This past Sunday I did a keynote presentation for Scholastic at their national sales meeting here in Chicago. It was an exciting gig to do: Scholastic books were in every classroom even when I was a little kid decades ago (its roots go back to 1920), and Scholastic as an organization continues to be a central player in guiding our nation's schools toward increasing literacy of all kinds through publishing, book clubs, writing awards, you name it.
Read MoreJudging by the sheer atmospheric density of the charcoal grill smoke here in Chicago, it's almost August. And that means I'm gearing up for my busiest time of year: Back-to-School season! This year i'm kicking things off with a tongue-twisting tour of tumbleweed-free towns in Texas …
Read MoreLast week I had the honor of performing at one of the largest events on my calendar, doing my education keynote at the SDE (Staff Development for Educators) National Conference for 5,500+ teachers in Las Vegas. It's a nationwide gathering for education professionals to refine skills, stay current, and brush up on the latest developments.
Read MoreI'm back home from an amazing couple of days at Leon County Schools in Florida last week, doing my thing as an education keynote speaker as well as two helpings of my "3 C's" improv breakout session. And first off, a huge thanks to Chelsea F. Johnson (@thechelseaf on Twitter) for sharing this fun video clip from my performance ...
Read MoreI have a couple of stories to tell you about bullying and broken hearts, and the teachers who know how to mend them. But I'll start by saying bravo to Kindergarten teacher Shannon Grimm of Willis ISD in Texas, who adopted a new hairstyle in order to express solidarity with one of her students — a little girl whose cute 'do and bows had drawn teasing and bullying from her peers.
Read MoreThe story of one educator’s inspired strategy for keeping his classroom calm, and what Dykstra’s Law can teach us about student-teacher relationships and the value of eccentricity.
Read MoreShouldn’t all learning be an experience? College of DuPage professor Marco Benassi doesn't just think this is true — he knows it, thanks to his decades of fearless teaching experience as well as a pivotal early encounter with a remarkable teacher. I’m proud to say that Marco is not only an award-winning teacher but also my friend.
Read MoreThere's a first time for everything. Personally, I’d never spoken to a group of 900 therapists and counselors before. Now I have. Most of us talk to therapists one at a time, if at all, and we're usually sitting down. But I just got home from doing my keynote appearance for the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, at the AAMFT 2018 Annual Conference. No couch, just a microphone and my slides.
Read MoreYou probably don't know this, but it's Gap-Filler Appreciation Day. No, don't panic — no cards or flowers required. Just a quick story from my "Back to School" tour last month. As I've mentioned before, I always look forward to going on a whirlwind tour of school districts around the country when August rolls around, meeting with teachers and administrators to help them get fired up for the new school year.
Read MoreThis is the story of the special educator who made me one of her special projects. God bless Ms. O'Brien, she’s no longer with us — but her big laugh, huge heart, and bouncy soul still tinkers away in the thousands of former students she taught, listened to, and laughed with.
Read MoreI was talking recently with Jim Vidak, retiring Superintendent of Schools for Tulare County in California. I did a couple of morale-boosters as an education keynote speaker for the district and staff he’s led so well for so many years. Afterwards, Mr. Vidak told me a story that boosted my own morale.
Read MoreA veteran Nebraska teacher talks with Tim Clue following Tim’s keynote speech for educators at the recent PBIS conference in Lincoln, NE.
Read MoreLearn how Tim’s educational presentations help teach the skills and concepts of improv and give kids the tools they need to connect, collaborate, and communicate meaningfully with others throughout their lives.
Read MoreScientists have worked out why flamingos stand on one leg. I’m glad there’s finally headway in this matter. You should brace yourself for the reason…
Read MoreThere is only one thing that proves to be more expensive than education in life: the lack of it. We need to consider how every child has equal access to finding his or her passion, play and purpose.
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