and Chamber of Commerce committees to assist others while promoting schools. In addition, Wester helped lead the Clay County Schools, Florida academy curriculum design resulting in the development of county-wide school specializations for student programming at each school location. As a hands-on, mission-driven leader, Chris has immersed himself in the various departments within schools to ensure quality and to maintain excellence. He has led admissions teams resulting in 50% increases in enrollment, and well as successful school and program marketing campaigns. Through community outreach efforts, Chris has established local, national, and international partnerships with companies which increased financial and program support for schools and children. Throughout his career, Wester has demonstrated improvements in student recruitment, curriculum design, professional development, strategic planning, advancement, and community outreach. He understands that the culture of an organization is a fragile ecosystem that requires healthy leadership to sustain.

< Back Sharon Bradley Associate Sharon Bradley is a national educational speaker and school district director where she has helped shape the district’s approach to social-emotional development and truancy prevention for all students. Throughout her 24 years in education, she has served as director, alternative high school principal, assistant principal, dropout prevention program coordinator, general education teacher, and special education teacher. Sharon Bradley has recently been recognized by Education-First/Rockefeller Foundation and D CEO Magazine for her innovative efforts of decreasing chronic absenteeism. Sharon is the author of attendance reference guides "Chronic Absenteeism: Prevention and Intervention Strategies for Schools, Families and Communities" and “Combating Chronic Absenteeism through Attendance Improvement Plans” . Mrs. Bradley has recently been named a 2024 "Leader to Learn From" by EducationWeek Magazine. In 2023, she was named “Person of the Year” by the International Truancy and Dropout Prevention Association. Sharon Bradley is a graduate of Mississippi State University where she earned her bachelor's degree in Special Education; and master's degree in Educational Administration from Prairie View A&M University.

Helping Boards find the right candidate. "A successful superintendent, an effective Board, and a thriving district need more than just a firm that brings you candidates." Search Process Superintendent Personas Leadership Profile Search Timeline Schedule Your FREE Confidential Consultation Most Search Firms Will: Listen to understand the leadership needs of the Board, staff, and community Develop a clear, compelling posting that reflects the qualities you desire in a leader Leverage a national network to attract top-tier candidates Facilitate a structured, criteria-based interview and selection process for the Board Most Firms Stop Here. Our Search Service Goes Further to Include: 1. Deep Stakeholder Engagement : Zeal doesn’t just check the box—we engage with purpose. Our experienced team meets in person with your community and uses tools like ThoughtExchange to gather real-time, inclusive input from all stakeholders. We meet people where they are, honor their values, and ensure the community’s voice shapes the search—building trust and clarity around the kind of leader your district truly needs. 2. Superintendent Personas that Fit : While superintendents are expected to be experts across many areas of education, the reality is that each leader brings unique strengths. Zeal has identified six Superintendent Personas that bring a candidate’s skills and dispositions into focus: We work closely with Boards to identify the leadership profile that best aligns with their district’s culture and needs—then recruit candidates who are not only strong on paper, but the right fit in practice. 3. Leadership Support Beyond the Hire : At Zeal, we know a successful superintendent starts with a strong, trust-based relationship with the Board. We facilitate your first retreat—grounded in insights from our community engagement process—to build alignment, trust, and a cohesive leadership team. We also develop a personalized Entry Plan and provide 12 months of leadership coaching to ensure your new leader is supported, connected, and ready to thrive. The Community Builder The Visionary Change Agent The Instructional Leader The Operational Strategist The Student Champion The Crisis Manager Our search process is clear, comprehensive, and rooted in transparency, ensuring every step—from stakeholder engagement to candidate evaluation—is thoughtfully executed. We provide weekly updates to keep the board and community informed and aligned throughout the entire process. Schedule Your FREE Confidential Consultation Superintendent personas help the board align candidates with district needs and community priorities. They offer a clear lens for making a strategic, informed selection about the candidate you need at this time. Schedule Your FREE Confidential Consultation The leadership profile serves as both a beacon and a filter—attracting candidates who align with the district’s vision while helping the board evaluate each applicant’s fit with community priorities. It ensures a values-based, mission-aligned approach to identifying the right leader. Schedule Your FREE Confidential Consultation We reverse-engineer our timeline from the preferred start date so that your superintendent will begin on time. We are clear about what responsibilities belong to Zeal alone, the Board alone, and what tasks we do together. Schedule Your FREE Confidential Consultation

< Back Curtis Cain Senior Associate Dr. Cain holds a doctorate and a Master of Science in Educational Administration from Iowa State University and a Bachelor of Science in Social Science Education from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. While at Iowa State, he was named a George Washington Carver Doctoral Fellow and awarded the Jordan Larsen Outstanding Dissertation in Educational Administration Award. In 2009, he was honored as the Iowa State University Outstanding Young Professional Award by the College of Human Sciences, and in 2023, he was named recipient of the school's Virgil S. Lagomarcino Laureate Award for distinguished achievement in the field of education. Dr. Cain is a nationally certified superintendent who was named the 2022 Missouri Association of School Administrators (MASA) Superintendent of the Year, one of four finalists for the American School Superintendents Association (AASA) National Superintendent of the Year, and the AASA National Superintendent of the Year. In 2016, he was named the MASA New Superintendent of the Year for the St. Louis region. Dr. Cain is also a certified lead auditor with Curriculum Management Systems Incorporated (CMSi) and has served on audits across 11 states and in the nation of Bermuda. He has also served as president and past president of MASA. Dr. Cain has served as a member of Phi Delta Kappa (PDK) and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) Emerging Leader programs. In 2018, he completed the AASA National Superintendent Certification Program. In 2024 he was selected to be one of thirty founding members of the AASA/PDK Network of Distinguished Educators. Nationally, he also serves on the PDK Advisory Board. Dr. Cain serves on the Kansas/Missouri Superintendent Leadership Forum Advisory Board, the Missouri Executive Leadership Forum, the Missouri State High School Activities Association Constitutional Committee and the Missouri United School Insurance Council Board of Directors. He also volunteers locally on the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and serves on the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce, Eureka Chamber of Commerce, Fenton Chamber of Commerce, West St. Louis County Chamber of Commerce, and the West St. Louis County Government Affairs and Transportation Committee. Dr. Cain also serves as a member of Progress 64 West and the Rotary Club of West St. Louis County.