Dr. Salim Ucan is a passionate educator and edupreneur with a successful track record of 20+ years serving as a teacher, principal, superintendent, leadership coach, and Vice President of a high-performing school network in the Midwest. He received his Ph.D. in Educational Administration from The Ohio State University in 2020.

Dr. Ucan graduated from Marmara University in Istanbul-Turkey with a BS in Biology. He obtained a Master’s degree in School Leadership from Central Michigan University. He has participated in many valuable professional development opportunities from Harvard University to Northwestern University. He was recognized as an Executive Scholar by Kellogg School of Management.

Dr. Ucan’s reputation has been built by the success of the schools he led and the leadership he exhibited. He launched 12 innovative schools focusing on STEM education across the Midwest. He served as the Vice President of a high-performing public charter school network that served around 14,000 students at 32 schools. Dr. Ucan established leadership development and innovative community engagement programs that elevated and positioned his school network as an exemplary organization nationally.

Dr. Ucan was the founding principal of the Chicago Math and Science Academy (CMSA). CMSA has been recognized as the best charter high school in the state of Illinois by the US. News & World Report. CMSA students maintain over 95% college acceptance and have the highest college persistence rate (86%) among non-selective high schools in the City of Chicago.

After his Ph.D. at the Ohio State University between 2016 and 2020, Dr. Ucan returned to the field as a superintendent in the greater Columbus area. He currently resides in Hilliard, Ohio with his wife and three daughters. Dr. Ucan is passionate about innovation, technology, instructional leadership, and learning sciences.

Dr. Regina Armour is a passionate, experienced educator who taught science and math at middle and high school level. She also taught college and graduate level courses around leadership, equity, educational history, and organizational management.

Dr. Armour received her doctorate from National Louis University’s National College of Education and her research focuses on instructional & organizational coaching and culture transformation.

Dr. Armour is passionate about equity, cultural responsiveness, and leadership/organizational development primarily in education using a multi-faceted, systems approach. By crafting
relevant, engaging learning experiences for all students—both young and adult, she has
provided professional development for teachers and leadership development for principals and districts. She has extensive experience in building collaborative relationships with the
community and families by doing numerous workshops and outreach initiatives on social
justice; high-achieving instructional school cultures; cultural proficiency in schools and organizational literacy for educators.

Dr. Armour has worked with numerous schools—both public and private, school districts, and outside agencies to facilitate their respective equity journeys. She is also a certified Evocative Coach through The Center for School Transformation (Boston), which espouses a protocol to expedite individuals and organizations in re-writing their own stories and demonstrate authentic diversity, inclusion, belonging and welcomes multiple perspectives.

Dr. Lyndsey Eksili is a highly experienced, dynamic, accomplished, and motivated Educational Leadership Specialist with significant administrative, community outreach, and policy analyst experience. She has over 15-years of experience in private and public school systems bolstered by significant time working with cross-functional teams to set cohesive policy agendas that advance PreK-12 goals and increase attainment of desired educational outcomes.

With proven expertise in program management, staff training, and grant administration, Eksili is adept at building highly effective teams of talented instructional staff members that work together to improve levels of student success.

She also holds several advanced degrees and repeated success spearheading initiatives that improve school performance and quality of instruction. In her professional career, Eksili has established solid partnerships with key stakeholders to identify opportunities for policy development while building coalitions dedicated to improving student success.

Ertan Kaya is one of the best math teachers in the nation who has dedicated over 25 years to educating students in mathematics. Throughout his career, Kaya has demonstrated a contagious passion for teaching and a commitment to helping his students succeed.

Kaya is the author of five math Olympiad books and has helped countless students prepare for national and international math competitions. His students have won over 200 medals from various competitions, a testament to Kaya’s expertise and dedication.

Kaya holds two master’s degrees in math and has completed his PhD courses. His ability to simplify complex concepts and motivate his students has earned him a reputation as an outstanding teacher. He is committed to instilling a love of math in his students and helping them achieve their full potential.

