Garth Larson, Ed.D is the Co-Founder and CEO of FIRST Educational Resources. Garth has previously worked as the Director of Learning for the Winneconne Community School District in northeast Wisconsin, was an elementary principal in two separate buildings and started his career in education as a high school speech and English teacher. In 2011, Garth formed Wisconsin Educational Resources (now FIRST) with a focus on improving student achievement across the United States. Since 2011, over 2000 school districts throughout the globe have become partnership districts with his company. Garth currently consults with school districts around the world and provides customized professional development around a variety of topics, mainly Professional Learning Communities 2.0, Learning-Centered Grading Practices, Leadership and School Improvement. Garth is also the author of Collaborative Systems of Support: Learning for ALL with co-authors Tom Hierck and Chris Weber, Target-Based Grading in Collaborative Teams: 13 Steps to Moving Beyond Standards with co-author Tom Hierck, Grading for Impact: Raising Student Achievement through a Target-Based Assessment and Learning System and PLC 2.0: Collaborating for Observable Impact in Today’s Schools with co-author Cale Birk.

Becky Peppler is the Director of the FIRST Education STAGR Center, a division of FIRST Educational Resources. With over 18 years in public education, she is dedicated to helping schools navigate the challenges of grading and assessment reform to create systems that support student learning and growth.

A former 6-12 Instructional Coach and science educator, Becky has played a pivotal role in guiding numerous schools through full transitions to Standards-Based Grading. She has worked with over 100 districts nationwide, helping educators design grading practices that are meaningful, accurate, and student-centered. Her expertise includes developing clear learning targets, designing meaningful assessments, implementing effective reassessment policies, and ensuring grades reflect student achievement rather than behavior. She is passionate about supporting schools in building grading systems that foster deeper learning, meaningful communication, and improved transparency between teachers, students, and families.

Becky is the co-author of the best-selling book, Extinguishing the Fires of Assessment and Grading Reform and the STAGR Process Roadmap Laminated Guide, collaborating with Dr. Garth Larson and Ken O’Connor. Her work continues to drive impactful change in grading practices, helping educators create systems that truly support student success.