Dr. John L. Barone, Sr., Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent, Retired
Seattle, WA
802-324-2008
jbaronesr@gmail.com
To Whom It May Concern:
It is a pleasure and an honor for me to write this letter of recommendation on behalf of Phyl Macomber. I have known and worked closely with Phyl for ten years. As a former teacher, building Principal, Director of Curriculum, Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent, I believe that I can discuss Phyl’s exceptional qualifications and contributions to improving instruction for all students.
I first met Phyl ten years ago as I began my tenure as the Director of Curriculum and Co Principal at the Blue Mountain School in Wells River, Vermont. The Blue Mountain School is a Pre-Kindergarten through twelfth grade school located in Wells River, Vermont and is part of the Orange East Supervisory Union. In my first year at the school, I, along with the other members of the school’s Leadership Team (the Elementary Principal, Assistant Principal, Director of Student Services, and Superintendent), determined that there was a primary instructional issue across all grades after we completed a comprehensive review of the school’s student performance data, along with coordinated walk-through observations data.
In addition to the student performance data and walk-through observation data, at the time, better than forty percent of the student population at the primary elementary grade level qualified for Tier Two Intervention services. It was at the primary elementary level we decided to concentrate our efforts. The Assistant Principal at the time had worked with Phyl in another school system. She reached out to Phyl, arranged a meeting between Phyl and our team, and from there we established a valuable working relationship.
It did not take Phyl long to support our findings. For the first year of work, Phyl focused on building positive relationships with the teachers – one of her many strengths, at the primary elementary level: observing classes, attending team planning meetings and offering exceptional professional development opportunities. Phyl introduced easy and practical strategies to engage all students in the general education classroom; mainly focusing on the four key areas of
differentiated instruction and meaningful engagement strategies. She also attended our Leadership Team meetings where we spent the year continuing our review of on-going student performance data and walk-through observation data.
The following summer, Phyl expertly worked with the school’s Leadership Team to help us refine our School Improvement Plan to focus on improving Tier One instruction in all classrooms. As a result of this work, the elementary principal and I, along with Phyl, changed the format of our monthly staff meetings from the traditional stand-and-deliver of information to on going professional development focusing on high-leverage instructional strategies to be used in all classrooms and across all grade levels. Throughout this second school year, Phyl continued to deliver high-quality professional development to all staff. Additionally, she worked with the elementary principal and I to refocus our walk-through observations to collect data and give feedback on the implementation of the learned strategies.
In our third year of work with Phyl, again using staff meetings for professional development, Phyl, the elementary principal and I facilitated engaging professional development with the instructional staff, focusing on defining high-quality Tier One Instruction. As a result of this work, the staff developed an agreed upon definition of Tier One Instruction and established Tier One Non-Negotiable Instructional Practices which were implemented in all classrooms. Phyl, the elementary principal and I then refined our Walk-Through Observation Template to reflect this work.
I will state unequivocally that Phyl’s work with the staff and administration at the Blue Mountain School was transformative.
As a result of this focused and goal-oriented work, our school saw the following from our work with Phyl Macomber:
• an annual increase in student performance data
• an improvement in student attendance
• a decrease in disciplinary incidents (especially at the primary elementary level) and,
• a revitalization in the staff
We embedded Phyl’s work into our five-year School Improvement Plan. When I moved into the position of Assistant Superintendent for the Orange East Supervisory Union, I used this work with Phyl as a model and shared it with the various principals and their leadership teams across the supervisory union.
In addition to her expertise in her deep knowledge of high-quality Tier One Instruction, Phyl understands adults as learners. She builds strong collaborative relationships. Phyl approaches her work offering support and ideas, not judgement and blame.
I have seen firsthand how truly transformative Phyl’s work can be and I recommend her to you without hesitation. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions or require any additional information.
Sincerely,
Dr. John L. Barone, Sr., Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent, Retired
It is with great enthusiasm that I write this letter of reference for Phyl Macomber, an inspiring leader, mentor, and innovator in the field of education. Phyl brings a powerful combination of expertise, “boots-on-the-ground” experience, and practical insight to her work, particularly in the areas of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Executive Functioning: two critical components in helping all students learn and achieve their personal best!
Phyl’s impact on our collaborative staff has been both meaningful and lasting. Through her dynamic and engaging workshops, Phyl effectively equipped our staff with inclusive practices and actionable, research-based strategies that support student engagement and emotional regulation.
Phyl’s ability to connect with staff across all roles and levels is truly exceptional. Phyl empowers teams to feel confident, capable, and motivated to implement new practices – fostering a culture rooted in collaboration, shared responsibility, and continuous growth.
One of the most valuable series of workshops Phyl facilitated focused on the importance of explicitly teaching executive functioning skills. Each class session emphasized the importance of consistency, predictability, and intentional instruction as foundational elements in teaching students the eight key executive functions. The research-based instructional strategies she shared were refreshingly clear, highly adaptable, and immediately usable across grade levels and learning environments.
What stood out even more was how Phyl helped staff make the connection between Executive Functioning Skills and the Social Emotional Learning Competency Areas of Self Awareness, Self-Management, and Responsible Decision-Making. This thoughtful and unique integration deepened our understanding of student needs and also strengthened our ability to meet those needs in more intentional and impactful ways.
