Michael Shackleford has been a highly successful classroom teacher and administrator of a state-recognized model middle school. Since 1981, he has been a classroom teacher, administrator, school accreditation visiting team member, curriculum publisher consultant, educational consultant, conference speaker, workshop leader, guest lecturer at various universities, and a professional development specialist working with community college instructors.

Michael has his doctorate in Administrative Leadership from Vanderbilt University. His research centers on the use of problem-based learning in professional preparation for administrators and teachers as well as classroom applications in K-12 settings. Additional research focuses on specific strategies that classroom teachers and schools can implement in the areas of curriculum, assessment and instruction which lead to improvement in student learning.

Dr. Shackleford’s passion and focus is on the children. The filter he uses in all decisions and experiences dealing with students is “what is in the best interest of the children?” His “tell it like it is” presentation style equips personnel in schools to maximize the instructional time and the school experience for each student. Michael’s humor and honesty combined with powerful research and an engaging presentation style make his workshops extremely popular.

We All Need H.O.P.E.!
This keynote addresses several critical areas in the big picture of education. The acronym H.O.P.E. brings hope for students through their teachers:

H - Haven - the school and classroom must be a safe haven where students are encouraged to take risks to learn.

O - Opportunity - to be challenged at a high level and rigor is the norm. No teaching to the middle.

P - Purpose - is clear for what the students will learn. No more teaching to the middle.

E - Engaging - lessons that engage our students, adapting to meet their needs, and making them real and relevant.

Each of these four points have purposeful, touching and/or humorous anecdotes to provide context and encourage teachers and administrators. This keynote leaves participants thinking, renewed and armed with a clear focus as they go back to the classroom.