In addition to his many achievements as an educator, Ertan Kaya is a dedicated family man who values spending time with his loved ones. He is also an active member of his community, frequently volunteering his time and resources to support local causes. When he’s not teaching or giving back to his community, Kaya enjoys a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and swimming. He also has a passion for reading about mathematics, which he believes keeps him current on the latest developments and trends in the field. Overall, Ertan Kaya’s extensive knowledge, dedication, and passion for math have made him an invaluable resource to his students and the wider academic community.

Carly Hyatt is an experienced high school chemistry teacher with a passion for helping students unlock their potential through education. While in the classroom, she taught students grades 6-12, and was trained in cognitive coaching and served as a peer coach to her colleagues. She is an AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) trained teacher and served on professional development committees working in curriculum design, cross-cutting concept integration in instruction, and successful 9th grade transitions through positive social interactions and teacher support. She is a graduate of Brigham Young University–Provo, where she studied Chemistry Education, and conducted research in the efficacy of virtual platforms in teaching complex science topics.

Mikel Graham graduated from high school as a Valedictorian in 2004 in Cleveland, Ohio. He later went on to Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where he earned a BS in Aerospace Engineering and a BS in Philosophy.

Following his undergraduate education, he went on to Georgia Tech to earn his MS in Aerospace Engineering. Upon completing his education, Mikel began working in the radio control industry developing radio controlled helicopters. He works as a Research Engineer in the Drone Lab at the Georgia Tech Research Institute. He continues to enjoy flying radio controlled models and coaching student at Global Town School. As an experience coach and mentor, Mikel is also involved in designing, codifying, and improving the coaching program at Global Town School.

Dr. Beitullaieva brings a rich blend of linguistics expertise and innovative marketing acumen to Global Town School. Holding a PhD in Linguistics from Taurida National University in Ukraine, she has an exceptional command over five languages—English, Ukrainian, Russian, Turkish, and Tatar—highlighting her intrinsic talent in cross-cultural communication.

In Canada, Muzinie Beitullaieva applied her linguistic prowess at the Graybridge Malkam School, where she taught foreign languages to diplomats. Furthermore, her professional journey includes a deep foray into business marketing and a staunch commitment to sustainable and safe business practices, complemented by additional studies at Harvard University.

With the surge of AI in various industries, she established GenAlpha, an AI-driven creative marketing agency, showcasing her forward-thinking approach and ability to adapt to the evolving digital age. Her extensive background in linguistics, business, and AI aids Global Town School in developing  a transformational educational experience for the learners of the 21st century.

Greg Davis is a National Board Certified Teacher with over 20 years of classroom teaching experience in public and private high and middle schools. Greg teaches English Language Arts and writing. In addition to his extensive classroom teaching experience, Mr. Davis has also taught hundreds of classes in online settings.

As a teacher, Greg has always valued professional development. In 2008, he achieved National Board Certification, which is a high standard, rigorous process. He also regularly publishes articles and presents about curriculum design/instructional quality in reading, writing, and language arts.

Paul Patridge is an experienced educator who has been teaching across the globe for over 15

years. He taught at elite private schools in Panama, Thailand, and Turkey before he returned to the United States recently. Throughout his career, he has had the opportunity to work with students at various educational levels, including elementary, middle school, high school, and university, and has

worked in curriculum design for several institutions.

Paul specializes in educating students in advanced mathematics, physics, and chemistry. In addition to delivering engaging lessons in the classroom, Paul has channeled his creativity toward developing interactive math and science content specifically designed for online platforms. As a dedicated mentor, Paul enjoys sharing his love for STEM subjects and tailoring his teaching methods to suit individual learning styles while finding unique ways to inspire each student.

He holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University where he specialized in

Materials Science and conducted research on Shape Memory Alloys. Prior to becoming an

educator, Paul gained professional experience in the engineering field, heat treating and testing

metals as a project manager for Texas Steel Conversion.

