How can educators embrace their crucial role in shaping lives and communities? Meet motivational speaker, author, and educational leader Dr. Kimberly P. Johnson, whose life work illuminates the transformative power of teaching. I have known Dr. Kimberly for nearly 25 years, since we first met at a children's literature conference, where she inscribed a copy of her early book, The Adventures of the Itty Bitty Bunny, for my daughter. Since that time, I have followed her career with interest.
Her TedX Talk and her book Data Doesn't Always Determine Success have been important influences in my own work in classrooms across the country. And, I can tell you from personal experience, she is one of the most engaging keynote speakers out there. She's got the power to motivate and lift an audience and inspire them to find the joy in teaching because she practices what she preaches.
In this episode, Dr. Kimberly shares her COACHES acronym, guiding us through the profound impact that mentors and community leaders have in motivating and guiding the young minds entrusted to them. Educators and families alike will enjoy the lively conversation that looks at how education needs to evolve to keep pace with child development and to prepare students to thrive using creativity, communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
We also explore ways that hands-on, experiential learning and providing a culturally responsive learning environment helps awaken curiosity and celebrates success. This episode underscores the pivotal shift in classroom management strategies, focusing on nurturing self-regulation over imposing control, thus laying the groundwork for a future of responsible and empowered adults.
As a resource for families and educators alike, Dr. Kimberly shares a Positive Parenting Guide with 126 practical tips for engaging children and offering invitations to explore and self-regulate. The guide was created by her students at Clemson University. Dr. Kimberly has graciously shared the file with us. If you use it, please provide appropriate credit to her students at Clemson University.
Dr. Kimberly, who holds multiple advanced degrees, is currently completing her Board Certified Behavior Analyst coursework and has a vision of applying this knowledge to enhance both educators' and students' experiences. We also discuss Dr. Kimberly's partnership with the King Center and her authorship of It Starts With Me with Dr. Bernice A. King. It Starts With Me delves into the idea of BE LOVE as a verb, as a call to action and a catalyst for change. This concluding message brims with hope and the importance of positive reinforcement and active listening in nurturing a world rich in compassion and understanding.
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