featured interview
10 questions
With Adolph Brown, the keynote speaker at MEA's Instruction and Professional Development Conference
10 questions is a regular department in the Voice magazine. Have an idea for someone we should interview? E-mail your suggestion to kschulz@mea.org.
1.
On your Web site
(www.docspeaks.com), you call
yourself a master teacher and
motivator. Why have you chosen
this as your life’s work?
I was born a teacher and grew to become the educator I was meant to be. I have chosen this path as one who not only encourages and facilitates the learning process, but as someone who also inspires others to tap into their inner resources.
2. How do you describe your presentation style?
Every presentation is unique. I pour my heart and soul into each presentation to ensure that it’s upbeat, energetic, witty, and based on solid research and the best practices available. I provide tried-andtrue, fundamental skills and strategies that solid educators know and practice to get effective results in the classroom.
3. Your appearance at last year’s conference was a big hit—how will you follow that up—what are you going to talk about?
The title of my presentation this year is: Doing Whatever It Takes to Make You Great!
4. Do you think educators need motivation? Why?
Motivation alone is never enough. There are no simple or foolproof formulas for teaching. As educators, we must continually try and learn.
5. What motivates you?
My wife, Marla, and family are my greatest teachers and inspiration. They insist that I practice what I teach and give me plenty of opportunities to do so.
6. You reportedly receive a lot of mail—hundreds of letters from students, educators and parents—every year. What are all these people writing about? What do you tell them?
The most common request of educators involves issues surrounding classroom management, the least taught subject to new educators today. Young people often inquire about the positive changes I have made in my life since my tumultuous childhood. I give educators real-life strategies to connect with and inspire young people.
7. Who was your favorite teacher? Why?
My third grade teacher, Susan Tolley, now a retired school administrator, was my favorite teacher. She was a “happy” teacher whose eyes always smiled. I remember her to be a warm, open, inviting educator who believed that all students can succeed. She wrote the foreword to my latest book, Real Talk: Lessons in Uncommon Sense for Educators and Parents, A Refresher Course for Educators and Parents.
8. What’s the biggest challenge facing teachers and educational support professionals today?
The declining family unit, followed closely by establishing and maintaining ongoing and lasting relationships with young people. And, stable and continuous funding for public education.
9. If educators could do just one thing to help students learn more effectively, what would it be?
Engage all young learners through the development of differentiated learning strategies.
10. Any other wisdom to share with those who can’t make it to this year’s conference?
Never give up—we need you!