Expert. Educator. Innovator.

Educators helping districts nationwide improve math instruction.

The Expert Behind the Method

Janel Keating is the recently retired superintendent of the White River School District in the state of Washington. An accomplished educator with over 40 years of experience, she is a former elementary and middle school teacher, principal, director of student learning, deputy superintendent, and superintendent.

The White River School District became a Model PLC District under Janel’s leadership. Mike Mattos shared, “I just finished reviewing the White River School District PLC application. It is the best application I’ve ever reviewed. And I know firsthand that it’s all true. I’ve been there! Rick and Becky DuFour would be so proud and grateful for what Janel and her team have led in White River. They have advanced the bar of what a districtwide PLC can be.”

Janel has been named Principal of the Year in Pierce County, Washington, and received the 2013 Carroll College Alumni Academic Achievement Award. Janel received the 2019 Robert Handy Award for the most effective administrator in Washington State. Janel is past president of the Washington State Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Janel has co-authored five books and numerous articles on leadership and school improvement. She also co-authored (with Robert Eaker) the lead chapter in the 2012 Yearbook of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Janel is currently leading the thinking for the statewide PLC Districtwide Projects in several states, including Washington, Arizona, New York, and the National PLC Project. These projects are ensuring academic achievement districtwide by:

Implementing a guaranteed and viable curriculum
Creating a timely and balanced assessment system districtwide
Removing barriers in the planning process and by providing additional time, support, and extensions for all students
Ensuring more fair and accurate reporting and grading practices districtwide
Building a healthy district and school culture for all students

Daily, Janel works with schools, districts, and boards of directors across the United States to align all practices within the district, improving student learning and adult professional learning.

Award Winning School Administrator

Author

National Speaker and Consultant

Partnered with over 1000 Schools and Districts

Featured Professional Learning

Scott and Molly Curran deepen understanding of operations and embed mathematical properties into instruction through a conceptual approach involving authentic contextual problem-solving.

Grades: K-2

Conceptual Understanding, Contextual Application, and Evidence of Learning

Students with a deep understanding of math understand how to solve problems, what strategies they can use, and can explain the “why” behind their solution. Through intentional instruction that focuses on conceptual understanding, evidence of learning, and problem solving in authentic, real-world contexts, students will achieve at high levels both within and beyond elementary school.

Grades: 3-5

Conceptual Understanding, Contextual Application, and Evidence of Learning

Learn from a Proven Expert

Former K-5 math educators and specialists with proven expertise in curriculum alignment. These educators help districts transform their math programs using HMH, Bridges, Eureka Math, and IXL - moving teachers beyond 'fidelity' to strategic instruction that builds deep mathematical understanding.

Professional Learning That Actually Works

Attend Live or On Demand

Can’t make it live? Each session is recorded and available afterward—learn on your schedule, when it works for you.

Guided by Real Educators

Every webinar is led by seasoned professionals who know the classroom challenges firsthand.

Applicable Across Classrooms

These strategies are designed for both single and multi-grade K–5 classrooms—adaptable for any school size or setting.