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AIER Mission Statement

The mission of AIER is to develop, nurture and support educational innovation in the Inland Northwest. We seek to create and activate schools and networks to transform teaching and learning practice in our region. In all that we do, there exists a desire to improve the educational experience for students, teachers, parents and for our community. We pursue nothing less than a world-class education for every student in our region and beyond; an education that prepares students and schools for success in the 21st century.

We build, support and help to develop the learning community of tomorrow, today.

Board Members

Mike Poutiatine

Mike has taught and administered schools in the Spokane region since 1991. Mike currently teaches for both Gonzaga University and Whitworth University. In addition, Mike runs a small consulting firm that specializes in school design and development. Mike also serves on the Board of Northwest xTalks, the organization that brings TEDx Spokane to the stage every year.

Charlie Wolff

Charlie Wolff, is COO of Uptic Studios, Inc. Uptic Studios is a leading full-service, Commercial and Residential Architecture and Interior Design Studio. Charlie oversees operations, strategy and new market opportunities. Charlie also serves on the boards of NWX Talks (TEDxSpokane) and The HUB Sports Center. He lives in the Spokane County with his wife and four children.

Darcelina Soloria

Darcelina is the Regional Advocacy and Organizing Manager for Eastern WA with the Washington State Charter Schools Association. Darcelina began organizing families to advocate for K-12 education options in 2015. Since that time, she has continued to support families in leaning about advocacy and developing workshops to help navigate K-12 and post-secondary education opportunities. When she’s not working in advocacy, Darcelina enjoys spending time with her husband and two middle school boys.

Kelly Niccolls

Coming soon...

Debrah Tully

Dr. Debbie Tully has experience as a classroom teacher, special educator, diagnostician, administrator and professor. Currently she serves as associate professor in the Whitworth School of Education, teaching courses in teacher preparation and directing the Masters in Teaching & Learning program. Her academic areas of specialization include special education, co-teaching, elementary education, social emotional learning, character education and student voice.

Eric Jurasin

Eric has spent the majority of his years teaching since 1996 in innovative situations and schools including West Valley City School and Spokane Valley High. He is passionate about helping kids do things that matter and use their minds well. Initially inspired by Deborah Meier's book "The Power of Their Ideas," Eric continues his work as a principal to change systems in order to bring out each student's (and staff's) passion and potential.

Tammie Schrader

Tammie is a passionate advocate for innovative teaching and educational equity. She began her career teaching math, science, and STEM to middle school students, later she became the Regional Science and Computer Science Coordinator at Northeast Washington ESD. In this role, she delivered professional development across 59 districts and championed racial equity in STEM. An adjunct professor, Tammie has developed training on UDL, AI, and game-based learning. Currently, she serves as an AI Guideline Specialist, advancing AI education statewide.

Cleve Penberthy

Cleve ended his  40 year, cross-country career in educational leadership,  serving as a high school Principal in the West Valley School District for his last 18 years. For the past decade Cleve has consulted, volunteered and served on Leadership teams of both School Districts and educational non-profits . Cleve has held adjunct teaching positions in Educational Leadership at both Washington State and Gonzaga University. He is the Founder of Clarifying Conversations-a safe, non-clinical space for adolescents and young adults to explore the futures they deserve.

Eric Sanchez

Eric Sanchez has worked in K-12 education since 2007. He teaches in the West Valley School District at Spokane Valley High School. He has a passion and commitment to project based instruction with goals to strengthen the schools community ties and deepens students' understanding of their civic duty as an informed and engaged citizen.

Kathryn Picanco

Coming soon...

AIER Advisory Group

AIER maintains a strong advisory group that serves to advise, support and help the network with its mission. 

Members 

Michaela Brown
Don Comi
Regan Drew
Brian Dunlap
Chris Francovich
Deb Gore
Moleena Harris

Brenda McDonald
Cindy McMahon
Joelle Neiwert

Lisa Hoxie
Lori Johnson
Paige Albrecht
Matt Green

Project Partners

AIER has partnered with many local and regional organizations to provide our networking events and services.

Including...

Spokane Public Schools

Whitworth University

Community Building Foundation

Washington State Board of Education

Educational Service District 101

Pride Schools

Spokane Valley High School

STAND for Children

Spokane International Academy

On-Track Academy

The Community School

Community Minded Television

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