Navigating Science of Reading Legislation & Transforming Literacy Initiatives

After 22 years in the private sector, Dr. Jeff James began his educational career with Iredell-Statesville Schools in 2002 as a special education teacher at Statesville High School and then a business technology instructor at Lake Norman High School. Dr. James became a school administrator first by serving as an assistant principal at South Iredell High School and then as the principal at Troutman Middle School. After many years as an Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction/Federal Programs/Grants/NC Pre-K for Montgomery County Schools, he served as Superintendent of Stanly County Schools. He returned to Iredell-Statesville Schools as Superintendent in 2020. 

Kim Wooden

Kim Wooden is Principal Product Marketing Manager at DreamBox with a focus on literacy. As the former Deputy Superintendent of the Clark County School District, Las Vegas, NV, she is a passionate and committed educator who has addressed the many outstanding issues related to providing full educational opportunities to students. She has extensive experience working with the community, school board, and school leaders. Following her career in the District, she has served as a university adjunct professor, the director of a social and emotional learning program and consultant before joining us at DreamBox. 

Dr. Gehsmann is a nationally recognized expert in literacy development, instruction, assessment and intervention. She holds degrees in elementary education, early childhood education, and educational leadership and policy studies. As a former elementary school teacher and statewide early literacy improvement specialist, Dr. Gehsmann’s research aims to improve literacy outcomes for preK-12 students, particularly from underserved communities. In her current role as Director of the Virginia Tech School of Education, Dr. Gehsmann was named by Virginia Business Magazine as “100 People to Meet in 2021”.