Motivational Topics

 

 From Trauma to Triumph

      Hear this life-changing story about a young man who did not allow poverty to sideline his dreams or sidetrack his pathway to                    success. This testimonial offers an emotional yet inspiring account of the value of an education. The presenter will take you on his            journey from a statistic to success and leave each person with a passion for learning and education.

 

 Relationship-Driven Instruction (3 R’s to Reaching At-risk Students)

       In the quest to ensure that data-driven instruction occurs, many have lost sight of the importance of positive teacher-student                     relationships. Mistakenly, copious educators are attempting to obtain educational rigor without an adequate understanding of the           need for genuine teacher-student relationships. The sequential steps in the At-risk Success Pyramid are Relationship, Relevance,             and Rigor. Teachers will better understand the impact of relationships on academics when educating all students, especially those           who are traumatized and at-risk. 

 

 You Can’t Teach Me If You Can’t Reach Me: Making Connections to Increase Achievement

       While pursuing quality instruction, many disregard the science that supports positive teacher-student connections to obtain that               goal.  This is particularly detrimental when the achievement gap is widening because of increased at-risk and traumatized students.         Neuroscience focuses on the brain and its impact on behavior and cognitive functions.  The Neurosequential model developed by           Dr. Bruce Perry and the Sequence of Engagement serves as a guide for educators to understand the importance of reaching                     students prior to teaching them. 

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 Use Your Gift

      Everyone has one, and you need to learn how to manage yours today.  All of us possess a talent that can be used to accelerate our          success.  These gifts are sometimes misused or left unused by students and teachers who can make the learning environment                  super exciting.  During instruction, innovation and creativity can be used daily with the right management tools to pursue and                  magnify “the gift.”  Dr. Pharrams shares the powerful story of his father, who gave him the only dollar in his possession when he                went to college.

 

 An Alternative Pathway to Success

      Alternative education should be just that…an alternative to traditional teaching and learning.  Improving the academic performance        of students who learn and behave differently can be challenging, but through individual learning plans and a strategic framework            students can succeed.  Design a program without limits using creative strategies to impact learning.

 

 Mentorship “One Caring Adult Program”

      If I “Reach One”, I can “Save One.”  Students need someone in the building to serve as an advocate for them.  The                                    implementation of a student mentorship program fosters the relationship between the teacher and student while providing a                   mentor within the school setting.

 

 Alternatives to Suspensions

      Improve student behavior with research-based strategies that offer creative and innovative ways to eliminate discipline problems.            Emerge from harsh consequences that lead to legal action, increased drop-out rates, and expulsion.  Develop programs that are              rooted in social-emotional learning, restorative practices, positive behavior supports, and high academic student engagement.

 

 Discipline Paradigm Shift from Punitive to Non-traditional

      Exclusionary disciplinary punishments (such as in-school suspension or out-of-school suspensions), preclude students from                        participating in the educational development that may be taking place within the classroom setting.  Restorative practices represent        a positive step toward helping all students learn to resolve disagreements, take ownership of their behavior, engage in acts of                  empathy and forgiveness.  Additionally, the importance of faculty/student relationships in the reduction of disciplinary                                infractions is also included in the training.

 

 Understanding the African-American Male

      A major problem plaguing educators is understanding and motivating the African-American male student to achieve.  Participate in        a powerful lecture series that engages and educates teachers about the historical and cultural barriers that lead to poor academic            performance.  Participants will learn how empowerment programs, increasing expectations, cultural learning experiences,                          knowledge of at-risk factors, trauma sensitivity training, and a new self-identity can close the achievement gap.  

 

(More topics available upon request)

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