CEC 2027 Keynotes
WEDNESDAY KEYNOTE
Beyond the Scroll: Influence with Purpose
Jonathan Alsheimer and Chyna McLaughlin
Description
Through candid stories, humor, and real-world experiences, these social media influencers explore how they use their voices to build community, spark conversations, amplify important issues, and inspire others across the field. Attendees will leave thinking differently about what it means to have influence—and how each of us can use our own voice, platform, and story to create meaningful change.
JONATHAN ALSHEIMER
Jonathan Alsheimer is the unorthodox, energetic, and entertaining middle school teacher who refuses to live a life of limitations and works with UFC Fighters, Celebrities, and Clothing Brands. In addition to being a passionate educator, Jonathan is an international keynote speaker and the author of "NEXT LEVEL TEACHING," a #1 new release in education on Amazon in March of 2020. In August 2024, Jonathan released his latest book, “School of Engagement,” also a top new release. Jonathan, taught at the world-renowned Fred Lynn Middle School, which was featured in two documentaries "Relentless" and "Relentless: Chasing Accreditation,” as the teacher who forged a partnership with UFC Fighter and light-weight contender Paul Felder to bring a message of never giving up, fighting for their education, and empowering the students to believe in themselves, all principles that Jonathan promotes in his classroom.
CHYNA MCLAUGHLIN
Ms. Chyna is a dynamic educator from Minnesota who has spent the past nine years in special education and is passionate about helping every child thrive. As an Elementary Behavioral Specialist, speaker, and creator of Especially SPED, she is dedicated to equipping educators with realistic, relationship-centered strategies that make a lasting impact in the classroom. Ms. Chyna serves as an Elementary Behavioral Specialist and Case Manager, supporting students in Kindergarten through 6th grade. She believes behavior is communication and that meaningful relationships, consistency, structure, and engagement are the foundation of student success. Guided by the philosophy that "kids do well if they can," she is passionate about equipping educators with realistic, proactive strategies while teaching students the social, emotional, and behavioral skills they need to succeed.
THURSDAY KEYNOTE
How Teachers Affect Classroom Behavior: The Evidence for Stretching Tier 1 Practices
Terry Scott, Professor, College of Education and Human Development at the University of Louisville
Description
Student behaviors create challenges that teachers must effectively address. While there is no single perfect strategy - evidence demonstrates tier 1 (class-wide) practices that maximize the probabilities for promoting successful behavior. This keynote presentation provides examples of how these strategies can be stretched for every classroom setting to facilitate higher rates of success among even the most challenging students.
TERRANCE M. SCOTT
Terrance M. Scott is a Professor and Distinguished University Scholar in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Louisville where he directs both the Center for Instructional and Behavioral Research in Schools and the Kentucky Reading Research Center. He began his career as a counselor in residential treatment and has worked with students with challenging behaviors across a variety settings – including all levels of public school. Dr. Scott has over 100 publications, including five books, on a variety of issues in the areas of behavioral disorders and behavioral support systems and is a frequent speaker throughout the U.S. and around the world. He is the recipient of national awards for research and leadership in the area of behavioral disorders and has career grant funding of over $42 million. His research interests focus prevention science, the impact of effective instructional practices, managing student behavior, and scientific research in education.