Paul has a passion for traveling and adventure. He is an advanced SCUBA diver and rock

climber and in his free time enjoys climbing mountains, birding, photography, kayaking, biking,

wilderness camping, off-grid living, and studying sustainability. He currently lives in Texas with

his wife and daughter.

Simon Bulut is an experienced, successful edtech entrepreneur. He uses his strong background as a computer engineer to create information technology solutions for schools and school systems. He either worked or provided services to various large multinational companies, including Citibank and Unilever.

Interested in education, Simon launched his own edtech company in California and developed successful software solutions for educational institutions. Simon has and continues to present at national technology conferences on how to build software that meets user needs in the education sector.

Simon currently lives in Dallas, Texas and reads about history and science when he is not building software. He is married with two children and enjoys using school management systems personally to track his children’s academic and social progress.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Dr. Gavaz has served a plethora of diverse and multicultural communities. She is a product of public-school education and has experience teaching in public and private schools both in the U.S. and abroad. Dr. Gavaz has served students ranging from grades 4th through high school teaching a variety of different subjects, including biology, chemistry, physics, earth science and health. She received her doctorate in education from National Louis University in Chicago in June of 2023. 

Being a first generation American, Dr. Gavaz is not only the youngest in her family but the first to complete a doctoral in her family. She made a promise to her parents at a young age that one day she would obtain her doctorate. By doing so, she started her educational career by graduating on a scholarship with a degree in science education, biology and with a minor in psychology from the City University of New York (CUNY) Brooklyn College. Soon after, she obtained a full ride scholarship to complete her masters in school building leadership from St. John’s University. After landing a leadership position in Chicago, IL, Dr. Gavaz decided to fulfill the promise she made her parents by enrolling in a doctoral program and successfully completing it in 3.5 years. 

Dr. Gavaz served as a teacher for seven years before obtaining a leadership role. Her move to Chicago in 2016 played a pivotal role in jump starting her passion to make a difference not only in the lives of students but also helping teachers be the best version of themselves on a day-to-day basis. Dr. Gavaz served as an assistant principal for seven years in the City of Chicago. Her transformational leadership approach created an environment in which teachers were able to thrive along with their students. Dr. Gavaz has a proven track record of improving student outcomes and achievements in both ELA and Math.

Abbey Walton is an experienced educator with nearly 15 years in public and private education. Throughout her career she has taught all levels of high school ELA and specializes in teaching AP English Language and Composition and AP English Literature and Composition.

Abbey has also worked closely with a wide range of students on their transition from high school to college. She specializes in assisting students with admissions essays, applications, digital portfolios and college choice. Her creative and personalized approach to the college entrance essay has helped students achieve acceptance at schools such as Brown, Cornell, Northwestern, Princeton, and the University of Chicago. As a dedicated mentor, Abbey has built strong rapport with her students and provides unique coaching and directed learning to match each of her students’ needs.

Additionally, Abbey is highly skilled in teacher coaching and best practices. She is a certified teacher-evaluator and has facilitated numerous novice and emerging teachers with their crafts. Her classroom experience, her background in curriculum and instruction, and her experience as an assistant principal provide her with the skills to successfully support teachers and students alike.

COL (ret)  Richard Geier is a distinguished military graduate of Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kansas with a Bachelor of Arts in economics. He was commissioned as an infantry officer. 

COL (ret) Geier served in Germany, Fort Lewis-Washington, Fort Knox-Kentucky, and Fort Leavenworth-Kansas.

In 1980, he attended the Command and General Staff College, earning a Master of Arts in Military Science degree. In 1990 and 1991 he attended the Naval War College, earning a Master’s of Science in National Security and Strategic Studies and a Master of Science in Management from Salve Regina University. 

