Lenora Edwards, Board Certified Speech-Language Pathologist and Chief Knowledge Officer at Better Speech, is a communication expert with over 15 years of experience specializing in pediatric and family-centered speech therapy.

Her expertise spans improving speech intelligibility, nurturing language development, and working with neurodiverse individuals, employing evidence-based techniques to help children of all abilities communicate more effectively. At Better Speech, Lenora leads initiatives to make quality speech therapy accessible to all families, empowering them to support their child's communication journey and unlock their full potential.

Takeaways:

• Children require a safe environment to express their thoughts and emotions effectively.
• Non-verbal communication plays a crucial role in conveying emotions and understanding others.
• Online speech therapy provides accessible support that can help children develop their communication skills.
• Parents often feel uncertain about their child's language development and require expert guidance.
• Observations from teachers and caregivers are valuable in identifying children's communication challenges.
• The pandemic has impacted children's social interactions and communication development significantly.

Website

https://www.betterspeech.com/

Social media Information

https://www.betterspeech.com/blog

https://www.youtube.com/@Better.Speech

https://www.facebook.com/yourbetterspeech

https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-speech/mycompany/

https://www.instagram.com/betterspeech

https://www.tiktok.com/@better.speech

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Ben Brown Is currently Head of UK and Ireland for Optoma Ltd, having previously been head of market development for Promethean and the education businesses lead for Hewlett-Packard, Samsung and XMA in the UK. He has worked in the education technology sector for over 20 years and has developed a real passion for advancing the use of technology to support teaching and learning.

Now the Chair of Trustees at Astrea Academy Trust, he previously sat on the Board of Trustees at the David Ross Education Trust. Recently he has also been a trustee at the Tackley Education Trust. Ben has, throughout his career, looked at the challenges in education and how technology is best placed to resolve them, this has led to him working closely with the DfE as well as Academy Trusts such as ARK, Reach2 and United Learning.

Takeaways:

• Effective implementation of new technologies in education requires concise, easily digestible training materials for teachers.
• The duration of instructional videos should ideally range from one to two minutes to accommodate teachers' busy schedules.
• Investments in technology during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly advanced the integration of digital tools in educational settings.
• The challenge lies not merely in providing technology but ensuring its effective utilization within educational frameworks.
• A focus on empowering teachers through tailored training is crucial for maximizing the benefits of new technology in classrooms.
• To foster engagement, technology must solve existing educational challenges rather than simply being used for its own sake.

Website

www.optoma.co.uk

Multi-award-winning interactive displays, professional displays, LED displays, projectors and software to suit every education environment.

Social media Information

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-brown-a017b621/

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The Oxford School of Thought (OST) is the primary education think tank – the first of its kind

in the UK. They regard learning as a continuum, and we recognise the powerful and enduring

influence of primary education across a lifetime of learning.

OST proposes a distinct model of school inspection for primary schools, highlighting the

need for a framework that reflects the unique nature of primary education.

The current inspection model, which primarily caters to secondary schools, fails to address

the developmental and educational needs of primary school children. This has led to a lack

of focus on the holistic, child-centered approaches necessary for young learners.

The document emphasises that primary education fosters curiosity, relationships, and a

broad, engaging curriculum, factors critical to the early stages of lifelong learning.

To improve outcomes for students and to support teachers, the proposed inspection model

should focus on these aspects, providing a more supportive, collaborative, and

developmental approach to school evaluation.

The paper outlines some key components for a primary-specific inspection framework, such

as the importance of cross-curricular links, teacher-pupil relationships, inclusivity, and the

integration of the school within its community and primary teaching experience for

inspectors.

By calling for a developmental and collaborative inspection model the paper aims to shift

away from punitive measures and towards a system that encourages continuous

improvement, addresses the well-being of both students and staff, and contributes to the

broader goal of fostering lifelong learning.

This new approach is seen as essential for enhancing the education system, teacher

retention, and children's mental health, and is framed as a necessary step in responding to

recent government reviews on curriculum, assessment, and inclusion.