Phyl Macomber is a leader who doesn’t just teach others how to build inclusive and supportive learning environments – Phyl lives it.
Phyl’s presence, professionalism, and passion for equity and excellence make her a true catalyst for positive change in education. Any organization would benefit greatly from her wisdom, experience, and unwavering dedication to helping all students and all educators succeed.
Sincerely,
Catherine Giles, M.Ed.
Director of Social Emotional Learning
CREST Collaborative
I am writing this letter to provide my highest recommendation for Phyl Macomber, whom I have had the pleasure of knowing for several years through our mutual involvement in the Gravitas Group, an international collective of thought leaders across various industries.
Throughout our association, Phyl has consistently demonstrated exceptional qualities that set her apart as a true industry leader. Her unwavering commitment to her cause, coupled with her ability to connect with people meaningfully and authentically, has been truly inspiring to witness.
As the Director of Psychology for the Workplace Mental Health Institute, I particularly appreciate how Phyl´s work aligns with our mission, and I´ve seen firsthand how her work makes a real difference. The tools and resources she has created serve a dual
purpose: they not only help teachers be more effective in the classroom, but they also reduce stress and anxiety for educators who typically bear a heavy burden in their roles.
This, in turn, creates a ripple effect – when teachers are less stressed and have great resources at their fingertips, they’re naturally able to give more to their students, leading to better experiences and outcomes for all. This completely aligns with what we believe at the WMHI – it’s all about building people up and giving them practical tools to succeed.
Phyl´s deep understanding of her field goes without saying; but what particularly stands out about Phyl is her remarkable ability to articulate her ideas and transform those ideas into action. She is, without question, a “mover and shaker” who consistently delivers on her commitments. Her human-centric approach to leadership, combined with her drive for excellence, has led to numerous achievements, including prestigious industry awards and successful ventures in authorship, podcasting, and television appearances.
Phyl’s consistency in delivery and execution is matched only by her genuine desire to create meaningful impact. Her track record as an author, media personality, and thought leader speaks volumes about her expertise and influence in her field.
Based on my professional interaction with Phyl over many years, I can attest to her exceptional capabilities, integrity, and commitment to excellence. Phyl’s expertise and insights, coupled with her genuine passion for creating positive change, make her an exceptional asset to any organization or initiative fortunate enough to have her involvement.
Sincerely,
Emi Golding
Director of Psychology
Workplace Mental Health Institute
3 Spring Street
Australia NSW 2000 | +61 (2) 8076 7686
To Whom It May Concern:
I have been asked to write a letter of reference for Mrs. Phyl Macomber. I am more than happy to do so. I have known Mrs. Macomber, or Phyl as she prefers, for almost 10 years now. During that time, I have worked with Phyl in multiple capacities. First, as a Special Education Director and currently as a Director of a Special Education Program located within a high school setting.
In my role as a Special Ed. Director, I found Phyl to be thoroughly professional. Her interactions and communications with me were clear, personable and most importantly relevant. What I mean by this is that Phyl was able to quickly and concisely demonstrate how her services as a consultant can not only support the students of our district, but also the staff and support staff who work with our students. Over the years, I have contracted with Phyl for services to students and IEP teams at both the middle and high school levels. I have also contracted with Phyl for staff PD around executive functioning (EF) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). These services have been of great support to all who have used them.
In my current role, as the Director or Principal of an Intensive Special Needs program located within a high school, Phyl has been an invaluable resource for what we provide to our students and staff. During our time together, Phyl has provided training for support staff on EF and UDL strategies that they can use when working with students every day.
For teachers, Phyl has provided the same strategies, but has gone even further. Phyl has helped us and taught us how to strategically plan curriculum to incorporate the
Common Core Standards and grade-based proficiencies into learning plans. Learning plans are an overview of learning that takes place for students. These learning plans are based on Phyl’s Four Pillars of Intentional Instruction: UDL, differentiated instruction, social and emotional learning, and executive functioning.
Within these learning plans are teachers lesson plans. In our program, which is a life skills intensive needs program, the lessons are tied to the Four Quadrants of Life Skills: Domestic Living, Vocational Training, Community Living, and Leisure and Recreation. Phyl trained our teachers to focus on the following in each quadrant for each lesson plan:
• Learn About: The Language Strand
• Read About: The Reading Strand
• Write About: The Writing Strand
• Talk About: The Speaking and Listening Strand
If one addresses those pieces within each quadrant, the end result is a well thought out lesson plan. These learning plans and lesson plans based on the above pieces have been invaluable in that it has helped our teachers be more clear on what they are teaching and how it connects to common core standards and grade based proficiency standards. As a staff, we had struggled with this for many years. This work has finally helped provide us with what we needed to move forward.
In summary, Phyl’s collaboration, support and leadership has been invaluable to my staff and I. She has impacted so many students and staff in such a positive way, both personally and professionally. I highly recommend Phyl to any educator or administrator who needs assistance with strategic curriculum planning, as well as support for students who struggle with EF and UDL deficiencies.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any follow up questions you may have. I can be reached at kryan@ssdvt.org or at 802-885-7906.
