SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Looking for an inspiring keynote presentation for your conference, or perhaps an out-of-the-box exploration of unique, content-specific topics? Our Speaker Series offerings cover a wide variety of subjects that will enlighten, motivate and entertain audiences. Each presentation can be tailored to meet your specific needs and will vary in length between 60 to 90 minutes based on subject and available time. For a deeper dive, choose one of our corresponding Workshop Series offerings related to select topics.
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EDUCATION SERIES
The TEDx talk that started it all! Discover how the principles and practices used by Disney's Imagineers to create the most exciting theme parks in the world can be used to transform your school or classroom into an immersive space filled with engaging learning experiences that will inspire your students through the artful blending of science, storytelling, and imagination.
Creativity is a skill that is crucial to cultivating innovative problem-solving. Discover how to tap into the power of imagination and critical thinking through viewing the world in very intentional and unorthodox ways. Inspired by Keri Smith's interactive and fun-filled book, How to Be an Explorer of the World, you'll learn that it's never too late to gain a new perspective on your surroundings, and your life.
(Related workshop available)
In this hands-on session, we'll explore practical ways to integrate the design thinking process into classrooms in order to help your students connect with the Science and Engineering Practices in real and meaningful ways as they focus on developing empathy and a deep understanding of the challenges that they hope to solve. As a result, you'll be prepared to empower your students to become human-centered problem solvers who can have an immediate impact on the world around them. To preview what this can look like for your students and community, read about our SFCSxDesign Pallet House Project that was featured by Edutopia as a "Best Practice of Design Thinking in Schools."
(Related workshop available)
Imagineers will tell you that no matter what they're creating, it all begins with a story. Discover how you can tap into the power of well-crafted narratives to create standards-based lessons and activities that will motivate and inspire your students as you immerse in the content that you're teaching. Besides exploring relevant research that supports this instructional strategy, we'll also review the critical components required for creating engaging stories as well as provide examples and ideas that will equip you for leading learning adventures of your own.
(Related workshop available)
In this popular leadership presentation, you'll discover how we use the tenets of the Jedi Code to challenge and inspire both teachers and students to use their skills, knowledge and interests in the service of others. Special attention is given to real-world applications including examples of PBL and design/build initiatives that benefit the school and community in meaningful and authentic ways.
Join us on an adventure to that galaxy far, far away as we explore ways to inspire your students to learn scientific principles and concepts dealing with a variety of topics such as interdependent relationships within ecosystems, biodiversity, physical science and more with inspiration from characters and scenarios from the Star Wars saga. The content of this session can be modified to apply to students of multiple grade levels and learning abilities.
(Related workshop available)
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, a great adventure took place...based on the ancient myths and heroic tales of our own distant past. Join us for an insightful exploration of the mythological, historical, and cultural influences that inspired George Lucas as he crafted one of the greatest sagas of modern times. We'll examine the concept of The Hero's Journey as laid out by the preeminent scholar Joseph Campbell and describe its relationship to the characters and events of Star Wars. We'll also demonstrate how to integrate these ideas into your curriculum, with a particular emphasis on ELA, social studies, and the arts.
Join us for a fun-filled exploration of history, science, culture and more as seen through the eyes of everyone's favorite archaeologist, Dr. Henry "Indiana" Jones." Focusing on the educational uses of the critically-acclaimed and Emmy Award-winning series, The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones, as well as the Indiana Jones feature films themselves, you'll discover numerous ways to integrate these films, as well the incredible documentaries that support them, into your classroom through an interdisciplinary approach. In 2007 and 2008, we were fortunate to collaborate with Lucasfilm on promoting the value of this series among teachers nationwide. We hope to have the opportunity to do the same with you.
(Related workshop available)
Teaching is tough. There's now two ways about it. Yet it is also one of the most important, and rewarding, careers that you could ever choose. Too often, young teachers enter their first years in the classroom with wide-eyed enthusiasm, mixed with a healthy dose of nerves, ready to change the world. As it should be. Yet nationwide, we're seeing many of these young professionals choosing to leave their chosen field within the first few years. It doesn't have to be this way. In this lighthearted and inspirational session, Thomas will provide you with practical advice and insight that comes from thirty years of experience as a teacher, coach, principal, curriculum specialist and education professor. Whether you're new to the classroom or a long-time veteran, you're certain to leave this session empowered and inspired.