Contact Shelly - swilfong@matteringk12.com
Embedded Files
About Me
About Me
I’m an educator, researcher, and systems-level leader committed to closing the gap between what we know and what we do in schools. Through Learn. Teach. Lead., I translate research into practical tools, short-cycle improvement strategies, and leadership insights that help educators create conditions where teachers and students truly matter.
At the heart of my work is the belief that mattering is not a mindset—it’s a system. When educators feel seen, supported, and valued, students benefit. I focus on short, intentional 90-day improvement cycles that turn research into action—helping schools move beyond initiatives and toward disciplined practice. By translating high-quality research into clear priorities, practical tools, and manageable next steps, I support leaders and educators in making meaningful change that is measurable, sustainable, and centered on what matters most.
If you’re ready to turn research into practice and lead improvement that truly matters, explore the tools, writing, and frameworks shared here—or join the conversation through Learn. Teach. Lead.
Dr. Shelly Wilfong is an educator, researcher, and district-level leader with extensive experience in instructional leadership, improvement science, and data-informed decision-making. She currently serves as an Assistant Superintendent, where she works closely with school leaders and teachers to strengthen instructional practice, support educator growth, and improve outcomes for students.
Her work focuses on bridging the gap between educational research and day-to-day practice in schools. With a deep commitment to educator mattering, Dr. Wilfong emphasizes short-cycle improvement through 90-day planning, helping schools move from broad initiatives to focused, actionable priorities. She has led district-wide efforts in literacy and instructional improvement, professional learning design, and systems-level change, always centering the belief that when teachers matter, students thrive.
Through Learn. Teach. Lead., Dr. Wilfong shares research-informed insights, practical tools, and leadership frameworks designed to support educators at every level. Her writing and resources are grounded in real-world experience and aimed at making improvement work clear, manageable, and meaningful.
EDUCATION
Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, Indiana State University, 2021.
Dissertation: The foundational elements of mattering for K-12 teachers. (Chair: Ryan Donlan).
M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, Indiana Wesleyan University, 1998.
B.S. in History, Huntington University, 1994.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Assistant Superintendent, Wawasee Community School Corporation, 2021-present.
Adjunct Professor, Indiana State University (Departments of Educational Leadership and Teaching and Learning), 2022.
Chief Analytics Officer, Warsaw Community Schools, 2017-2021.
Assistant Principal, Middlebury Community Schools, 2013-2017.
Teacher (and other responsibilities), Goshen Community Schools, 1994-2013.
Adjunct Professor, Goshen College, 2009-2013.
PUBLICATIONS
Books
Wilfong, S., Donlan, R. (2024). Ensuring teachers matter: Where to focus first so students matter most. Solution Tree.
Articles and chapters
Wilfong, S. (2026, March). Why every school leader should teach again. School Administrator, 13.
Wilfong, S., & Donlan, R. (2021, November 1). How mattering matters for educators. Educational Leadership, 79(3), 51-56. https://www.ascd.org/el/articles/how-mattering-matters-for-educators
Wilfong, S. (2021). Monitoring student groups: Identifying and addressing achievement gaps. In Increasing equity and empowering change playbook (pp. 22-24). Illuminate Education.
Wilfong, S. (2006). Using data to assist with instruction and school decision making. In J. Kirkton & P. Lederach (Eds.), Building a school of one: One school's journey (pp. 99-102).
Blog
Wilfong, S. (2025-present). Learn. Teach. Lead. [Newsletter]. Substack. https://swilfong.substack.com/
CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS
Wilfong, S. (2025). Empowered educators, thriving students: Strategies for teacher support and impact [Conference presentation]. Indiana Summer of Learning (KINLcon, Noblesville, IN; South Shore Summer of Learning, Chesterton, IN).
Troyer, S., & Wilfong, S. (2023). Stopping the whack-a-mole: Using a community engagement process for meaningful change [Conference presentation]. Indiana School Boards Association State Conference, Indianapolis, IN.
Wilfong, S. (2023). Ensuring teachers matter [Conference presentation]. Title Con 23, Indiana Department of Education, Indianapolis, IN.
Wilfong, S., & Donlan, R. (2021). Why mattering matters: What teachers need from other adults to survive and thrive in the classroom [Conference presentation]. Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP), Indianapolis, IN.
Wilfong, S. (2020). The head and heart of data [Webinar]. Disrupt the Prediction, Illuminate Webinar Series.
Wilfong, S. (2010). Using open-source software to bring technology tools to teachers [Conference presentation]. International Baccalaureate Organization Americas Conference, Cancun, Mexico.
Wilfong, S. (2009). Using open-source software to bring technology tools to teachers [Conference presentation]. ASCD Annual Conference, Miami, FL.
MEDIA APPEARANCES
Wilfong, S. (2003, March 6). Analysis: Young people expressing a variety of opinions and concerns about a possible war with Iraq [Radio broadcast]. Talk of the Nation, National Public Radio. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A162136162/SCIC?u=indianastateuniv&sid=SCIC&xid=5b6bc91c
Wilfong, S. (2000). Students and the presidential election [Radio broadcast]. Talk of the Nation, National Public Radio.
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), Certification in Adolescent and Young Adulthood - Social Studies/History, November 2000.
NCATE/CAEP Board of Examiner/Site Visitor, 2011-2013.
Page updated
Report abuse