Be Part of a
Transformative Journey
Mr. Reed isn't just a speaker; he's a catalyst for change in education.
His presentations go beyond inspiration—they're a call to action, challenging educators to tap back into to their passion and purpose as they serve students and joyfully teach in the classroom.
Who Mr. Reed Inspires:
Teachers: Reignite your love for education and find practical ways to connect with your students.
Administrators: Empower your staff with renewed enthusiasm and innovative approaches to teaching.
Professionals in Other Industries: Take Mr. Reed’s learnings from the classroom and apply them to the boardroom.
What sets Mr. Reed apart?
Unapologetic Authenticity:
Mr. Reed says what many think,
but few dare to voice. His boldness empowers others to be their true selves.
Down-to-Earth Realism:
No sugar-coating here. Mr. Reed's practical insights resonate with the honest, daily realities of education.
Empowering Affirmations:
More than just feel-good moments, Mr. Reed's words challenge educators to push beyond their comfort zones.
From Theory to Practice:
Mr. Reed bridges the gap between aspirational ideas and classroom implementation, making change feel achievable.
A Voice for the Unheard:
By articulating shared frustrations and hopes, Mr. Reed unites educators in their common mission.
Booking
Mr. Reed
Means:
A reinvigorated staff ready to tackle challenges
A renewed focus on authentic student-teacher connections
Practical strategies for creating inclusive, dynamic classrooms
A collective shift towards more courageous, student-centered education
Speaking Opportunities
Presentations for Adults
Being the Educator Your Scholars Need
This highly sought-after keynote session will inspire your staff to be the educators they always needed! Filled with tons of SEL (social-emotional learning) restorative justice, and trauma-informed talking points, Reed will help educators re-discover their WHY of teaching and will emphasize the importance of building and maintaining positive relationships with scholars, both in and outside of the classroom. Each participant will leave with dozens of practical, real-world, relationship-building strategies which can immediately be implemented in their classroom.
Be THAT Teacher: 10 Core Principles for Making Lasting Impact
In this dynamic presentation, educator Dwayne Reed dives into what it takes to become a standout teacher who inspires, connects, and leads with purpose. Covering essential topics like embracing authenticity, expressing humanity, allowing kids to be kids, and striving for excellence, Mr. Reed offers practical steps to make a lasting impact. This talk emphasizes seeing and valuing the diverse identities within the classroom, fostering teamwork, and being intentional with parents, caregivers, administrators, and caring for ourselves throughout the school year. With relatable stories and real-life examples from his own experience as a teacher, Mr. Reed provides actionable advice for educators who want to lead with heart and make a difference in their schools. Educators will leave with fresh insights on building a positive, impactful presence that students and colleagues remember.
The Terminator: Finding the Humanity in A.I.
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 makes 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!”
Relationship-Building 101: How to Create Relationships with Students and Families
This session provides educators with six foundational principles to establish positive, sustainable relationships with students and their families. Each practical principle in this course comes with a multi-pronged approach to implementation, considering the fact that every educator works under unique circumstances, and has particular needs that must be met. Each participant will leave knowing precisely HOW to effectively engage with the students, families, and the greater community they serve, and WHY this practice is so essential.
Beliefs, Skills, and Traits: The Three Essential Tools Needed to be a Great Teacher
No purposeful action is possible without positive belief! Therefore, it is important for educators to not only believe in themselves, but to believe in their students, and use the power of belief to fuel their words and actions. Having the skills to enact change is important, too. Great teachers know skills must be developed, and in order to see success, there are certain tools and strategies that must be practiced and understood. The final piece to the puzzle of teacher and school achievement is developing the traits (such as consistency, self-discipline, and joy) that will ensure positive outcomes. Teachers will leave feeling focused on personal and school victories, while administrators will appreciate the encouragement of Mr. Reed, as both a former administrator and a current classroom teacher.
Presentations for
YOUNG PEOPLE
Rhymin’ with Simon: An Ode to Friendship, Anti-Bullying, and Community Activism (3rd-6th Grade)
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.
Stand Up and Stand Out: Kids Can Make a Difference, Too!
(4th-8th Grade)
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.
It Starts Now: Inspiring the Next Generation of Tomorrow’s Leaders, Today (High School)
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.