Jess Buller

Jess Buller has 20 years experience in public education. He is a licensed principal and qualified superintendent in the state of Colorado. Jess has served as a German and English teacher in Nebraska and Colorado as well as an elementary and middle school principal in rural and small rural school districts across Colorado. He is now dedicated full time to furthering the reach of Colorado AeroLab.

Jess is a change maker in the field of educational leadership, having played an integral role in improving schools on a large scale. He has an extensive background in school management and is an expert in curriculum and instruction and staff development. During his tenure as a building leader, his schools have always maintained a high level of student growth.

Throughout his time in Colorado, Jess has been very active in the Colorado education scene as well. He has served as a member of the Colorado Educators Voice Fellowship, a chapter of American Achieves. As a result of his involvement with the fellowship, he, along with colleague Elaine Menardi, co-wrote House Bill 17-1201, a bill signed into law May 2017. His latest accomplishment has been receiving a 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant that allows Colorado AeroLab the opportunity to operate its 5th Day programs in the northwestern part of the state.

Jess considers his greatest accomplishment to be his marriage to his wife, Andrea, as well as their four children. In his words:

I’m all about the ‘more.’ Whatever I can do to open eyes to what could be, the more my children and the generations to come after them can benefit.

 

Elaine Menardi

Elaine is a Learning Design Expert and STEM Education Specialist. She believes in the power of a growth-mindset and knows that the best learning happens when teachers and students see themselves as partners who explore questions and discover new ideas together. Curiosity and perseverance fuel her drive toward all things STEM where she frequently showcases the work of students via online media and video.

After graduating from Colorado School of Mines, Elaine began her career as an electrical engineer. Working in Research and Development for Coors Brewing Company, she is listed among the team of patented inventors for a proprietary machine vision can identification system. She holds a Master of Arts in Community Leadership from Regis University and has served in youth ministry for more than 25 years in local, regional and national church organizations.

Elaine is deeply invested in teaching design thinking and creates learning opportunities to empower and strengthen creative confidence and imagination to ensure a successful future for 21st century educators and student leaders. She served as a Colorado Educator Voice Fellowship Policy Fellow for the past two years. Elaine holds a professional teaching license from the State of Colorado with an endorsement in 7-12 Math, Gifted and Talented Education and CTE STEM authorization. She has served as a Colorado Educator Voice Policy Fellow and is co-author with Jess Buller of HB 17-1201: STEM High School Diploma Endorsement.

Dean and Elaine have two Millennial daughters who constantly challenge them to keep up.