VATLL Annual Conference

Katelyn R. Leitner, Ed.D. is an educational leader and founder of Do What’s Best for Kids (DWB4K) LLC, a consultancy grounded in the mission: “Align the work. Elevate the impact.” She is committed to transforming teaching, learning, and leadership systems so that every decision reflects what is best for students. Her work centers on bridging research and practice through the DWB4K Framework: The Aligned Learning Ecosystem, ensuring high-quality learning is not left to chance, but guaranteed for every student.With extensive experience across K–12 education and currently serving as a Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Suffolk Public Schools, Dr. Leitner has led division-wide initiatives impacting thousands of students. Her leadership includes the design and launch of an innovative K–5 laboratory school. She specializes in coaching educators on the 5E instructional model, strengthening Tier 1 instruction, and implementing effective, research-based practices for 21st-century classrooms. Her work focuses on building educator capacity, improving student outcomes, and creating sustainable systems that drive continuous improvement—not short-term change.Dr. Leitner holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies degree from Radford University. She brings a balance of academic expertise and practical, system-level leadership to her consulting work. Recognized as an ASCD Emerging Leader and a Division Educator of the Year, she is also a co-author of STEM Century: It Takes a Village to Raise a 21st-Century Graduate: Suffolk, VA Edition. Dr. Leitner is dedicated to advancing equitable learning environments and equipping educators and leaders with the tools, resources, and systems necessary to prepare students for future success.