Next Generation Learning and Leading

Dr. Terry Holliday, Kentucky Commissioner of Education, will kick off the summer institute with a valuable message on Next Generation learning as it relates to our collective mission and the new normal as it relates to school funding and reform. 

Dr. Terry Holliday was selected as Kentucky's fifth commissioner of education in July 2009 after serving as superintendent of the more than 20,000-student Iredell-Statesville school district in North Carolina for seven years. He is the 2009 North Carolina Superintendent of the Year, a 2009 Grayson Medal for Innovation in Quality recipient, the 2008 North Carolina Music Educators Association Superintendent of the Year, and a 2008 Friend of NCAAHPERD, a physical health award. He earned a bachelor's degree from Furman University, master's and education specialist degrees from Winthrop University, and a doctorate from the University of South Carolina.

What I Wish Every Educator Knew

Manuel Scott, an original Freedom Writer says he was “once dismissed as ‘unreachable’ and ‘unteachable,’” but is living example of the hidden potential flickering in every student.

As a precursor to Erin Gruwell, teacher of the Freedom Writers, who will speak at KASA’s 2012 Annual Summer Institute, Scott will present this session informing and inspiring educators about what students truly want and need from educators.

When Scott dropped out of high school at age 14, his English was so poor he was classified as an English as a Second Language (ESL) student. He began using drugs and alcohol and by the age of 16, he had lived in 26 different places.

Scott now holds degrees from the University of California at Berkeley and Trinity International University and is sought after nationwide for his insight, inspirational abilities, and awe-inspiring message. He has spoken for the U.S. Department of Education and the National Education Association, among others, and has appeared on Nightline, Joan Lunden’s World Progress Report, and The View. He is author of Take Matters Into Your Own Hands: Dream Now!

Scott, who says he doesn’t share his story of overcoming adversity to impress people, pledges to show audiences how to transform children’s lives, classrooms, and schools.

“Whether I’m in Houston or Hong Kong, Kansas City or Cairo, Los Angeles or London, I carry the torchlight of inspiration into the recesses of dormant potential, and show the gems that are sparkling there,” Scott says.

** Book signing follows in the Market Place during the President's Reception.

Creating Education Opportunities for All Children

Geoffrey Canada has worked for Harlem Children's Zone, Inc., has become nationally recognized for his pioneering work helping children and families in New York City and has risen as a passionate advocate for disadvantaged families, struggling communities, and education reform.

Recognizing these challenges are not limited to one city or region, Creating Education Opportunities for All Children, Canada will share his multifaceted model for reform that combines educational, social, and medical services that start at birth and follow children to college. His plan of action utilizes individuals, families, schools, and communities in a comprehensive plan to save every child.

Canada is the acclaimed author of Fist Stick Knife Gun: a Personal History of Violence in America and was the recipient of the first Heinz Award in 1994 for his leadership in nurturing and protecting children. In his second book, Reaching Up For Manhood: Transforming the Lives of Boys in America, Canada offers powerful insights into the lives of boys in America, and the importance of mentoring and adult involvement.

Despite Canada’s firsthand experiences growing up in the South Bronx in a poor and sometimes violent neighborhood, he received a bachelor’s degree from Bowdoin College and a master’s degree in education from the Harvard School of Education. Drawing upon his own experiences, Canada offers a vision of hard work, dedication, and prioritization of resources, educators can create a safe, caring, and stimulating environment that enables all children to realize their potential.

** Book signing follows at the Main Stage.

What If and Why Not?

Mike Rayburn, world-renowned musician and entertainer by trade,will uplift and inspire while challenging listeners to push beyond perceived limitations during his presentation. He has performed at Carnegie Hall in addition to regular performances for some of the world’s leading corporations and associations, including General Mills, American Express, and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). With more than 100 performances each year, Rayburn has been featured in USA Today, Newsweek, Billboard, Gig, Programming, American Entertainment, and Successful Meetings magazines. Rayburn draws from his experience as an adventurer, business owner, comedian, guitarist, author, philanthropist, and family man. Hilarious, motivational, and entertaining, this is one performance you don’t want to miss. Be sure to register for the Annual Summer Institute to receive your ticket to see this world-class act.

Wayne Young, Executive Director, General Counsel
Rhonda Caldwell, Deputy Director
Clyde Caudill, Legislative Liaison
Wanda Darland, Web, Publications, & Affiliate Services Coordinator
Shirley LaFavers, Director of Professional Development

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