Why I Love Speaking at Educational Conferences

I LOVE speaking at educational conferences!

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With 26 years of classroom experience as an English teacher at Oak Harbor Middle School and 8 years as a district administrator serving as the Director of Innovation and Instruction for Port Clinton Schools, I have been privileged to learn from, lead, and grow alongside some of the finest professionals in education. Speaking at educational conferences gives me the chance to share that experience and help others succeed. Whether it’s superintendents, school board members, teachers, or students, I bring insights, passion, and actionable strategies to every keynote, breakout session, and workshop.

In November 2024, I had the honor of being the opening-day speaker at the Ohio School Boards Association Capital Conference, addressing an audience of superintendents, treasurers, school board members, and central office staff. In October 2024, I served as the keynote speaker at the Ohio Career Technical Administrators (OCTA) Fall Conference and also spoke to the students of Perrysburg High School, delivering a powerful leadership message rooted in my book Along Came a Leader. Later this month, on January 28, 2025, I’ll be speaking at the AcceleratED Leadership and Learning Showcase hosted by the Ohio Leadership Advisory Council (OLAC) and the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce. These opportunities reflect the breadth of audiences I connect with and the diverse experiences I bring to the stage.

Why I Love Speaking to Educators

There is something truly unique about an audience of educational leaders. They are problem solvers, innovators, and champions of the next generation. Speaking to them allows me to draw from my career as a 7th-grade English teacher and my role as Director of Innovation and Instruction for Port Clinton City Schools. I’ve walked the hallways as both a teacher and an administrator, giving me an unparalleled understanding of the challenges and triumphs in education today.

I also bring the insights of nearly 250 podcast episodes where I’ve interviewed educational leaders, authors, and innovators from around the globe. Combine that with my two books, countless blog posts, and contributions to forums like Apple Education, and you get a speaker who is not only informed but also deeply invested in education.

What Makes Me Different?

I create an energy and passion for education that is contagious. I inspire people to view education differently and reignite their passion for teaching and leading. Many speakers can inspire, but I inspire with relevance. My presentations are deeply rooted in actionable strategies. I share what works—not just theories, but proven methods from years of experience in classrooms and district offices. I understand that no two districts are alike, and I tailor my messages to meet the needs of each unique audience.

I’m also known for my energy, humor, and ability to connect with a variety of audiences. Whether speaking to superintendents or high school students, I make my presentations engaging, memorable, and practical. My six tenets of leadership from Along Came a Leader provide a framework that resonates across roles and responsibilities. It’s this combination of versatility, experience, and passion that sets me apart.

Frankly, very few speakers have my classroom experience and diverse experiences. My storytelling will make you laugh, cry, and leave ready to change lives!

Top Three Takeaways for Any Audience

Leadership is Everyone’s Responsibility: My six tenets of leadership—attitude, communication, tenacity, vision, authenticity, and accountability—apply to anyone looking to make a difference. I guide audiences on how to embrace and apply these principles in their roles.

Innovation is Within Reach: With my background as Director of Innovation, I’ve seen firsthand how creative problem-solving and leveraging technology can transform schools. I equip audiences with strategies to innovate without overhauling their resources.

The Power of Relationships: Whether it’s building trust with a school board, engaging students in the classroom, or leading a team, relationships are the foundation of success. My stories and strategies emphasize how to create meaningful connections that drive results.

The Joy of Speaking

Speaking is more than a job for me; it’s a calling. Each presentation is an opportunity to inspire, empower, and connect. I leave every event energized by the conversations and new ideas shared. The chance to contribute to the success of educational leaders and students is a privilege I don’t take lightly.

Here’s a selected list highlight some of the conferences I have spoken to over the Years:

Selected International Conference Presentations

OSIRIS World Education Summit, 2023 (3 Presentations as Featured Speaker), 2021, Conference Speaker
Mexico LearnFest Conference, 2021, Speaker
Keynote Speaker for Moscow School of Economics, 2021
Keynote Speaker Iceland, UTIS Edu Conference, 2020
International Learning Networked Conference, 2019, Holy Child College of Davao, Davao City, Philippines
“Start a Podcast, Teach The World” ADE Global Institute, Berlin, Germany 2014
“Challenge Based Learning” ADE Global Institute, Cork, Ireland 2012

Selected National Conference Presentations

2024 Ohio School Board Association (OSBA) Captial Conference, (Superintendents, Treasurers, School Board Members, and Central Office) Columbus, Ohio
2024 Ohio Career Technical Administrators Fall Conference (OETC) Dublin, Ohio
2023 Conference for the Consortium of State School Boards Associations (COSSBA) Tampa, Florida.
2022 Ohio Association of Elementary & Middle School Administrators (OAESA) 2022 Annual Professional Conference, Keynote Speaker
What Great Educators Do Differently Conference, October 2019, Houston, Texas, Featured Speaker
Keynote Speaker for Wisconsin Wired Conference, August 2019
“Everyone Can Create” International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Conference Philadelphia, 2019
100th Anniversary of the Eagle Scout, Keynote Speaker and Emcee, Boy Scouts of America’s, National Eagle Scout Association, 2012 Lansing, Michigan
Keynote Speaker for Iowa Conference: United Methodist Church 2009-2014

Selected State Conference Presentations

NJECC 2023, Keynote Speaker for New Jersey 37th Annual State Wide Technology Conference at Montclair State University in New Jersey, March 2023
Opening Day Speaker, Fairfield School District, All Staff Kick-off, Fairfield, Ohio, August 2022
Featured Speaker, Ohio Educational Technology Conference, OETC, 2020, Columbus, Ohio, Ohio Department of Education
Buckeye Association of School Administrators (BASA) featured speaker to all first year superintendents two years in row, 2018, 2019
Ohio School Board Association (OSBA), 2019, 2020
Toledo Islamic Academy, Toledo, Ohio, Four-time keynote speaker, Ohio, 2012-2018
Keynote speaker for Bowling Green State University’s NWO Educational Conference to over 300 first year educators
Ohio School Board Association Presenter, recognized as the only speaker to receive a perfect rating, ever. 2012
Northwest Ohio Excellence in Education Conference, 2012
eTech Ohio Speaker and Presenter, Finalist for eTech Ohio Teacher of the Year, 2009

Book Me for Your Next Conference

If you’re looking for a speaker who can deliver actionable insights, inspire your audience, and leave them equipped to tackle their challenges, I’d love to be part of your next event. Whether it’s a keynote, breakout session, or workshop, I’ll bring the expertise, passion, and energy your audience deserves.

Visit www.kellycroy.com to learn more about my presentations and availability. Let’s connect and make your conference unforgettable!

Always forward,

Kelly

I would like to speak at your event!