Vicki Wilson
Educator - Author - Consultant
Consulting Topics Include:
- Strength-Based Instructional Rounds
- School Closings, Mergers, Transition Plans
- Professional Learning Communities
- School Leadership Mentoring
- Restorative Behavior Approaches
- Student-Centered Learning Environments
ABOUT VICKI
Vicki Wilson is a dedicated educator, author, and education consultant with over 30 years of experience in teaching and administration. Her passion for education, especially adult learning and its impact on student achievement, has driven her career.
Vicki’s expertise spans educator learning, leadership, organizational change, progressive educational practices, and the implementation of best practices to ensure high-quality education for all students. She is an advocate for research-based, innovative approaches to professional development and school improvement.
During her 16-year tenure as a principal, Vicki adeptly managed the complexities of a school closing and merger. She introduced a strength-based approach to instructional rounds, empowering teachers to learn from each other’s strengths. Under her leadership, the school transformed into a student-centered, nationally recognized Model PLC School by Solution Tree, emphasizing collaborative learning for both students and educators.
In 2020, Vicki published "Lead With Instructional Rounds: Creating a Culture of Professional Learning," a Lead Like a Pirate Guidebook with Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc. The book opens with the challenging journey of a school merger and illustrates how a strength-focused approach to instructional rounds unified a divided school, fostered a thriving school culture, and enhanced both individual and collective teacher efficacy.
In 2023, Vicki received the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her commitment to service in education, as well as the Mortgage One National Educator of the Year award.
Currently, Vicki works as an independent consultant, providing professional training and coaching to schools and districts. She specializes in supporting schools through implementing strength-focused instructional rounds, a grassroots approach that empowers school staff to learn and grow together. This ongoing and job embedded approach to professional learning validates and celebrates effective practices, reduces apprehension of peer observations, breaks down isolation of practice, and improves school culture.
Vicki also provides consultation services in navigating change and transitions, managing school mergers, coaching and mentoring school leaders, and supporting teacher teams. In addition to her independent work, Vicki also works as a Solution Tree Associate, offering training in PLCs at Work at RTI at Work.
Scott A Galeski
Associate Speaker
Keynote Speaker
Restorative Mentoring
When it comes to mentoring children who have faced adversity, Scott A. Galeski is someone we should be listening to. His perspective wasn't shaped by theory alone, it was forged through nearly 40 years working with youth and families on the front lines. A retired Lead Investigator for Crimes Against Children with the Downriver Detroit Violent Crimes Task Force, Scott has dedicated his career to juvenile justice, education, coaching, and
youth advocacy. Working with thousands of young people facing trauma, abuse, poverty, chronic absenteeism, and family instability led him to develop Restorative Mentoring, a relationship-first approach built on empathy, accountability, patience, and opportunity. Scott is the founder of the Youth Diversion Program, the Quality Incentive Program, the Downriver Detroit Student Film Consortium, and the DeHoCo Motion Picture Project. Together, these nationally adaptable initiatives provide practical alternatives to punitive discipline while teaching life skills, leadership, communication, responsibility, and purpose. His students have earned international film awards, college scholarships, and life-changing opportunities. Today, thorough his keynotes, presentations, and workshops, Scott shares his proven strategies with educators, juvenile justice professionals, school resource officers, administrators, universities, and youth advocates nationwide. His work combines compelling real-life experiences with practical tools that help professionals build trust, strengthen relationships, and reach the youth society too often gives up on.