Full details at https://www.oxfordschoolofthought.org/ost-report-primary-inspection

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With over 25 years of experience as a Special Education Teacher, Classroom Teacher, and Principal, Leroy Slanzi has dedicated is life to cultivating relationships built on kindness, empathy, and trust. He believes in the power of leadership to make the world a better place. He has consistently focused on nurturing a positive impact in the lives of students, families, and educators. Currently, he is working for the Lower Nicola Indian Band, feeling proud and fortunate to be in the final stages of his career working alongside Indigenous people.

His journey reflects a steadfast commitment to fostering inclusivity and understanding in education. His work has been guided by the principles of emotional intelligence, servant & relational leadership, and a growth mindset, which he integrates into every aspect of his life. As he continues to serve and uplift those around me, he does his best to remain humble about the path that has brought him to this point, where he is dedicated to making meaningful connections and advocating for a brighter future everyone in education.

Takeaways:

• The significance of free play in education is paramount, as it fosters emotional attachment and enhances the learning experience for children.
• Schools that lack strict governmental constraints often witness superior academic performance among students, indicating the necessity for educational reform.
• The contemporary educational environment necessitates a shift towards integrating technology, rather than banning it, to align with the realities of modern childhood.
• Emotional intelligence and mindfulness are crucial components of education, as they enable children to cope with stress and persevere through challenges.
• The decline in free play and structured play has resulted in children entering school with diminished social skills and cognitive abilities, necessitating a reevaluation of the current educational practices.
• Educators must embrace vulnerability and self-reflection to improve their leadership and foster a supportive learning environment for both teachers and students.

Website

www.emotionalschools.com/

Social media Information

http://linkedin.com/in/leroy-slanzi-3632b2233

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Rhonda Britten -- Emmy Award-winner, 4x Bestselling author, Repeat Oprah guest, Tedx Speaker, Huffington Post Contributor, and Master Coach – has devoted her life to one thing: teaching people how to master fear. She has created a method for anyone to overcome the insidious fear of “not being good enough” using the “Wheel Technology” she developed to save her own life.

What she teaches is what she has lived.

The episode presents an in-depth exploration of the multifaceted relationship between fear, teaching, and learning. Rhonda Britten introduces her innovative methodologies, including the 'Wheel of Fear' and the 'Wheel of Freedom', which serve as frameworks for understanding the psychological barriers that hinder student participation and engagement.

She posits that fear is not merely a personal flaw but a universal experience that shapes behavior and learning in profound ways. Rhonda reflections on her own educational journey reveal the detrimental effects of fear on student participation, highlighting the need for educators to adopt a more empathetic approach.

Significant transformation in education requires educators to first address their own fears and emotional needs. By prioritizing self-care, teachers can cultivate an environment conducive to authentic learning and emotional safety, allowing students to express themselves freely. This conversation is a call to action for educators to engage in self-reflection and to foster a fearless culture in their classrooms, ultimately leading to a more enriching educational experience for all.

Takeaways:

• The Wheel of Fear and Wheel of Freedom offer frameworks to understand personal fear dynamics.
• Identifying one's core fear can significantly shift perspectives and enhance personal growth.
• Authenticity in education requires teachers to understand their own needs and emotions.
• Students often conceal their fears, which can hinder their learning and engagement in the classroom.
• Teachers must prioritize self-care to effectively support their students' emotional and educational needs.
• Creating a supportive classroom environment necessitates a focus on students' individual experiences and needs.

Website

https://fearlessliving.org

https://fearlessliving.org/risk/

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Craig Hane, also known as Dr. Del, passionately advocates for a revolutionary approach to mathematics education, emphasizing the necessity of practical application over traditional teaching methods.

His initiative, Triad Math, seeks to transform the outdated paradigms of math education in the United States by integrating contemporary tools and techniques that align with the demands of the 21st century.

His mission is to empower students with the tools necessary to navigate modern challenges, thereby addressing the pervasive inadequacies within the current educational framework. Our conversation not only sheds light on the failings of existing systems but also presents a compelling vision for a more effective and engaging mathematical education.

