Jeff Becker

Jeff Becker brings a unique mix of humor and experience to every conference. Not only did he win School Counselor of the Year for his district in 2014, Toastmaster’s International Speaker of the Year in 2015, District Teacher of the Year in 2019, and a nomination for Florida State Teacher of the Year in 2020, Becker also founded two SEL video curriculum companies (Can Do U and In Control SEL). He’s dedicated his life to empowering and supporting counselors and has come here to our conference to help 'Unmute' the potential in every counselor's voice. 

KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Unmuting and Amplifying Our Impact
October 3, 2023 | 9:00am
In this keynote titled "Unmuting and Amplifying Our Impact," Jeff Becker, an award-winning former school counselor and award winning keynote speaker, empowers you to use your unique counselor voice to make a difference. Using his own experiences and mistakes, engaging humor, and key insights from Social and Emotional Learning research, Becker illustrates how to elevate our influence in our schools, with our colleagues, and with our students. Prepare for a keynote that not only unmutes your potential but amplifies your ability to shape the future of education.

BREAKOUT SESSION
How to Pitch Your Boss on Your Crazy Idea
October 3, 2023 | 2:10pm
Facing a roadblock with your innovative idea? "How to Pitch Your Boss on Your Crazy Idea" will arm you with strategies to advocate for your vision effectively. This breakout session tackles the disconnect between ideation and implementation, helping you communicate your 'out-of-the-box' proposals compellingly and convincingly. Join Jeff Becker, a seasoned counselor and entrepreneur, as he shares proven techniques to articulate your ideas, validate your role, and overcome the inertia of 'business-as-usual'. Discover the power of persuasion, and leave equipped to turn your 'crazy ideas' into reality.

Dr. Tommie Mabry

Dr. Tommie Mabry is a renowned international speaker, nationally acclaimed educator, and published author. Authoring books like A Dark Journey to a Light Future: A Memoir.
 
His story of the trials, success, and service has inspired millions around the world. News of Dr. Mabry’s achievements instantly went viral, breaking national headlines. Dr Mabry has appeared on USA Today, PBS Network, BET Soul and many more.
 
Dr. Tommie Mabry grew up in one of Jackson, MS roughest neighborhoods. Trouble followed him everywhere before and after fifth grade when he was arrested for breaking into the state fairgrounds. After that arrest, he was suspended or expelled from several schools due to his behavior. A judge once prophesized that in five years his attitude would either get him killed or incarcerated. Tommie grinned at the judge who did not know that the “monster” lurking within him was fueled by the prophecy. 
 
Things started to change for Tommie when he joined an AAU basketball league that traveled around the world. He was the first person in his family to graduate from high school when he crossed the stage at Bailey Magnet in 2007. Although he was shot in the foot after skipping school during his senior year, Tommie healed and received a full basketball scholarship to Missouri State University-West Plains. He later received a B.A. cum laude in Education from Tougaloo College and his M.A. in Child Development in 2017. 
 
After his undergraduate studies, Tommie was hired as a teacher by the same Jackson Public School District that had suspended and expelled him many times during elementary and secondary education. He joined Tougaloo College as the Director of Enrollment in 2016.
 
Dr. Mabry’s story and achievements have enabled him to use his voice to inspire and impact millions as a renowned speaker. Dr. Mabry received his Doctorate Degree – an Executive Ph.D. from Jackson State University in 2020 where he majored in Urban Higher Education. He has written and published four books that target all age groups. He travels the world sharing his story to motivate and inspire others – and he lives by the motto, “I cannot walk in my future with my foot in my past."
 
In 2022, Corwin honored Dr. Mabry with the New Voices Award for his book “Perspective! The Secret to Student Motivation and Success."

KEYNOTE ADDRESS
The First Step to Changing a Child’s Perspective Is to Understand It
October 2, 2023 | 1:00pm
When mentioning socioeconomic issues in persistence for African American male students, “Culture of Poverty” is a key factor which implies that poverty is passed from one generation to the next through learned behavior. Physiological, social influences, and esteem needs are deficiency needs, which arise due to deprivation.  This interactive session provides counselors with specific strategies to engage all learners. Counselors will learn how effective relationship building with children is fundamental for student and school success.
 
This insightful session will provide counselors  with a better understanding of why we are dealing with so many students who are at-risk, as well as, specific strategies to engage ALL learners. Counselors will learn how effective relationship building with children is fundamental for student and school success. Understanding the reason we teach, with special emphasis on the student is the central theme of this presentation. Dr. Tommie Mabry will offer the counselors a refreshing look into the eyes of the students from his own experience as a student at risk as well as an educator.

Learning Objectives:

• Implement teaching to capture and inspire ALL learners
• Affirm and validate counselors’ effectiveness
• Learn a framework for reshaping school culture, affording counselors  and students an opportunity to become part of the solution collaboratively
• Answer the key question, Now that we understand today’s student, what do we do with them?

Carol Miller

Carol Miller is a veteran school counselor with K-12 experiences. Currently an Elementary Counselor in the Rome City School District, Carol is a Past President of the New York State School Counselor Association. Carol has authored two small group curriculum: StarBound and Building Champions and runs the website Counseling Essentials. She is a champion for students and school counselors around the globe.

CLOSING PLENARY SESSION
How To Make Sure You Enjoy Your School Counselor L.I.F.E.
October 4, 2023 | 11:10am
In this keynote titled "Unmuting and Amplifying Our Impact," Jeff Becker, an award-winning former school counselor and award winning keynote speaker, empowers you to use your unique counselor voice to make a difference. Using his own experiences and mistakes, engaging humor, and key insights from Social and Emotional Learning research, Becker illustrates how to elevate our influence in our schools, with our colleagues, and with our students. Prepare for a keynote that not only unmutes your potential but amplifies your ability to shape the future of education.

BREAKOUT SESSION
Creative Lesson Planning
October 2, 2023 | 2:30pm
Do you have to create lesson plans but aren't sure how to best design them?  Are you worried your lesson plans don't always get your point across or maybe aren't grabbing students' attention?  This session will go over crafting an impactful lesson, strategies for student engagement, and tips to help you love your lessons.

BREAKOUT SESSION
Turning Ordinary Materials Into Extraordinary Counseling Resources
October 3, 2023 | 1:00pm
Unlock the potential of everyday objects in your counseling practice! In this session, we will explore creative ways to transform ordinary materials into extraordinary counseling resources. Discover how simple items such as art supplies, toys, and household objects can be repurposed to facilitate meaningful therapeutic activities and interventions. Gain practical tips and innovative ideas for incorporating these resources into your counseling sessions, promoting engagement, self-expression, and emotional growth. Don't miss this opportunity to maximize your toolkit and unleash your creativity as we explore the endless possibilities of turning everyday materials into powerful counseling tools.