Small-Group Instruction to Meet the Needs of Diverse Learners

About the Presenters

Lauren Bien-Aime, Professional Development Facilitator, is a first-generation Miami native and a proud graduate of the University of Florida, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Food Chemistry and Human Nutrition. Lauren’s career began as a Teach For America alumna, when she returned to South Florida to teach in Miami-Dade and Broward County Public Schools, integrating her passion for STEM education with a commitment to community service. Lauren also has a strong background in designing and facilitating professional development for educators and administrators, helping them enhance their practices and better support diverse student populations. She has been specially training in project-based learning, Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) for English language learners, blended learning, instructional coaching, college and career readiness, and general instructional practices.

Marybeth Jones, Vice President of Academic Services at Learn It, has more than 30 years’ experience in education, as a K-12 teacher and higher education professor, as well as delivering educational support services in the private sector. At Learn It, she directs all the activities of the Academic Services Team, delivering services in more than a dozen large urban districts, including LAUSD, New York City Public Schools, and Chicago Public Schools. She is responsible for day-to-day program operations. She manages resource and personnel allocations, deployment of staff, budgets, contract compliance, client partnerships, and program retention. She has conducted quality audits for academic improvement programs across the U.S. and has developed and executed improvement plans to ensure quality control. Marybeth holds a B.S. in education from Illinois State University and an M.S. in education in curriculum and instruction from Grand Canyon University.

About the Moderator

Nicole Magliaro, Education Manager at Learn It, is a first-year doctoral student in educational research with extensive experience overseeing various educational programs. With over ten years of classroom experience teaching various grades and levels of students, Nicole has designed curricula focusing on writing and literature aligned with Common Core Standards. She has developed, implemented, and assessed educational programs using research, databases, journals, and project and presentation methodologies. Nicole also conducts quality assurance visits across Learn It’s programs to ensure high-quality instructional services are provided to students. She is experienced in collaboration with stakeholders and coordinating, planning, and presenting professional development. Nicole holds an MA in educational leadership and BA in English with a K-12 teaching certification.