Dwayne Reed

With the arrival of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) in education, it has become clear that schools will never be the same again. But perhaps this isn’t a bad thing! Since A.I. and other “GPTs” aren’t going anywhere, teachers must learn how to use these tools to our advantage and learn how to keep humanity front of mind. This ground-level session helps make A.I. understandable to veteran educators, or to anyone who doesn’t yet believe how powerful “the future” can be in the present. Participants will be yelling those infamous words from Arnold Schwarzenegger… “I’ll be back!”

This lively and inspiring book talk based on Dwayne Reed’s hit book Simon B. Rhymin’, dives into the story of Simon Barnes, an 11-year-old from Chicago with big dreams of becoming a rap star. Simon’s journey highlights themes of friendship, standing up to bullying, and finding one’s voice in the community. Mr. Reed will discuss strategies for promoting anti-bullying, fostering self-esteem, and encouraging kids to serve and uplift their communities. Designed for school leaders who are eager to invite a dynamic author to engage with students, this session has been a hit with young audiences. With an energetic mix of rap music, singing, book reading, rhyming, and hands-on activities, this presentation offers a fresh way to reach students and support positive character development.

In this inspiring keynote for upper elementary and middle school students, young people will be challenged to find their unique selves and grow into leaders who demonstrate strong character. Through relatable stories, humor, music, and movement, this session explores what it means to be an upstander against bullying, a good friend, a responsible student, and a team player. Students will learn how to be the change their communities need by leading with kindness and respect. Emphasis is placed on learning from mistakes and striving to do better each day. Packed with engaging activities and real-life examples, this talk will encourage students to make positive choices, build their character, and go out into the world ready to make a big impact.

This energizing keynote is designed to inspire high school students to embrace leadership, accountability, and community building right where they are. Students will be encouraged to take initiative, set meaningful goals, and find confidence in their unique identities as they chart a path toward the future. Through humor, music, interactive activities, and social media elements, this session meets students where they are, making leadership accessible and exciting! Along the way, they’ll learn the power of accountability, resilience in the face of mistakes, and the importance of staying grounded in the present. Perfect for firing up the next generation of world-changers, this keynote will leave students motivated to develop their character, step up in their communities, and grow into the leaders of tomorrow.