Keynote Speaker, Edward DeShazer

Speaker | Consultant | Author

Embark on a remarkable journey with Edward, a former special education student from Milwaukee, WI, whose early life was riddled with adversity and challenges within the educational system. Witness the raw and powerful story of a man who, through the power of belief and unwavering support from extraordinary educators, turned a path of suspensions and expulsions into a roadmap of triumph and leadership.

In his candid keynote, "Closing the Believe-ment Gap," Edward unveils his tumultuous school years, marked by over thirty suspensions, three expulsions and time spent in multiple alternative schools. He paints a vivid picture of his metamorphosis from a student seemingly destined to become just another statistic, to an award-winning school leader.

With humility and gratitude, Edward attributes his dramatic turnaround to the few incredible educators who saw potential in him when he could not see it in himself. Their relentless belief sparked a change that transcended the norm, challenging the narrative of what it means to be a 'problem student'.

In an era where educators face the daunting task of finding hope amidst a profession that can be exhausting, Edward's testimony shines as a beacon of inspiration. His experience serves as a compelling reminder of the impact educators can have on their
students' lives—how a bit of belief can ignite the flame of potential in every child.

Prepare for a keynote speech that is more than a personal success story—it's a rallying cry for all educators to recognize the transformative power of belief and its role in shaping the future of our students, our schools and our communities.