Dr. Brad Johnson
Author of "What Schools Don't Teach" and "Teacher's First" & Voted one of Global Gurus Top 30 Education Gurus in the World
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Dr. Brad Johnson
Featured Keynote Programs
Principal Boot Camp
School administrators have one of the toughest jobs in America. In the past, principals were hired with an expectation that they would be given time to to put their fingerprint on the culture of the school. The principal had time to develop relationships, implement changes and develop a plan for a sustainable vision that could take years to implement.
However, with a demand for immediate results, such as improved test scores, or creating a more positive culture, principals are usually hired to fix problems, not just to lead. This isn’t always the case, but is definitely a major reason. What makes the job doubly stressful is that with a demand for instant change, a principal is no longer given years to make changes, but may only be given a year.
This is where Principal Boot Camp can help you out. In our instant results culture, there are strategies that can help a leader accelerate processes to achieve desired results. These include understanding your strengths and leadership style, building rapport, decision-making, handling the 3 C’s (conflict, crisis, and challenging the process), motivation and team building, as well as several other important strategies. This workshop will help you lead from day one!
Putting Teachers First
Teachers are told that students come first, and for teachers this is true. However, for administrators, the teacher comes first. The teacher is the most valuable resource of an administrator. Even in business, effective leaders understand that employees come first and when properly motivated, encouraged, and engaged, then they will put the customer first.
Dr. Johnson presents strategies to create a positive and dynamic culture. Every leader in a school can influence the culture of a school. Some of the topics addressed are empowering your faculty, the 50-25-25 rule, selfless vs transactional leadership, and learn how to leave the But’s behind when observing classrooms and to engage in Aspirational Conversations, which show your faculty that you value them and how best to improve the school.
Finally, learn how to improve teacher job satisfaction through the effective use of their talents, building a championship team (horizontal and vertical) and how to challenge the status quo, or handle conflict, which can be productive in the team setting. Research also suggests that when teachers feel like they are valued they are 6 times more engaged and productive than teachers who don’t feel like they are valued by their administrators. 6 times more productive!
World Class Classroom
This speaking topic is about a growth mindset from the traditional education template. Until the age of four, most children function at a genius level, but by age 18, only 10% function at this level. What happens during those years? Formal education! We focus on student weaknesses, conformity, and compliance. We say we value innovation and change, but in reality, we reward compliance and conformity. Mainly by focusing on the weaknesses of our students to meet a standard on a test.
However, students are exponentially more successful when their strengths are identified and developed. In essence, our strengths give us value/worth and when students experience success because of their strengths, then they are willing to take risks and try new things or harder things. This World Class Classroom focuses on the essential R’s of education (Respect, Relationships, Relevance, and Responsibility) as well as helping students identify and develop their (Strengths + Passions = Purpose). These concepts and strategies help with student engagement, behavior, and achievement. Students can’t become anything they want, but with a development of their strengths, they can become World Class Students; the best they can be!
Learn on Your Feet! Incorporating Physical Activity into the K-8 Classroom.
Overwhelming research suggests that we have shortchanged a generation of students by creating a sedentary learning environment in our schools. What is the result? Stagnated tests scores, increased behavioral issues, and an epidemic rise in ADHD, Dyslexia, Autism, and even obesity.
Do you have students who are bored, disruptive or off task? It is rarely related to the content, the teacher, or even classroom management, but it is because they lack core and functional strength. Interestingly, core and functional training actually develop the frontal lobe of the brain responsible for focus and attention. It’s not your teachers or your curriculum; it is the sedentary students who can’t focus. In fact, doesn’t it seem as if every child has ADD if they sit still in a desk all day! Only 1 in 12 students have the core strength and balance of students from the 1980’s. Physical activity, especially core strength develops the executive functioning center of the frontal lobe. This area controls organization, multi-tasking, regulates emotions and helps increase focus.
Learn how to incorporate more physical activity into STEM classes, teambuilding strategies, and how to integrate technology with movement. Want to help your students excel in academics, improve focus/behavior and get healthy? Let them learn on their feet, not their seat!