Sincerely,
Kelly E. Ryan, Occupational Program Director
To Whom It May Concern:
I had the pleasure of meeting Phyl Macomber during our summer administrative leadership retreat and I knew immediately that I was in the presence of an incredibly talented and unique educator. Phyl was tasked to work with a new group of leaders and facilitated an activity that allowed a safe space for everyone to share their “why” with colleagues.
As we sat in a circle, I witnessed my colleagues open up about why they went into education in the first place, some becoming emotional as they talked. This is the magic of Phyl: she creates an environment where people feel welcome and therefore willing to share powerful and personal things without hesitation. That activity set the tone for our group of leaders as we embarked on a new school year.
Based on this experience over the summer, I was excited to bring Phyl into my elementary school to lead a similar activity for my staff, many of whom were new to the building. Again, through her clear and warm facilitation, Phyl united a staff of 60 and had everyone sharing meaningful ideas and memories with one another. In addition to her inviting style of facilitation, Phyl also has an energy that is both motivational and inspiring. Simply put, it’s fun to be in the same room as Phyl Macomber.
For the remainder of the year, Phyl visited my school, met with teachers, and modeled lessons in classrooms. In terms of pedagogy and instructional best practice, Phyl knows her stuff. I sat in on a 4th grade writing lesson where Phyl engaged all students with the pre writing/brainstorming part of the writing process. Again, I noticed Phyl’s clarity in delivery and palpable energy, pulling all students into the lesson with a variety of proven strategies. Phyl was able to get this group of 4th graders to participate eagerly about topics that were interesting and relevant to them.
We empower capable cosmopolitans who are ready and motivated to improve their community and engage with the world.
As an instructional leader, Phyl has taught me about education technology devices and her Four Pillars of Intentional Instruction. She provides teachers and administrators with tangible tools to improve instruction in the classroom in a way that’s collaborative and non threatening.
In short, Phyl Macomber is one of the most impressive educators I’ve met in my 25 years in the field of education and I recommend her for any role to which she applies.
Sincerely,
David Cohn
Principal, Union Street Elementary School
Our gratitude for the work Phyl Macomber, International Education Specialist and Recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, has done for our program.
I am writing to express strong support for Phyl’s ongoing leadership in advancing inclusive practices within our Tier 3 program. Her work has provided a critical and timely framework for inclusive teaching-one that centers on strategic curriculum planning through the lens of the 4 quadrants of life skills, and the development of instructional models that honor the process of learning for all students.
Phyl is not only a thought leader in this space, but also the creator and author of T.H.E. P.A.C.T., a powerful framework that transforms Universal Design for Learning (UDL) theory into actionable, high-impact strategies. Her ability to consult with and train educators has been instrumental in shifting mindsets and practices district-wide. She brings clarity and relevance to complex teaching challenges, and helps staff implement sustainable strategies that work for every learner.
At the core of her work is the belief that all education is special education. Her strategic use of the 4 quadrants of life skills (functional academics, daily living skills, communication, and social/emotional learning) ensures that instruction is aligned not just with academic standards, but with real-world application. This process allows educators to design lessons that are inclusive from the start-maximizing learning outcomes for both students with disabilities and their non-disabled peers.
What distinguishes Phyl’s leadership is her ability to:
Guide schools through curriculum planning that is inclusive, integrated, and grounded in life skills;
• Support instructional teams through embedded coaching and collaborative PLC models; Train educators in the practical application of T.H.E. P.A.C.T., using real classroom examples that are relevant and manageable;
Provide research-based strategies that elevate, rather than water down, instruction for all learners.
Feedback from staff has been positive. Teachers report renewed excitement and confidence, noting that they can see the immediate impact of these strategies in their classrooms. The ability to “PACT-ify” existing curriculum has proven both empowering and effective-demonstrating that good teaching for students with intensive needs is good teaching for everyone.
Clackamas Education Service District | 503-675-4000 | clackesd.org |13455 SE 97th Ave., Clackamas, OR 97015
As we move into the next phase of implementation, Phyl’s continued leadership will be essential. We are planning to introduce a Program Assessment Tool that will help ensure consistent expectations and outcomes across the program, further reinforcing the value and rigor of this work.
In short, Phyl’s contributions are reshaping what inclusive education looks like. Her leadership, both in vision and execution, is making a measurable difference. We fully support her continued involvement and the expansion of this work in year two and beyond.
Sincerely,
Teresa Copeland
Teresa Copeland
Assistant Special Education Director
Clackamas Education District/Life Education Enrichment Program
To the organisation blessed to have Phyl Macomber:
As co-founder of Leave No Girl Behind International, my non-profit based in South Africa and empowering young women globally through leadership programs, I have been blessed to have Phyl Macomber on our Board of Directors. My sister and I founded this organisation in 2012 and, since 2016, Phyl has supported us in countless ways, joining our board in 2018.
Phyl has been instrumental in furthering the work of our organization, as well as developing curriculum and providing workshops and mentorship to our young women. Her gift in engaging with youth, and her understanding of their needs, has made her a special mentor.
