Summer Conference Keynotes
Meet the Keynotes
Headliners Manny Scott, Allyson Apsey and Gerry Brooks show you how to channel your power to inspire excellence and uplift others!
The Power of One
Manny Scott, PhD, Speaker and Author
Dr. Manny Scott shares his story of how, through hard work and with the help of others, he went from being an “unreachable” and “unteachable” student to becoming a successful student, husband, father, entrepreneur, and public servant. His message will inspire you to be a change agent—a “Page Turner”—who helps others write new, more fulfilling chapters in their lives.
Dr. Manny Scott is an inspiration to millions worldwide as an original Freedom Writer whose story is depicted, in part, in the hit movie, Freedom Writers. Despite a troubled upbringing and a seemingly hopeless future, Dr. Scott has overcome unimaginable obstacles and achieved incredible success. He helps schools and organizations improve student achievement, teacher efficacy, and intercultural competence, and is the author of several best-selling books, including “Even on Your Worst Day You Can Be a Student’s Best Hope.”
Unlocking Your Excellence: The 5 Pillars of Great Leaders
Allyson Apsey, Educational Leader and Author
Do you feel like you’re running on a hamster wheel and getting nowhere because you’re trying to do everyone all at once? Not only is that not possible, but it is also not best practice. Together we will explore five key pillars of great leaders. Through research, stories and practical strategies, we will develop a plan to prioritize the five pillars to maximize resources, improve student outcomes, and to create an environment where students and staff feel valued and fulfilled. Get ready to laugh and cry together, and to hop off the hamster wheel filled with hope!
Allyson Apsey has been an award-winning educator for over 25 years. She is the author of several books—including best-sellers “What Makes a Great Principal” and “Leading the Whole Teacher.” Her greatest joy comes from working with dedicated groups of educators to support them in caring for the whole child and the whole educator by implementing research-proven practices.
Personal Climate and Culture: It’s Up to You
Gerry Brooks, Speaker
Learn how Gerry uses video to make the workplace a pleasant place where all staff maintain mutual respect, regardless of personal differences, resulting in more efficient and fulfilled workers. Gerry will share ideas to promote healthy working relationships and maximize opportunities to get to know staff members and create camaraderie, taking advantage of 15 seconds here and there throughout the day.
Gerry Brooks has been an educator for 20 years and an elementary principal for 12 years. Originally using humorous videos to encourage his staff, Gerry has become a national encourager for teachers through social media and speaking events. His passion is leading others to be responsible for their own personal climate and culture in the workplace. His book, “Go See the Principal,” outlines strategies for taking on this responsibility.
