Keynote Speaker:
Michael Bonner

"The Perfect Time to Quit" - In this speech, Michael Bonner will outline how to find the window of opportunity when experiencing burnout. This speech will highlight how to leverage relationships, create efficient systems to lighten the classroom worload, and how to maintain and establish a healthy climate and culture.
Ellen DeGeneres. NBC Nightly News. The Ashton Kutcher Foundation. Time for Kids. SoulPancake. People Magazine. 3M. Lego Education. Discovery Channel for Education. These are just a few of the audiences that have been drawn to the masterful teaching methods of renowned leader, educator, innovator, speaker, and author, Michael Bonner.
Michael Bonner is a trailblazer in educational practices, leadership development, and organizational culture. Mr. Bonner is a highly respected team member at the famed Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, GA, where he teaches 4th grade Social Studies and 6th grade ELA, and he is the CEO of Bonnerville, an organization that promotes the value of self-care and “where disruptive innovation meets education.” He is a dynamic keynote speaker who leaves his audiences ready to make an impact that affects eternity.
Mr. Bonner’s enthusiastic seminars challenge listeners to reflect, strategize, and execute in order to increase their efficiency in the workplace and personal areas. He is consistently seen as a visionary leader who strives to create a positive mindset among educators, leaders, and all of his students. His students come to class each day with diverse backgrounds, strengths, needs, and challenges. Therefore, he identifies strategies to ensure their growth socially, emotionally, academically, and psychologically. Recently he has shifted his pedagogical practices to focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, STEM, and developing a love for reading. Due to his transformative educational approach, his students leave more hopeful, challenged, inspired, and forever a part of Bonnerville. Likewise, his audiences leave more hopeful, challenged, and prepared to be world-changing educators and leaders.
Mr. Bonner motivates educators and encourages them to embrace positive innovation by implementing strategies that will not only engage students but push them to a higher level of efficiency. As we enter into the Fourth Industrial Revolution, he understands 21st Century skills must be introduced and modeled in order for everyone to grow socially, emotionally, academically, and psychologically. Most importantly, Michael Bonner empowers his audiences to build genuine relationships with people because… "You cannot demand a withdrawal from someone you have never invested in."
We are so excited to welcome the energizing voice of Michael Bonner to EdTech Academy 2023!
To learn more about Michael Bonner, visit michael-bonner.com and follow him on all social media platforms at @michaelbonner_.
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Michael Bonner Speaking Reel
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Inspiring America: Teacher Motivates Students With Music | NBC Nightly News
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Ellen Surprises Incredible Teacher Mr. Bonner
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'Read It' – The Ellen Remix ft. Ellen, Big Sean, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ice Cube, Migos & Ty Dolla $ign
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Memorable Moments with Rapping Teacher Mr. Bonner
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Teacher Gets Blindsided with the Gift of a Brand-New Car
Spotlight Presenters
Breakout Session: "Pair of Docs, The Inner Game of Life"
(Time TBA)
Dr. Edward Leoni
Faculty Emeritus Chairperson/Professor,
Dept. of Health and Human Performance
Southeast Missouri State University
Dr. Neil Glass

Superintendent
Cape Public Schools
What does your best self look like? If the answer doesn’t come quickly, the pair of Docs can help. We live in tumultuous times. Distress is ubiquitous and serves as a reminder that we cannot stay the same and change. During this humorous presentation, laughter is what the pair of docs prescribe. Motivation is often the key to becoming the best version of you. However, where does motivation originate? And where is it when you really need it? “We all live two lives, the second one begins when we realize we have just one.” We are chemical beings. Thoughts create emotions, emotions, release chemicals throughout the body. Happiness is just a thought away.
Breakout Session: "Sharpening Your Edge: The Importance of Soft Skills for Student Success"
(Time TBA)
Lisa Riegel, Ph.D.

COOJAKAPA
When schools don't strategically focus on soft skill development, they fail to adequately prepare students for life after graduation. Nearly 3/4 of employers say they cannot find recent graduates with adequate soft skills. Soft skills also predict academic outcomes and graduation. Attend this session to learn about the soft skills we should be teaching and assessing and the impact they have on student wellness and success.
Lunch and Book-Signing
12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Lunch will be provided for all attendees in Dempster Atrium, with seating on upper and lower levels (The following rooms will be available for overflow during lunch: 105 (Glenn Auditorium), 124, 125, 126, 127, and 128). Michael Bonner will be available for a book-signing during lunch.
Closing and Door Prizes!
3:30 p.m.
Closing remarks, followed by the drawing for door prizes will take place in Glenn Auditorium. Must be present to win!
Times above are tentative/subject to change. Check back for updates.