New Keynote

Welcome to the thought behind the newest keynote!

One of my favorite parts of speaking isn’t standing on the stage.

It’s everything that happens before the presentation ever begins.

This page is where I capture that process. From the first spark of an idea to session outlines, research, activities, and revisions, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how a keynote grows from a simple question into a learning experience.

You’ll find ideas I’m exploring, books I’m reading, resources I’m collecting, and reflections that shape the final presentation.

Because the best keynotes aren’t written overnight.

They’re built one conversation, one classroom, and one idea at a time.

Featured Resource

This keynote began with a simple realization as I prepared my acceptance speech for the Tennessee Education Association’s Distinguished Higher Education Educator of the Year Award. Reflecting on the challenges facing education today, I found myself returning to one central truth: teaching has always been hard, but the work we do has always mattered.

What started as a speech has grown into a keynote centered on purpose, perseverance, and remembering why we chose this profession. While the inspiration came from my poem He Called Me, this presentation is designed for every educator who has ever questioned whether the work they’re doing is making a difference.

This page is where I’m capturing the journey from first idea to finished keynote. You’ll find reflections, research, stories, and moments that are shaping the message along the way.

Watch The Acceptance Speech