COL (ret) Geier held many positions successfully in the Army. These are , including but not limited to scout platoon leader, tank company executive officer, antitank platoon leader, infantry company executive officer and S4, Transition Officer or G6, Battalion Maintenance Officer, S4 Battalion Logistics Officer and S3 Operations Assistant – Air, Commander of Regional Training Brigade, Operations Officer , Division G3 Training Officer , Armor Executive Officer, Chief of the Command Tactics Directorate, Deputy Commander, and Director of the Armor School.

COL (ret) Geier’s awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal with six oak leaf clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters and the Silver French National Defense Medal.

After retirement Col (ret) Geier spent two years as the Vice President of Administrative Services at Skagit Valley College, Mount Vernon, WA.  He then served at City University of Seattle as the vice-president of technology and distance learning operations.  He then served as Director of Military Programs at Giant Campus a Seattle based corporate training company.  He went on to serve as Commandant of Cadets at Culver Military Academy until he retired again in 2008.

Since retirement he has been an active volunteer in the Friends of Hunting Island where he served as president and Help of Beaufort where he also served as president of the board of directors.  He is a graduate of the Clemson Extension Senior Leaders Program and the Master Naturalist Program. In November 2018, Col (ret) Geier was elected to be the representative of District 5 on the Beaufort County School Board in South Carolina.

Ceceilia Oberman is a passionate educator with over 15 years of teaching experience. Working with students from elementary through university, she has taught in many countries, including the United States, Turkey, Thailand, and Panama. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Bioenvironmental Sciences and a Master of Science in Public Health from Texas A&M University.

Ceceilia believes in empowering students through experiential learning. She has coordinated many unique science education programs, including bringing hands-on science experiments into Texas schools, leading outdoor based natural science courses at several institutions, and optimizing the virtual learning experience for secondary students through the use of engaging activities and interactive multimedia simulations.

She has contributed to material and curriculum development for several universities and has designed middle and high school language arts, math, and science curricula. Specializing in science education, she believes in tailoring the educational experience to best fit each individual learner. She has extensive experience mentoring students, creating an environment where curiosity is nurtured and students take the lead in their educational journey.

Before becoming an educator, Ceceilia worked for the USA Center for Rural Public Health Preparedness, developing training materials for health professionals, emphasizing infection prevention and emergency preparedness, planning, and response. She conducted environmental health research on the US-Mexico border, placing importance on the health of children and the mitigation of exposure to agricultural and industrial chemicals in vulnerable areas and developed a study to examine the presence of hydroxylated polychlorinated biphenyls in the blood of pregnant women and newborns.

Beyond the classroom, Ceceilia enjoys promoting environmental awareness and sustainability and spending time outdoors with her husband and young daughter.

Darian Tate is an Activist, Humanitarian, Educator, and Athletics Administrator who has partnered and worked with various organizations, and public schools in the city of Chicago.  Darian has been a founding administrator and teacher at two successful charter schools in Chicago. Darian was also in charge of creating and building the sports programs from the ground up at both schools. 

After spending nearly 20 years playing professional sports, and mentoring inner-city youths, Darian knows what truly drives student-athletes, collegiate, and professional athletes.

Darian is a native of Chicago, and through hard work, earned an athletic scholarship to attend Northern Illinois University. Darian’s perseverance landed him a NFL contract with the Carolina Panthers (NFL), Barcelona Dragons, Berlin Thunder, and Amsterdam Admirals in (NFL Europe). Darian’s relentless attitude and work ethic helped him capture a World Championship while playing for the Legendary Mike Ditka’s Chicago Rush (AFL) team.  In 2016 Darian was honored as a Wall of Fame student-athlete recipient at Walsh University in North Canton Ohio.

Darian is the epitome of leadership, discipline, strength, integrity, perseverance, honor, and duty to country. Darian is a Veteran and former United States Army Infantry Rifle Squad Leader. Darian is a recipient of the following campaigns, ribbons, and medals. Afghanistan Campaign Medal (2), Army Commendation Medal (4), NATO Medal, and the covenant Combat Infantry Badge. In addition to his extensive collegiate, and professional experience, Darian is a coach and mentor to middle school, and high school student-athletes.