Phyl is able to engage with any child of any background and connect with who they are, helping them rise into their potential in a safe and loving way. She provides a unique take on education and empowers children to learn, engage, develop leadership, and grow into autonomous, independent, and beneficial contributors to our world.
At every board meeting, Phyl Macomber brings beautiful nuggets and learning, both in furthering the work of our organisation, as well as to the individuals that comprise the board. Phyl is able to take complex and undefined ideas, help clarify our vision, and break it down into tangible action steps. Board members leave with clear direction and next steps forward. Phyl has been a speaker at our annual Bubbles Beyond Borders events each year. She has also provided high-quality empowerment workshops in our Young Women’s Global Leadership Network and Power Circles, along with helping develop our Mighty Warrior Workshop using her researched-based teaching framework, T.H.E. P.A.C.T. Phyl remains a mentor to our young women who seek her wisdom and are continually impacted by her teachings.
When Phyl believes in an organisation, its leadership and work, she is an ardent advocate and champion of the organisation. She holds sacred the integrity and vision of the organisation, helping them to move forward in their chosen direction and mission.
If you are blessed enough to be working with Phyl, soak it all up! Phyl brings unconstrained joy, fun, and possibility to every project, and is definitely an asset to any organisation or school.
Sincerely,
Shameema Patel
Co-Founder, Leave No Girl Behind International
https://www.leavenogirlbehind.org/
Email: info@leavenogirlbehind.org
Tel: +27 72 271 4040
Erin Carroll Lynch, M.A. CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
I have had the extreme pleasure of collaborating with Phyl Macomber, award winning speaker and Amazon #1 bestselling author, since 2014 to the present day in the SpringField School District. Phyl is an internationally recognized educational consultant who helps support and teach a diverse range of students, educational teams, administrators, and parents across numerous settings and environments both academically and socially.
Phyl’s career began as a speech-language pathologist in 1988 at Johns Hopkins’s Kennedy-Krieger Institute, specializing in working with children with special needs, dyslexia, varying learning disabilities, and neurodivergent proFiles. Phyl then brought her therapy approaches into classrooms when she moved to New England, teaching educators how to provide meaningful inclusion for students with varying communication disorders and disabilities.
Phyl Macomber, however, did not want to stop there in her contributions. In 2010, Phyl created a research-based teaching framework called T.H.E. P.A.C.T., which stands for Technology Helps Easy and Practical Accessible Curriculum Teaching and authored her First book, The Power of T.H.E. P.A.C.T. This teaching system is organized into four simple modules to teach anything to anyone of any ability: Learn About, Read About, Write About, and Talk About and is aligned to the key components of educational standards.
I know Firsthand how effective this is for student success because I have adopted it into my therapy practice. In my work with Phyl, we have created step-by-step lessons and in-depth curriculum materials for teaching social communication skills in small groups and larger classroom settings. With Phyl’s expert guidance, we have explicitly taught lessons related to improving social and emotional learning competencies and key executive functioning skills with high engagement. Phyl is well-versed in all of these topics and is a valuable resource: She has many tools and visuals supports to share with teaching staff, myself included, about these topics to save us time, and models each and every lesson she recommends.
Phyl is a kind, compassionate, and creative leader. Her work is very methodical, organized, and committed. Phyl approaches people with honesty, openness, and Flexibility. She collaborates so well with others and can shape many ideas from educators into one
goal or idea that makes sense. Phyl consistently shows that she is willing to put in tremendous effort to any relationship, lesson, or activity. She literally can create a lesson out of mostly anything and it is always engaging and fun!
Phyl Macomber’s continued passion for helping others resulted in her second book, Every Child Can Learn: Your Roadmap to Inclusive Education, which is an Amazon #1 bestseller in eight educational categories. As an extension to this book, Phyl’s podcast, Every Child Can Learn, is a resource for a variety of topics in education, including UDL strategies for teachers, differentiate instruction ideas for special educators, life skills curriculum planning, how to teach social communication, lessons for building executive functioning skills, and meaningful inclusion. Her guests are teachers, special educators, speech-language pathologists, parents, administrators, authors, and various other professionals in educational leadership. Phyl Macomber is a true delight to collaborate with and observe, as she possesses vital ideas to meet learners where they are at and make them excel far beyond what they think they can achieve. Phyl makes teachers and administrators feel empowered to do their jobs more effectively.
Sincerely,
Erin Carroll, M.A. CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
I am co-founder of Leave No Girl Behind International, a South African-based non-profit, empowering girls worldwide through leadership programs. I had the pleasure of meeting Phyl Macomber in 2016 at a Mastermind gathering for our Global Sisterhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
When Phyl learned about Leave No Girl Behind International, she immediately volunteered her expertise. Phyl has tirelessly supported us through the years in many capacities, upholding our organisation’s mission, vision, and values – for which I am deeply grateful.
Phyl Macomber has been on our Board of Directors since 2018. Phyl is one hundred percent committed, always present at every meeting, and spreading the word about our organisation and programs on an international level.
