Jere Chang, an Atlanta area classroom teacher for over 20 years, is an award winning digital content creator with over 3.5 million followers across TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. Spending time with “Ms. Chang,” isn’t just viewing the latest trend. Her motivational talks about gifted education, inclusion, and creative thinking are visits in radical kindness, inspiration, and laughter.
Chang invites audiences into her classroom, family vacations with her wife and two young sons, even her lunch box to look deeply into something familiar with innovation and curiosity. Unlike most social media stars, Chang is honest. She doesn’t cover up her teaching goofs, her aging face, or her misunderstood classroom décor but points them out with a great sense of reflexivity and humor. Her goal: to have audiences walk away feeling refreshed, safe, cared for and valued. From the moment she starts to talk, it’s time to get real.
From having difficult conversations with colleagues, parents, and students, coping with (teacher) test anxiety, or navigating bullying commentary from viewers online—she’s not afraid to address challenging issues yet remains focused on what makes people smile. Known as the “Lesbian Mr. Rodgers” she refers to her approach to equity and inclusion as “soft activism” because as her Grandma used to say, “You attract more bees with honey!"
Invited twice to the Whitehouse with 30 other influencers on LGBTQ+ issues, Ms. Chang is an international speaker who draws standing room only crowds. Awarded Distinguished University of Georgia Alumni, Chang promotes brands that support teachers such as back to school gift cards from Amazon, Microsoft products for digital learning, even Coca-Cola to caffeinate her school lunch.
With 10 years in gifted education and three Master’s degrees in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), college administration, and applied linguistics, she speaks on a variety of topics focused on creativity and inclusion. Wherever Jere Chang is, so is a room full of laughter, a “Wheels on the Bus” dance party, and the feeling of sanctuary.
What truly motivates teachers to bring their best to the classroom every day? In this honest and insightful session, hear directly from a teacher’s about what school and district leaders can do to inspire, engage, and support their educators. Explore practical strategies for fostering trust, creating meaningful opportunities for growth, and building a culture where teachers feel valued and empowered. Walk away with actionable ideas to cultivate a motivated teaching staff that leads to better outcomes for students.
Are you growing weary of the ongoing conversations about teacher shortages and high turnover rates? It’s time for a fresh perspective! Join Jere as she uses storytelling and humor to reignite your passion for education. With practical strategies and an uplifting message, Jere reminds educators of the profound impact of teaching—not just on students, but on every career and community. Rediscover the purpose and joy that come with this extraordinary profession.
A strong sense of belonging is essential for students' well-being and academic achievement. As educators, we are dedicated to nurturing the whole child, and the key to this is inclusivity. In this engaging session, Jere shares personal stories, insightful humor, and impactful narratives to inspire educators and provide practical guidance on fostering inclusivity within their classrooms. Attendees will leave with a renewed understanding of the profound value of inclusive practices and the critical role that a sense of belonging plays in every student's success.
Why are students bored in school? In today’s data-driven educational landscape, the focus on standardized testing often overshadows the essential role of nurturing creativity. This high-energy and inspiring keynote challenges educators and employers to prioritize creative thinking as a vital skill for success. Jere will share compelling insights and practical strategies for integrating creative exploration into teaching practices, demonstrating how fostering creativity can transform learning and better prepare students for the future.