Jennifer Sommerness, Ed.S., is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Teacher Education at the University of St. Thomas. She has spent the past 25 years studying best practices for inclusive education, as well as the areas of educational administration and professional development that are required to implement and sustain change within school systems, leading to better outcomes for all students.

As an educational consultant, she works with administrators, teachers, paraprofessionals and families across the country, supporting their work in improving inclusive practices and creating systems change. Her presentations focus on what she has learned through the years regarding collaborative teaming; strength-based and person-centered IEPs; paraprofessional development; and true access to academics through modifications and adaptations that meet the needs of students and teachers alike.

Jennifer is currently writing the book, "What Success Looks Like: A Guide to Inclusive Schools and Communities"; has co-authored a job-embedded paraprofessional curriculum, as well as numerous articles and chapters within educational research and practitioner journals.