Takeaways:

• Craig Hane, also known as Dr. Del, emphasizes the need for a practical approach to mathematics education that transcends outdated traditional methods and focuses on real-world applications.
• The Triad Math program aims to revolutionize math education by integrating modern tools and pedagogical strategies that cater to individual learning paces and preferences.
• A significant portion of students in the United States are failing to grasp essential mathematical concepts due to ineffective teaching methods prevalent in the current educational system.
• Dr. Del's mission is to empower one million individuals through practical math education, thereby enhancing their prospects in technical fields and addressing the skills gap in the workforce.

Website

https://craighane.com/

https://triadmathinc.com/

https://www.wolframalpha.com/tour

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Professor Dr Ger Graus OBE is a renowned figure in the field of education - once described as “Jean-Jacques Rousseau meets Willy Wonka”. He was the first Global Director of Education at KidZania and the founding CEO of the Children’s University. In 2019, Ger became a Visiting Professor at the National Research University in Moscow, Russia. He is also a Professor of Practice at the University of Cumbria, United Kingdom, and a Member of the PhD Advisory Council at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy.

Ger is a frequent keynote speaker at some of the world’s leading education conferences. Driven by his famous mantra that “Children can only aspire to what they know exists”, Ger champions the cause of equity, progress, purpose, creativity, and innovation in children’s learning.

Born in the Netherlands, Ger moved to the United Kingdom in 1983 where he began his teaching career, later becoming a Senior Inspector, and Education Director.

Ger is a member of Bett’s Global Education Council; DIDAC India’s Advisory Board; and Junior Achievement’s Worldwide Global Council. He chairs the Beaconhouse School System’s Advisory Board, Pakistan; advises the Fondazione Reggio Children, Italy; supports a range of education start-ups globally; and was invited to help shape the future of education in Dubai as a member of the Dubai Future Councils. In 2023, he joined the Global Teacher Prize Judging and the World’s Best School Prize Academies as a judge. In 2024, Ger was invited onto the Board of Trustees of the Sharjah Education Academy by Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Ruler of Sharjah.

In the 2014 Queen’s Birthday Honours List Ger was made an Honorary Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to children, and in 2018 he received the Global Education Leadership Award at the World Education Congress, India. In 2022, he was granted the award of Iconic Leader Creating A Better World For All by the Women Economic Forum (WEF) and the following year, Ger was made a Companion of the Harry Volker Genootschap in The Netherlands.

Ger’s professional autobiography, Through a Different Lens - Lessons from a Life in Education, will be published by Routledge in April 2025.

Website

https://www.gergraus.com/

Social Media Information

https://www.linkedin.com/in/prof-dr-ger-graus-obe-335bb6115/

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Bob Martin’s Uncommon Journey takes him from a high-powered criminal trial lawyer during Miami’s Cocaine Cowboy era to a healing force. Under the tutelage of Hua Ching Ni, a 72nd-generation Master from the Shaolin Temple, Bob has become a Certified Meditation Teacher, Mentor, and published author.

At 74, Bob draws from his diverse experiences as a criminal lawyer, restaurant owner, corporate consultant, and community leader to guide others toward clarity and peace.

Currently serving as a Professor of Wellness and Mindfulness Coordinator at Elon University, along with teaching corporate executives to the overwhelmed, Bob blends Taoist teachings, brain science, and psychology to help individuals break free from limiting beliefs. His story of transformation offers powerful insights into resilience, fulfillment, and living a meaningful life.

Takeaways:

• The concept of wellness encompasses physical, mental, financial, and spiritual dimensions, promoting holistic life skills for students.
• Meditation significantly enhances resilience, teaching individuals to recover from setbacks effectively and maintain focus amid challenges.
• Bob Martin's diverse career journey illustrates the transformative power of mentorship and personal growth through unexpected avenues.
• The integration of mindfulness into academic settings fosters a supportive environment, equipping students with essential tools for a meaningful life.
• The importance of reframing one's mindset from obligation to opportunity can profoundly impact personal motivation and academic performance.
• Life's transient nature urges us to embrace each day as a unique opportunity for growth and fulfillment, emphasizing the value of mindful living.
• 
  

Website

www.awiseandhappylife.com

Social Media Information

https://www.facebook.com/awiseandhappylife

https://iamthewaybook.com/

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