Manistee Area Public Schools strengthened its assessment for student growth and mastery — Read their story

Core principles that guide the Beyond Labels work


  • Alignment of beliefs and behaviors
  • Collaboration by all for all
  • Standards-focused planning, instruction, and assessment
  • Tailoring instruction
  • Planning goals and monitoring progress
  • Responding when students haven’t yet learned

Core principles that guide the Yes We Can! work


Alignment of Beliefs and Behaviors to Live ALL Means ALL

Collaboration by ALL for ALL

Standards-Focused Planning, Instruction, and Assessment for ALL

Planning Goals and Monitoring Progress

Tailoring Instruction

Responds When Students Haven’t Yet Learned

Discover PD that brings general and special education together

At Solution Tree, we understand that every student has unique needs. Our professional development services are designed to promote collaboration among general and special education teachers as well as school leaders and support staff and to provide tailored support that meets the diverse needs of students, including those with disabilities. Whether you're an educator or school administrator, our comprehensive solutions ensure that each child receives the attention and resources they need to thrive academically and socially.

Customize your professional development

Contact us today to learn more about how Beyond Labels PD can benefit your school or district, and customize your continual professional learning to your students’ distinctive needs.

  • Workshops and seminars: Our interactive sessions cover the latest instructive methodologies and strategies to improve outcomes for all students, including the important 2-Day Workshop Yes We Can! An Unprecedented Opportunity to Improve Special Education Outcomes.
  • Expert support: Collaborate with renowned education professionals who bring years of experience and specialized training.
  • Innovative resources: Access print and eBook resources that enhance learning and engagement for all students, including those with special needs.
  • Inclusive strategies: Implement inclusive classroom practices that foster a student learning environment where all Means all.

Meet the Beyond Labels PD experts

Jeanne Spiller

Jeanne Spiller

Jeanne Spiller

With over 30 years of experience in K–12 education, author and education expert Jeanne Spiller is an associate with Solution Tree, supporting schools and districts through workshops, coaching, and collaborative initiatives to enhance instruction, foster innovation, and promote equity.

Julie A. Schmidt

Julie A. Schmidt

Julie A. Schmidt

Julie A. Schmidt has served as a school psychologist, Director of Student Services, Associate Superintendent of Student Services, and recently retired from Kildeer Countryside CCSD 96 in Illinois after serving as Superintendent of Schools for 13 years. The district began its professional learning communities (PLC) journey nearly 25 years ago, and all seven schools have been recognized as Model PLC at Work® schools. She is passionate about ensuring ALL students have an opportunity to thrive and reach their goals.

Heather Friziellie

Heather Friziellie

Heather Friziellie

Heather serves as the superintendent of schools in Fox Lake District 114 in the northern Illinois suburbs. Her work focuses on ensuring learning for ALL in schools.

Drive learning that goes beyond labels

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