Phyl has also contributed to our programs through helping us develop meaningful curriculum and outlined that curriculum into a template that best serves the young women we empower. Every year, Phyl has also been a speaker at and advocate for the Bubbles Beyond Borders Global Campaign in support of female empowerment for peace.
Phyl is an excellent teacher and has given workshops serving our Power Circle program, the LNGBI School of Leadership and our Young Women’s Global Leadership Network. I describe her as a “teacher of teachers” since all stakeholders in our organisation – Advisory Board members, educators and parents – have significantly benefitted from her sound advice, practical ideas, and innovative teaching models, which enable us to develop our own skills and gifts as we give to young women around the world.
It warms my heart to see many of our young women from past programs keeping in touch with Phyl. She is so generous with her time, very approachable, and a wise mentor. This is a prime example of how Phyl goes above and beyond the realms of our organisation to give from a space of Love.
I feel blessed to have the gift of all that Phyl Macomber brings to our collective table – she is an asset to any organisation she serves.
Haseena Patel
Co-Founder
Leave No Girl Behind International
https://www.leavenogirlbehind.org/
Email: info@leavenogirlbehind.org Tel: +27 72 271 4040
CATHERINE WOODS, M.Ed., C.A.G.S., A.B.D.
Director of Student Services
State of New Hampshire
Cathylr219@gmail.com
603.464.9406
It is truly an honor to write this letter of recommendation for Phyl Macomber, M.S., ATP, Amazon #1 Bestselling Author, Award-Winning Speaker, and International Education Specialist. I have enjoyed knowing and working with Phyl since 2005 in nine school districts across three of my director positions. Through her leadership, practical and easy-to-implement intentional instructional strategies, provision of professional development, coaching and mentoring, diagnostics, and strategic planning, Phyl Macomber has improved the lives of thousands of students, with disabilities and those without. Phyl excels at helping professionals provide high-quality instruction to all students in a sustainable manner across the globe.
Phyl Macomber is a bestselling author of two books – Every Child Can Learn: Your Roadmap to Inclusive Education and The Power of T.H.E. P.A.C.T. Phyl’s research-based teaching strategies have become internationally renowned, published in worldwide education publications and successfully used across North America, in parts of Australia, Europe, Saudi Arabia, and various countries in Africa.
In addition, Phyl has created the framework of The Four Pillars of Intentional Instruction: Universal Design for Learning, Differentiated Instruction, Social Emotional Learning, and Executive Functioning Skills, teaching educators internationally how to easily incorporate each of these key components into everyday lessons to elevate instruction. In her “boots-on-the-ground” consultation with countless school districts, teaching staff learn firsthand how to design instruction to reach all students with simple, effective, and efficient implementation strategies in any classroom. Staff receive step-by-step lessons from Phyl to expand their students’ social and emotional learning skills, while explicitly teaching key executive functions.
Phyl is excellent at teaching teams how to set up strategic curriculum planning that is relevant. Leading through collaboration, Phyl is a master at breaking down curriculum and creating step-by-step lessons to teach that curriculum. She consistently models any recommendation she makes, along with teaching intentional instructional practices. Staff significantly benefit from her coaching and mentoring related to curriculum planning and instruction by working side-by-side with Phyl. I have seen year after year how teaching staff gain sustainable knowledge creating effective curriculum, using efficient planning strategies to benefit students they have in class now and those they will have in the future.
Phyl Macomber provides research-based and cutting-edge professional development in a variety of ways. Phyl teaches both in-person and live virtual professional development seminars of all lengths. In addition, she offers a growing library of recorded seminars. Phyl’s podcast, Every Child Can Learn, provides professional development on important education
topics in 30 to 45-minute digestible segments. Her wisdom is also shared through her Roundtable Training Discussions and Mastermind groups. In these settings, staff members work with Phyl and other group members to discuss creative ways of implementing the strategies and lessons developed, as well as problem-solving situations that present themselves within the classroom or schools, while growing their professional network.
Another valuable way that Phyl helps districts and schools to solve instructional problems is through the use of diagnostics. Phyl has created The Comprehensive Instructional Assessment (C.I.A.) through which she outlines the student’s current performance level, provides numerous learning targets that can be used to write I.E.P.s and 504 plans, and summarizes the essential instructional strategies to use with a student based on their unique learning language. As part of this assessment, Phyl provides a very comprehensive report, which serves as a multi-year plan, and thoroughly reviews it with the educational team during the post-assessment conference. It is a game changer.
Strategic curriculum planning is also conducted with the district, whether the district’s intended goals are student-based, school-wide, or district-wide. Phyl expertly works with district leaders to create a vision and facilitates the creation of a strategic plan to ensure her work is effective, accountable, and designed to meet the district’s goals. Strategic planning with teaching teams allows the work to have a continuous flow and begins during the summer months continuing regularly throughout the year. This allows for proactive planning, which can lead to “hitting the ground running” action once the students arrive to learn for the year. Strategic planning is a vital part of Phyl’s significant work with a district or school.
Phyl Macomber’s work is invaluable! Phyl assists schools with adopting easy, effective, and deliberate teaching strategies that mold learning environments and teaching into inclusive and intentional learning. Not only does this ensure that all students are succeeding, but that they all experience a sense of belonging. That is the core of Phyl Macomber’s “Phyl-osophy.”
