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Greetings, gang! We're delving into the dynamic and often misunderstood world of educational speaking. I'm thrilled to share insights into how speakers can revolutionize education and professional development, especially through programs like Within Our Ranks .  This is an extraordinary episode of the “Stand Tall Leadership” show, as Meg and I are together to record for the first time ever! Usually, I am in New Jersey, and she is in Wyoming.  But in this recording, we are in

When the bell rings, the classroom becomes the stage. The teacher becomes the keynote speaker. Students become the audience. As with any keynote presentation, the first moments determine everything.

How do I share what I know beyond my classroom or building? How do I help more educators without leaving education behind? That question led Dr. Cherise Smith to Within Our Ranks, and her story reflects what happens when experience meets the right community. Join her journey as a member of the Within Our Ranks Inner Circle and learn why so many veteran educators find new purpose through this work.

Dwight Carter shared a journey that speaks directly to veteran educators who crave growth, clarity, and renewed impact. His experience inside the Within Our Ranks Inner Circle shows what happens when intention meets structure and community. I’m so proud of Dwight as a longtime friend and now a fellow educational speaker.

In a recent conversation on the School Culture and Climate Show, I spoke with Alexandra Desbiens-Leighton, a member of our Within Our Ranks Inner Circle. Her story offers a powerful example of how experience, passion, and purpose can align into meaningful work in the educational speaking space.

I am deeply honored to announce that I received the 2025 NSA Chair Leadership Award from the National Speakers Association. This recognition celebrates leadership that goes above and beyond to strengthen the NSA community, acknowledging a commitment to serve, support, and empower the speakers who inspire audiences across the nation.

Through my Within Our Ranks program, I help educators confidently step into this space and thrive. We don't just dream about the stage; we prepare for it. Let me walk you through the key steps you need to follow once you land your first speaking engagement. This is what “Within Our Ranks” ready looks like, a place where you belong and are supported.

At its core, professional development should serve two purposes: inspiration and strategy. Educators want to walk away energized, but they also need actionable tools they can use in their classrooms the very next day. Too often, though, PD misses the mark, leaving teachers bored, frustrated, and disconnected. As a result, we need to rethink our professional development approach as educators and presenters.  

Jennifer Mazzochi joins the School Climate and Culture Show to share some insights and reflections on how co-teaching has transformed her teaching journey, enhanced the classroom environment, and created opportunities for student growth and understanding.

Recently, I had the privilege of working with Allison Gollin, the founder of Gollin Educational Services. Her insights further deepened my understanding of the challenges families and educators face navigating the special education process. Supporting students, forming productive partnerships, and the intricacies of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and 504 processes are just the beginning of understanding how this impacts the climate and culture in schools.  

In life, no good stories start with eating a salad.  Great success stories begin with a bold move, a moment of courage, a creative risk, or a leap of faith.  Many of you have tuned in and read the blogs for “Stand Tall Leadership Show” and now “The School Climate and Culture Show.” In this episode, we wanted to share a bit of how our journeys in educational speaking began.  Join us for a trip down memory lane and hear the origin stories of Steve Bollar and Meg Diede!