Sean Duncan, Executive Director & Co-Founder
THRIVE Community School, New Mexico

In this bite-sized interview from the National Direct Instruction Conference and Institutes, Sean Duncan reflects on his school’s success with DI reading — and how that success is fueling momentum for DI math. As a school leader, Duncan shares how NIFDI’s ongoing support is helping him lead implementation with clarity and confidence. It’s a sharp look at what happens when leadership, data, and the right support system come together for students.

Sarah Green, Assistant Principal, Anna Shanks, Year 1 Teacher, and Lynsey Slater, Primary Director 
Athena Learning Trust, UK

In this bite-sized conversation from the National Direct Instruction Conference and Institutes, the team from Athena Trust joins us from across the pond to share how DI Math is making a measurable impact for their students in the UK. With a focus on precision, growth, and implementation integrity, they offer a global lens on what’s possible when schools commit to high-fidelity Direct Instruction.

Tamara Bressi, Implementation Manager
National Institute for Direct Instruction, Oregon

In this reflective conversation from the National Direct Instruction Conference and Institutes, longtime NIFDI Implementation Manager Tamara Bressi looks back on a career spent supporting schools and shaping success through Direct Instruction. With years of field experience, countless classrooms, and a deep belief in the model, Tamara shares what’s made the work so meaningful — and why it’s bittersweet to say goodbye.

Tyann Robertson, Teacher
Bug O Nay Ge Shig School, Minnesota

In this energizing conversation from the National Direct Instruction Conference and Institutes, Tyann Robertson shares what it’s like to dive into Direct Instruction for the first time — and love it. New to the programs but already seeing promise with Corrective Reading, Tyann reflects on how quickly she’s caught the DI bug and why she’s excited to keep learning and growing.

Melanie Helle, Director of Title/LAP
Bethel School District, Washington

In this mini-episode, Melanie Helle shares how Direct Instruction supports her district’s mission to serve students who need it most.

Bryce Kennedy, Teacher
Mastery Schools Australia

In this mini-episode, Bryce Kennedy shares how his team is building a school model around the consistent, high-fidelity use of Direct Instruction. From student growth to staff development, Bryce offers an international perspective on what’s possible when DI isn’t just a program — it’s the foundation.

Kimberly Flynn, Assistant SENCO and DI Lead
Heath Lane Academy, England

In this mini-episode, Kimberly Flynn — a veteran Direct Instruction practitioner from England — reflects on her many years attending the NIFDI Conference and applying DI with consistency and care. With international experience and deep classroom expertise, Kimberly shares what keeps her coming back to DI and why the community and support make all the difference.

Morgan Hay, Teacher
Baltimore Curriculum Project (BCP), Maryland

In this mini-episode, Morgan Hay of the Baltimore Curriculum Project offers a behind-the-scenes look at a network that’s been using Direct Instruction for decades. She shares how the family-like ethos of the organization drives deep commitment to students, staff, and fidelity of implementation — and why DI remains central to their success story.

Kurt Engelmann, President and CEO
National Institute for Direct Instruction, Oregon

In this mini-episode, Kurt Engelmann offers his closing reflections on another incredible NIFDI Conference. From celebrating the global DI community to reaffirming the mission of high-fidelity implementation, Kurt shares a message of gratitude, clarity, and continued commitment to the work ahead.