I have seen Phyl Macomber, and her work, grow internationally over the years I have known her. Phyl’s toolkit is expansive. Her knowledge of tested learning and teaching strategies is vast. Not only does Phyl “talk the talk, but she walks the walk.” Phyl is the real deal.
The students and staff, along with the administration, love her and her work! Phyl is a true blessing to the children of our world.
Respectfully submitted,
Catherine Woods, M.Ed., C.A.G.S., A.B.D.
Director of Student Services
The Impact of Outstanding Leadership
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Phyl Macomber, Bestselling Author and Award-Winning Keynote Speaker, as an exceptional leader in the field of education. Phyl is known for her groundbreaking work with educators supporting children with disabilities as the creator of T.H.E. P.A.C.T., a globally impactful research-based curriculum framework. Her dedication to inclusive education and passion for empowering educators and students alike have made Phyl a renowned figure in both special and general education communities around the world.
Phyl Macomber’s journey began with a simple, yet powerful vision: to ensure every child can learn. Phyl listened to the needs of educators struggling to adapt curricular for students with disabilities and built on this, developing a framework that simplifies instruction while enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes. Her work has been internationally adopted and praised for its effectiveness in both special and general education settings.
As a podcast host, Phyl leads the highly acclaimed “Every Child Can Learn” podcast, where she shares practical strategies and insights on simplifying complex educational systems. Her podcast has received rave reviews for its valuable content and engaging discussions on relevant educational topics, such as easy-to-use instructional strategies, social and emotional learning, and engaging neurodivergent students.
Phyl Macomber is also an accomplished trainer and educator. She offers dynamic keynote addresses and customized, cutting-edge breakout sessions that equip educators with actionable strategies for differentiated instruction. People marvel that
they not only leave these sessions inspired, but also empowered. Phyl’s step-by-step training programs are designed to be practical and immediately applicable, focusing on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to ensure all students have access to curriculum without needing retrofitted accommodations.
Phyl’s leadership style is characterized by humility, generosity, and a genuine commitment to helping others grow. In building leaders, Phyl’s approach emphasizes collaboration and empowerment. She has expanded her professional development support to include mentoring and coaching across various educational disciplines: administrators, general education teachers, special education, speech-language therapy, specialized consultants, and homeschooling.
Furthermore, Phyl serves on the Board of Directors for the Leave No Girl Behind International Leadership School in Africa, reflecting her dedication to empowering young girls in leadership principles and building critical social-emotional learning skills. Phyl is tireless is supporting what matters to her.
Despite her growing success, Phyl remains genuine and generous with her time and expertise. She continues to mentor and advise educators, develop new tools, and explore ways to expand the reach of her educational teaching framework and strategies, ensuring its impact grows even further.
Phyl Macomber’s story is one of hope, hard work, and heart—a testament to what can be achieved when passion meets purpose. It’s been an honor to share her journey and witness the incredible difference she continues to make in education worldwide.
Sincerely,
Mai Ling Chan, CCC-SLP
Exceptional Leaders Network
To Whom It May Concern:
It is both an honor and a privilege to recommend Phyl Macomber, a passionate, dynamic, and visionary professional with whom I have had the joy of learning from and collaborating with over the past 25 years. I have known Phyl through many lenses – first as a parent, then as a special educator, and most recently as a guest on her podcast. In each of these roles, I have witnessed her unwavering commitment to students, families, colleagues, and the broader mission of making a difference in life outcomes for kids with high support needs.
From a personal standpoint as a parent, Phyl played an instrumental role in supporting both me and my daughter, who has Down syndrome. During my daughter’s early elementary years, she faced significant behavioral challenges mainly attributed to her speech-language impairment and being misunderstood. Phyl was not only a source of expertise but also of hope. She listened deeply to my concerns, provided insightful guidance, and took swift, meaningful action. She became a vital member of my daughter’s educational team – conducting evaluations, offering recommendations in communication and assistive technology, training staff across district, county, and state levels, and serving as a trusted consultant in her role as an Assistive Technology – Communication Specialist.
As a special educator, I’ve had the privilege of participating in numerous professional development opportunities led by Phyl, including trainings on Behavior and Communication, Intellitools Classroom Suite, T.H.E. P.A.C.T. Course, and her 2-Day Intensive Lab. Her instruction has been transformative for my practice.
Through her systems-based approach, particularly T.H.E. P.A.C.T., and her guidance with assistive technology tools like the Talking Pen, I’ve been able to teach and assess students with significant needs more effectively and with greater joy. Phyl has been a role model for my career, blending technical expertise with empathy and creativity. Over time, I have watched a meaningful and joyful relationship flourish between Phyl and my daughter, grounded in mutual respect, authentic communication, and playfulness.
More recently, as the founder of Mosaic Pathways – a school for students with autism – I had the honor of being a guest on Phyl’s podcast, Every Child Can Learn. We revisited our journey through the public education system, highlighting the persistent misunderstandings around non or minimally speaking students. Phyl helped me navigate the most critical barriers: the compliance-based approach to behavior, curriculum modifications, implementation of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), sensory and regulatory supports, and the importance of predictability. These challenges still exist today, and it was my desire to address them – largely inspired by Phyl’s influence – that led me to create an inclusive school environment where the whole child is truly seen and supported.
