Sara Fidler is President of the Maryland Independent College and University Association (MICUA), a voluntary association of 15 private, nonprofit colleges and universities located in Maryland.  MICUA provides public policy leadership and support of higher education, fosters cooperative efforts among colleges and universities, and serves as the official liaison between these independent institutions and the State and federal governments.  In addition, Fidler serves as the Managing Director of the Independent College Fund of Maryland, which works with Maryland’s business community to improve college access, choice, and opportunities by raising funds to provide scholarships and grants to students attending twelve independent institutions in the State.

For 18 years, prior to joining MICUA, Fidler served as Committee Counsel for the State Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee of the Maryland General Assembly.  She also served as a Principal Policy Analyst for the Maryland Department of Legislative Services and Co-leader of the Education Workgroup. 

Fidler serves as a member of the Governing Board of the Maryland Longitudinal Data System and as a member of the Maryland Higher Education Commission’s Segmental Advisory Committee.  Fidler is affiliated with the Maryland Government Relations Association (MGRA), the Maryland Business Roundtable for Education, the Greater Baltimore Committee, the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU), the NAICU State Executives (NAICUSE), the Council of Independent Colleges, the Coalition for College Cost Savings, and the Maryland Chamber of Commerce.

Fidler graduated from Duke University in 1997, earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Maryland School of Law, and was admitted to the Maryland Bar in 2001.

Regina Simpson has been working with the Maryland State Department of Education, Maryland Teacher of the Year Program for 20 years. Sixteen years ago she helped execute the Teachers of Promise Institute, a mentoring program that matches college/university students with award winning Teachers of the Year and Milken Educator Award winners. Regina attended public schools in Philadelphia, PA, and attended Virginia State College (now University) after graduating from the Philadelphia High School for Girls. Prior to moving to Maryland, she worked for RAND, a global Research and Development think tank located in Santa Monica, CA, and for Giorgio Beverly Hills as a Communications Coordinator before moving to Maryland to assist the Director of Communications for Cover Girl, a Procter & Gamble company. She resides in Baltimore County with her husband and two sons.

Lauren Byrd is a 17-year veteran teacher who is committed to student success both inside and outside of the classroom. She believes the best learning happens through meaningful relationships built with students and families. Lauren, who currently teaches first grade at Hickory Elementary School, holds a master's degree from Loyola University as a reading teacher and a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Juniata College. She has partnered with the Instructional Technology Team and English/Language Arts Department to work on pilot programs, curriculum teams, and teacher leadership committees to help serve the students and teachers of Harford County.

Dustin Thomas has taught Physical Education and Health in Wicomico County for 10 years and has earned a Master’s Degree in Applied Health Physiology. Mr. Thomas gives back to his community by coaching, volunteering at local charity races, founding the Rhythm and Roots drum program, and creating a World Music class. Dustin has been awarded the McEducator Award, Extra Mile Award, Wellness Coordinator of the Year, and Hertrich’s Cash for Class Community Choice Award. Dustin and Rhythm and Roots scholars have earned local and national recognition from WMDT, WBOC, Inspire One magazine, SHAPE Maryland, Hip Hop Public Health and the NBC Today Show.

Lauren Greer is a Career and Technology Biomedical Science teacher who empowers her students to recognize their individual strengths and talents. She earned a BS Degree in Environmental Science from Gettysburg College (2006) and received a MAT in Secondary Earth Space Science Education from Towson University (2010). Lauren is the PBIS Coach, Green Schools Committee Chair, Co-Advisor of the National Technical Honor Society, Biomedical Engineering Society faculty advisor, a member of the school’s Equity Team as well as a digital leader for her school. She contributes to science curriculum writing as well as leads school-based and county-based professional development opportunities.

Teresa Beilstein is committed to fostering character, confidence and curiosity in her students. She has Master’s Degrees from Walden University (2013 and 2011) and a Bachelor’s Degree from Loyola College (2007). She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Education. A third-grade teacher at an International Baccalaureate school, Teresa focuses on interactive and cooperative learning. Teresa has developed and implemented science curriculum and assessments aligned to Next Generation Science Standards used throughout Anne Arundel County’s 80 elementary schools. Earning National Board Certification in 2018, Teresa regularly participates in professional development and leadership opportunities. Teresa is the 2020 Maryland Teacher of the Year and the 2020 Washington Post Teacher of the Year.