Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

The Council for Exceptional Children invited me to their Georgia Conference where they had 300 in attendance from across the state. As their keynote lunch speaker I reminded them the power each of them have to make a difference in the life of a child. The crowd was very receptive as heads where shaking like crazy as I think they agreed with what I was saying. The event was well organized and it was an honor to be there. If you haven’t been involved with the Council for Exceptional Children and you are a teacher, you might want to learn more! Thanks to Mike and Linda Weinroth for their hospitality! (Pictured Above) http://www.gacec.org/

I focused on the 3 P’s! Passion, Positive Attitudes, and Perseverance! It doesn’t matter what profession you are in….if you understand the importance of these three qualities, you will be successful….just look at the way I live my life!

Thanks Capital One!

This docummentary is set to air in England in March or April 2007. They are still trying to sell the rights to a channel like TLC or Discovery Channel in the U.S. More to come I am sure!

I had a chance to speak to the Cobb County speech teachers as they invited me to be a guest speaker at their In-Service. I had a chance to share my story and remind the teachers that although they are not a regular education classroom teacher, they are still making a difference in the lives of those special children. Many kids with disabilities just want to be like everyone else. When they struggle in the big classroom, they look for success and positive situations in different areas. That is when a speech teacher can step up and make a world of difference for that child. Overall, let that child feel special! Cheers

I had a chance to visit Dallas, Texas and present a half day seminar to educators and families of children with TS. I focused on my story and then I gave strategies as how educators can help students who are a little different. If our main goal as educators is to help the student become successful, then it is important that we as educators understand what it is that makes kids struggle. As I shared my story, it helped the people in the room get a better sense of what needed to be done. Strategies for the classroom and life will help these special kids succeed!
Cheers

I headed to New York to be the keynote speaker at the 2006 Employment Recognition Breakfast for the ACLD. This breakfast presentation was focusing on giving people a chance despite their disabilities. There are thousands of people in our cities who want to be like everyone else and have a job. I remember how I felt when I first started teaching. I also recall how much pain I went through just to get that job. Employers gathered to both recognize the efforts of their employees and also remind people to take a risk and hire some people just because it is the right thing to do. There are so many different types of jobs out there that in many cases there is a job for everyone. Sorry, no pictures came out:( Cheers

In July, I had a chance to speak to about 250 new teachers in Hall County. Hall County is located in Gainsville, Georgia just outside of Atlanta. In this keynote address, I reminded them about the difference they will make as a teacher. This is one of my favorite presentations because I’m so passionate about teachers making a difference in the lives of kids. All it takes is for ONE person to make a difference in the life of a child!