How Leaders Can Maximize Impact Before State Testing

About the Presenters

Lauren LaMont is an Educational Consultant with Heart & Hustle Consulting, where she supports schools and districts in strengthening instructional practices, leadership capacity, and student-centered learning environments. With a background in K–12 education and extensive experience coaching teachers and administrators, Lauren brings a practical, relationship-driven approach to helping educators implement effective, sustainable strategies. She specializes in curriculum design, professional learning, and systems-level improvement, with a focus on ensuring equitable learning experiences for all students. Known for her collaborative style and passion for empowering educators, Lauren is committed to helping schools build cultures of continuous growth and meaningful impact.

Leslie Johnson is an educator and instructional leader who has served school communities since 2003. She began her coaching career through the New York City Public Schools’ Universal Literacy Initiative, developing expertise in early literacy, data analysis, small-group instruction, and professional learning. Leslie first joined New Bridges Elementary as a Universal Literacy Coach, modeling best practices for K–2 teachers, co-teaching, and facilitating family engagement workshops that strengthened home and school connections.

As a former Assistant Principal, Leslie supervised PreK–2 teachers, coordinated evaluation and supervision processes, led schoolwide professional learning, and built collaborations among school leaders, partners, and staff. She also wrote successful arts grants for ENL students and students with disabilities while advancing mentoring, culturally responsive education, and family engagement. Leslie now serves as Instructional Coach at New Bridges Elementary, supporting K–5 teachers through coaching cycles, collaborative planning, and data-driven guidance. She is dedicated to empowering teachers and fostering inclusive, high-impact learning communities.

Keri Hubbard is NSSI’s Chief of Program. After teaching high school math in Charlotte, North Carolina, as a Teach For America Corps Member, Keri joined the Achievement First charter school network. Teaching seventh-grade math and eighth-grade algebra at the network in Brooklyn, she led her students for two consecutive years to 100 percent proficiency on the New York State exam, with 97 percent of eighth graders passing the Algebra Regents exam. Later, she joined KIPP in Austin, teaching sixth-grade reading, and rose to become Assistant Principal and Director of Curriculum and Professional Development. Keri was formerly the Director of Math at NSSI, where she supported an incredible team of teachers, PD leads, and curriculum developers tasked with providing rigorous math instruction to students across the country. Keri holds a B.A. in economics and sociology from Duke University.