“As a former principal and lifelong educator, I have experienced both the weight and the possibility of leading real change in schools.

Leading for Learning is built from that experience—created to equip fellow leaders with the insight, tools, and partnership needed to build systems where every student can thrive.”

— Joan Schumann, PhD (CEO & Founder of Leading for Learning)

Meet Joan

Educator at Heart | Leadership Coach | MTSS in Action

Dr. Joan Schumann is a passionate, purpose-driven leader with more than two decades of experience building systems that work—for students, families, and the educators who serve them. From classrooms in Salt Lake City to international schools in Singapore and Beijing, and then as a principal in California, Joan’s leadership journey has always centered on one thing: equity through action.

She founded Leading for Learning out of one simple truth: leading schools is incredibly hard—especially when you’re doing it right. Every offering—from leadership coaching to professional learning and MTSS systems support—is built from Joan’s firsthand experience of what it takes to lead meaningful, lasting change. Her work equips school and district leaders with the tools, guidance, and network they need to drive results that truly matter—for students, staff, and communities.

Trusted. Respected. Impactful.

“Dr. Schumann’s leadership has profoundly enhanced each school community I have witnessed her engage with, leaving a lasting and positive impact on the lives of countless students.”
— Dr. Kelly Patrick, University of Utah Reading Clinic
““Joan is an outstanding professional and person. She is driven by a heart full of passion for education and has the expertise to support her gift of creating what is possible.””
— Mr. Kyle Story, School Counselor

    • PhD in Special Education with a focus on PBIS and equity in school discipline, University of Utah

    • MS in Special Education with focus on Early Intervention Services, University of Utah

    • BA in Psychology & Spanish, California State University, Chico

    • Multiple teaching and administrative credentials across WA, CA, UT, and OR

    • CA Superintendent Academy and multiple leadership development programs

    • Taught in general and special education classrooms across grades PreK–8, with a strong focus on multilingual learners and inclusive practices

    • Delivered evidence-based interventions in literacy and behavior, successfully exiting over 80% of students from support services

    • Mentored student teachers and early-career educators; one former mentee named America’s National Teacher of the Year

    • Served as adjunct faculty at the University of Utah and Westminster College, preparing K–12 educators in assessment, instructional design, and culturally responsive practices

    • Principal at an Elementary School in CA, leading district-level MTSS framework development, securing $2.5M in grant funding, and improving student outcomes across key indicators

    • Former Director of Student Support Services and Professional Learning & Instruction, delivering 150+ professional development sessions and system-level MTSS design

    • Led districtwide instructional alignment and leadership coaching initiatives, supporting coherence and collaboration across teams

    • Founder of Leading for Learning, providing coaching, strategic consulting, and professional learning for school and district leaders building inclusive, sustainable systems

    • Founding Organizer: International MTSS Summit (IMS) and RtI for International Schools Summit (RISS)

    • Presenter at state, national, and international conferences (CA-PBIS, APBS, EduTech Asia, CEC, and more)

    • Published in journals and handbooks including The Practical Handbook of School Psychology and Handbook of Positive Behavior Support

    • Recognized for aligning MTSS implementation with areas like absenteeism, SLP services, and family engagement

    • Founding Director, International School Leaders of Educational Support (ISLES) & International MTSS Association (IMA)

What Trusted Colleagues Say About Joan

  • "Joan is one of the most upbeat, intelligent school leaders with whom I've had the privilege to work. A true values-driven leader, unafraid to make hard decisions, she is also incredibly productive and results-oriented without sacrificing a strong focus on relationships, which has made her a beloved and respected leader. "

    Bridget McNamer, Leadership Coach

  • “Joan's warmth, energy, enthusiasm, and passion is contagious. She is one of those rare leaders who has the technical skill to lead K-12 systems efficiently but also the adaptive leadership to deliver results.”

    Dr. Amanda Vanderheyden, Founder of SpringMath and Educational Researcher

  • "At the heart of her mission was always a fundamental duty of care for our students...I miss her, but am grateful for the lasting contributions she has made."

    Paul Swanson, Director of Innovation and Technology

  • “Joan is a transformational, innovative leader. Her instructional leadership leads to improved student outcomes and her boundless energy is contagious."

    Mele Benz, Former Principal and Technical Assistance Provider

  • “I am but one of many who have grown in their skillset by working with [Joan]. I am forever grateful for what she has done for the children in our school as well for myself professionally.”

    Ms. Shawna Diamond, Special Education Teacher, Instructional Coach and Administrator

  • “Joan has the ability to quickly identify challenges, develop solutions and build teams and systems to get things done. She possesses a high degree of integrity, a notable work ethic, and a great sense of humor.”

    Steven Dexter, School Principal

Let’s find a way to work together.