Reflecting on all that Phyl embodies, I see a woman of unmatched passion, unwavering dedication, and creative brilliance. Her heart is fully committed – to her family, her students, their families, and her colleagues. She has made it a point to build meaningful partnerships with school staff, administrators, and leadership teams.
Phyl’s support extended beyond the classroom walls; she often joined students in community activities during her personal time. One example close to my heart was her attendance at the Vermont Down Syndrome Buddy Walk, an event I organized annually, to cheer on my daughter and others from across the state.
Phyl’s innovative spirit sets her apart. She has a rare ability to develop accessible solutions that promote inclusive learning and participation for all students. Her systems-based approach not only empowers educators to adapt curricula effectively but also helps ensure student learning is both meaningful and measurable. Through her modeling and mentoring, Phyl has helped countless educators build the confidence and skill needed to meet their students where they are.
In closing, it is without hesitation and with the utmost respect that I offer my highest recommendation for Phyl Macomber. Her vision for inclusive education, her compassion, and her problem-solving brilliance are unmatched.
Phyl Macomber is a trailblazer and a changemaker whose influence reaches far beyond the classroom. I am confident that wherever her journey takes her, Phyl Macomber will continue to uplift others and lead with authenticity, heart, and purpose.
Sincerely,
Tammy C. Fenster
Tammy C. Fenster
Founder, Mosaic Pathways
Parent, Special Educator
It is with great enthusiasm and confidence that I share successes and highlights from a partnership for inclusion. I have had the privilege of collaborating with Phyl Macomber, M.S., ATP—an internationally respected Education Specialist and founder of Every Child Can Learn, for more than a decade.
This began during our shared time at the Special School District of St. Louis County when Phyl, over the course of a few years, trained our leadership team in Missouri. It then continued seamlessly after I transitioned to my role as Coordinator of the Oregon Technology Access Program (OTAP) in 2016.
Throughout our professional partnership, Phyl has consistently demonstrated a visionary approach to inclusive education and an unwavering commitment to empowering educators and learners alike. Phyl authored T.H.E. P.A.C.T.™ framework in 2010 as a clear, practical 4-step roadmap for inclusive instruction. It has served as the foundation for numerous initiatives we have led together in the state of Oregon to transform educational practices for students of all abilities.
OTAP’s collaboration with Phyl has spanned a wide variety of impactful projects and events, including:
• Phyl delivering numerous in-person and virtual statewide trainings based on the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and T.H.E. P.A.C.T.: The 4-Step Roadmap to Reach & Teach Students of All Abilities.
• Phyl delighting the audience as our keynote speaker at the OTAP annual statewide conference in Salem, Oregon.
• Phyl, as an Ambassador for Energime University in Manhattan, inviting me as the Coordinator of OTAP, to co-present a session with her in a university training series to promote sustainable education practices worldwide.
Phyl worked with OTAP to host and teach a Universal Design for Learning Webinar Series – with Phyl delivering 15 classes throughout the academic year. This professional development equipped teachers and families across the state of Oregon with actionable Tier 1 strategies. Each of the strategies Phyl presented aligned with her research-based curriculum model and key UDL principles across content areas and grade levels.
Additionally, Phyl facilitated small-group Roundtable Training Discussions titled, “Solving Real Problems and Sharing Real Solutions,” where practitioners statewide engaged in strategic, high-leverage problem-solving sessions led by Phyl. Each of these roundtables were rooted in real-world classroom experiences.
In Phyl’s second bestselling book, Every Child Can Learn: Your Roadmap to Inclusive Education, our partnership continued as Phyl asked me to be a contributing author for a chapter in this book related to UDL — a collaboration that highlights our shared commitment to accessible learning for all.
Phyl’s work is deeply grounded in research-based practices. She has an exceptional ability to translate complex concepts into tangible strategies that educators can implement immediately. Her dedication to promoting inclusive, equitable education environments is both inspiring and transformative.
I wholeheartedly recommend Phyl Macomber as an exceptional educational leader, strategic collaborator, and innovative thought partner. Any organization would be so fortunate to benefit from her expertise, insight, and passion for ensuring that every child truly can learn.
Sincerely,
Debra Fitzgibbons
Coordinator, Oregon Technology Access Program
Lesley McGilligan, M.S. CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist &
Augmentative Communication Specialist
St. Louis, Missouri
It is with great enthusiasm that I write this letter of recommendation for Phyl Macomber, an exceptional educator and leader whose impact extends far beyond the walls of a single classroom. I have had the distinct pleasure of working alongside Phyl in multiple capacities and I can confidently say she exemplifies the kind of innovative, collaborative, and forward-thinking mindset that the field of education desperately needs.
Phyl possesses a rare blend of national presentation skills and deep, practical knowledge—qualities that allow her to effectively communicate complex educational concepts to diverse audiences with clarity and inspiration. In my district, I have personally witnessed her ability to skillfully instruct and implement T.H.E. P.A.C.T. Framework she authored, which has elevated the work of countless teams, ensuring that strategies are not only theoretically sound but practically executable towards better student outcomes.
