The Pennsylvania Associations of

Elementary & Secondary School Principals

Present . . .

 

Dr. Kevin Elko- Keynote Speaker- Sunday, October 28

Dr. Kevin Elko completed his bachelor’s in biology and coaching education at California University of Pennsylvania. Then he went on to West Virginia University where he completed a master’s in counseling, a master’s in sports psychology, a graduate certificate in gerontology and a doctorate in education with a major emphasis in sports and counseling. He is also a certified addictions counselor.

   Dr. Elko has consulted with and presented to a number of companies including Travelers Insurance Company, Smith Kline Beecham Consumer Brands, Solomon Smith Barney, University of Pittsburgh Athletic Department, the University of Miami Football Team, the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Dallas Cowboys, the Philadelphia Eagles, the Miami Dolphins and the New Orleans Saints.

   He has been an adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and a writer for DR.Koop.Com. He has recently published the book, “Nerves of Steel.”

   In his presentation, Dr. Elko will discuss the seven steps of “Nerves of Steel: How to Focus When the Heat Is On.” The program starts by pointing out the importance of intrinsic motivation and how to keep those motivators in front of you at all times. He also discusses how to focus by using specific self-talk and how to identify your internal Voice of Judgment (V.O.J.).

Jim Grant- Keynote Speaker- Monday, October 29

   Jim Grant is an internationally renowned educator and popular author. He is regarded by fellow educators as one of America’s most passionate advocates for children. He is the founder and executive director of the Society for Developmental Education, one of the nation’s leading providers of professional development training for elementary educators. He is also the founder of the National Alliance of Multiage Educators.

   His mission began more than three decades ago when he served as both a principal and a multiage teacher in New Hampshire. Speaking with a blend of common sense, wisdom and humor, his views on education often appear in a variety of publications, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Education Digest and USA Today. He is one of this country’s most sought after speakers.

   In his keynote address, “Overcoming the Obstacles to Achieving High Standards,” you will discover a common sense approach to helping all students meet high standards. The key elements include: How to avoid “one size fits all” policies and practices; how the lock-step school structure is a barrier to high standards; and prisoners of time: too much to teach. . . not enough time to teach it.

Bernard Hoffman - Keynote Speaker - Monday, October 29

   Bernard G. Hoffman was a staff member with the Neshaminy School District in Langhorne, Pa., since 1958. In his almost 40 years at Neshaminy, he served as classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal, administrative assistant to the superintendent, assistant superintendent, supervisor of curriculum and instruction, deputy superintendent and superintendent. He has done consulting work for universities, public and parochial schools, businesses, corporations throughout the country, a number of state governments and the federal government. He is a consultant to the Pennsylvania Department of Education in the areas of at-risk issues, student assistance and administrative affairs and has conducted workshops for administrators on these and other issues.

   In his keynote address, “How to Make Your School Safe, Successful and Liability Free,” participants will learn how to meet the needs of individual students, yet make their school safe and orderly in an environment that emphasizes learning.  Processes that result in effective problem solving will be presented using authentic case examples that support the laws and the intent of the courts.  The latest Supreme Court and Federal Court mandates will be presented in a manner that can be used to the participant’s advantage.