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The featured sessions on this page are listed in order by date and session start time.
The full conference program is now online! Browse more than 400 sessions and Pre-Conference Institutes in the Empower20 Conference Schedule for additional information and learning opportunities.
More sessions will be added as they become available.
Born without limbs for no medical reason, Nick Vujicic knew from an early age that he was different. But it wasn't until much later, after overcoming ignorance and discrimination to build what he calls a "ridiculously good" life, that he realized his mission: to use his "disability" to start conversations that change lives. Vujicic has since spoken more than 3,000 times in some 57 countries on topics as varied as bullying, inspiring positive change, persistence and determination, and his own life story. No matter where he goes, he communicates one core message—that no matter your circumstance, you can overcome! Vujicic is the author of several books, including Life Without Limits: Inspiration for a Ridiculously Good Life, Unstoppable: The Incredible Power of Faith in Action, Love Without Limits: A Remarkable Story of True Love Conquering All, and Stand Strong: You Can Overcome Bullying (and Other Stuff That Keeps You Down).
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Research on students who overcome adversity to successfully navigate the higher education pipeline has demonstrated that resilience is often actuated by an emotionally relevant educator. In this keynote luncheon, the presenter will emphasize the importance of emotional support from educators in the lives of marginalized students and discuss how we as educators can play a powerful role in guiding students who have been left behind. He will provide examples of practical strategies that work in helping at-promise students succeed in higher education. He will also share some insights from his research on cultural relevance, emotional support, and resilience in order to demonstrate practical strategies for implementing this support in everyday school practices.
Note: This luncheon is not included in registration for ASCD Empower20. You must register separately for this event. Seating is limited.
The price is $99.00 per person. Payment for this luncheon is due at the time of registration. ASCD cannot offer refunds for the luncheon unless the session is canceled by ASCD.
Register for the luncheon
This keynote luncheon will focus on reflecting on one's traditions and values of times past and their importance in our development and growth today. The presenter will emphasize appreciation of diverse cultures and their contributions to today's society. We can "go forward without forgetting" what a rich heritage our cultures offer and apply under-appreciated ethics and values to today's world. The issues of self-esteem and leadership styles will be presented in a context in which the past is melded with the present, and the presenter will offer alternatives we can use in our personal development that will enhance our leadership styles. This approach is especially relevant to professionals working in the 21st century with a renewed spirit to meet new challenges, pursue higher educational opportunities, and cherish the joys of living in today's world.
Burnout and teacher turnover are prevalent and pervasive across the United States. As school leaders seek to fill vacant positions and retain qualified staff, there are also a set of daily habits that educators can cultivate that will boost their resilience. These habits are tried and tested and can be incorporated into staff professional development. In this keynote based on the author's most recent book, Onward: Cultivating Resilience in Educators, the presenter will provide practical strategies for improving resilience as well as a compelling case for why school leaders should focus on resilience.
Kimberly Bryant, the founder of the Black Girls CODE social movement, will share her journey as what she calls an "accidental social entrepreneur" and the lessons she learned as she shaped a new paradigm for women and girls of color in the technology industry. She will explore how recognizing our innate power to become change agents in our own lives and the lives of others by pushing through traditional boundaries and perceived limitations can help us drive change in our world.
Are you color-blind or color-brave? A color-blind mindset negatively affects the academic success and outcomes of students of color in our schools. When we embrace diversity; acknowledge our own implicit biases; and learn to view language, color, race, and culture as assets in our school communities, our students thrive. Implementing strategies that foster a color-brave culture empowers and uplifts all students. Attend this keynote luncheon to understand how a color-blind mindset affects school culture and students' academic success; learn how embracing diversity and acknowledging implicit bias counters the color-blind narrative; and explore strategies that foster color-brave mindsets and value diversity as a strength in our school communities.
Committed to removing barriers to learning, principal Akbar Cook started the 2018–19 school year determined to reduce chronic absenteeism, bullying, and violence at West Side High School in Newark, N.J. Hit with the realization that many kids were missing school or experiencing bullying because they didn't have clean clothes to wear, Cook worked to equip the school with a free laundromat. Cook is also the visionary of Lights On!, a program that provides dinner and extended structured activities in order to keep kids safe and off the streets during peak hours of crime and gang activity. Join this session to hear Cook's inspiring story of leadership in both the school and the community, how he is working to expand his programs, and how he is striving to create a new normal for public urban education by putting students' social and emotional needs first.
Communicating and truly connecting with students is a teacher's dream. Discover how your actions can bring a voice to even the most reclusive of students. William Martinez will shake your world as he engages you with story, song, and American Sign Language to reconfirm the massive influence you have on every child's life. Walk away reenergized, inspired, and loaded with tools to create a safe and inclusive classroom full of learning and belonging for all students.
In this session, LeVar Burton will share the powerful effect his mentors, technology, storytelling, and science fiction have had on his life and how each has helped shape his incredible life's work. He will conclude the session with a personal demonstration of how he employs today's latest technologies in his efforts to educate and enlighten—a world premier peek at his latest project, the Reading Rainbow App.
Henry Winkler is an actor, director, producer, philanthropist, and New York Times best-selling author. In 2003, his career proceeded on a path he never could have anticipated when he began writing a series of children's novels about "Hank Zipzer: The World's Greatest Under-Achiever." The books have appeared on several best-seller lists and are inspired by Winkler's struggle throughout his education with dyslexia, which he was not diagnosed with until later in life. Winkler has also released the "Ghost Buddy" series and "Here's Hank," a Hank Zipzer series targeted to children in 1st and 2nd grade. An avid philanthropist, Winkler uses his position to help others, particularly children.