A creative force, Phyl Macomber brings her voice and insight to broader audiences through her podcast, Every Child Can Learn, where she bridges research and real-world application. Her episodes consistently reflect her passion for equity, instructional excellence, and teacher empowerment. Phyl shares her work in curricular adaptation to help teams better align with inclusive and student-centered outcomes with a focus on intentional instructional quality.
Phyl Macomber is a natural leader. Whether guiding a team through a curriculum review process, coaching peers on best practices, or presenting to international audiences, Phyl leads with authenticity, grace, and a strong vision for what is possible in education. Phyl’s leadership is not only strategic but deeply human—anchored in relationships, curiosity, and a relentless commitment to student success.
In short, Phyl brings value wherever she goes.
Phyl Macomber’s contributions are as practical as they are visionary, and any team, school district, or initiative would be fortunate to have her expertise, presence, and most importantly, heart.
Sincerely,
Lesley McGilligan, M.S. CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist & AAC
Specialist
It is with immense enthusiasm and genuine admiration that I write this letter of reference for the remarkable Phyl Macomber, M.S. ATP. I had the great pleasure of meeting Phyl several years ago through the Gravitas Group, a dynamic initiative led by our shared mentor and world-renowned media guru, Joel D. Roberts. From the moment we connected, Phyl’s radiant passion for inclusive education and authentic leadership shone through—and has only continued to inspire me ever since.
Over the years, Phyl and I have had the joy of collaborating on multiple meaningful projects. Together, we co-hosted five powerful episodes of ECCL TV streamed on e360TV, each one offering parents and educators crucial information they can use to support children’s education. I also had the pleasure of featuring Phyl as a guest on my LYLTalk Podcast, where we had critical conversations around early-leadership development and inclusion she shared her expertise with clarity, compassion, and a magnetic presence. Her insights sparked deep reflection and action among our audience.
Moreover, I’ve had the honor of being a guest on Phyl’s podcast, “Every Child Can Learn, not once but twice. I was struck by her exceptional organization, her deep commitment to her audience, and the warm, engaging environment she creates for her guests. Phyl is a masterful communicator, a consummate professional, and someone who walks the talk of servant leadership in every sense.
Her accolades speak volumes about the impact she has made across the globe: Recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, Amazon #1 Bestselling Author of Every Child Can Learn: Your Roadmap to Inclusive Education, and honoree of the I Am Woman of Inspiration Difference Maker Award. In 2023, she was recognized as one of the Top 100 Women to Know by the RiseHer Network. Phyl is also the brilliant mind behind Make A Difference, Inc. and Practical Assistive Technology Solutions, Inc., where she continues to pave the way for transformative change in education.
What sets Phyl apart, beyond her impressive credentials and achievements, is her unwavering belief that every child should have a true sense of belonging in their classroom, family, and community–and to be valued and add value–is the true meaning of inclusive education. This is the guiding force behind all Phyl does.
It is with full confidence and heartfelt pride that I recommend Phyl Macomber. She is a beacon of hope and change, and any individual or organization fortunate enough to work with her will undoubtedly be better for it.
With sincere admiration,
Lisa Anna Palmer (a.k.a. The VP Coach)
CEO & Founder, Light Your Leadership Inc.
Co-Founder & Co-Chair, Mustakabali Wetu – Our Future NGO
Award-Winning Author of the International Bestselling Book, Light A Fire In Their Hearts: The Truth About Leadership
Creator of the LYLTalk Podcast
To Whom It May Concern:
It is with great pleasure that I write this letter of recommendation for Phyl Macomber. Phyl has consulted in the Occupational Development Program (ODP) housed at Springfield High School since I first began in 2011. We are a collaborative life skills-based program that works with students with intensive needs, and our mission is to make our students as independent as possible in all areas of life. Phyl is a major asset to our program. Phyl works with various students on various needs, including executive functioning, adaptive curriculum, social and emotional learning, and many other areas of a life skills program. Phyl brings enthusiasm and energy to every session we have, and the students and staff love every time we have “Miss Phyl Days,” as we call them in ODP. She joins us for consultation with staff, co-teaches lessons for a variety of classes, co-facilitates speech groups, and works with individual students on executive functioning skills. The activities that we co-plan are always meaningful and always reach every learner in our classrooms. We have taught lessons on a variety of topics, including planning for a trip, vocabulary building and creating novel studies over the four quadrants of life skills.
Personally, Phyl is one of the people I credit with making me into the educator I am today. Without her mentorship and guidance, I would not be who I am today. Phyl brings a common-sense approach to education, and it has helped my practice immensely. She has helped me develop meaningful programs and lessons that reach all of my students. She has encouraged me to continue my education and get my administrative license and move towards administration. I have been and continue to be grateful for the guidance and support from Phyl in my professional and personal life. With that and so much more, I give my unreserved and enthusiastic recommendation of Phyl Macomber.
Sincerely yours,
Jennie L. Shaw, M.Ed