Féraba – The African Rhythm Tap Company offers dynamic school assembly programs that blend traditional West African music and dance with American tap, creating an engaging, educational experience for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Féraba's assemblies are interactive and culturally enriching. They are an immersive experience that combines storytelling, music, and dance to take students on a cultural journey, emphasizing the interconnectedness of global traditions.

The Schenectady County Historical Society shares stories, inspires dialogue, and encourages understanding of the history, people, and cultures of New York's Capitol Region. Founded in 1905, today we bring history and culture to life through exhibits, programs, and community events. Many teachers know us from the fantastic field trips we offer at our historic sites, like the Mabee Farm. However our programs can be brought to the classroom by our expert educators. Using engaging slideshows and real historic manuscripts, we can bring to life any topic in the K-12 social studies curriculum.

A leading motivational speaker and author, I share stories and insights that have enabled me to triumph over cerebral palsy and hearing loss, framing the program around the importance of love, family, and forgiveness in our lives. Though I was in a wheelchair for four years, and can now walk pretty well, the journey has not been easy. Though physically bullied in school and rather than respond in anger, I chose to forgive and help the bullies! A positive attitude can help us celebrate our unique gifts while kindness and respect can help those gifts be revealed. Each program culminates in a powerful documentary video to demonstrate, by example, that we should always focus on our abilities. As a former special needs kid, I describe how optimism and confidence allows us to share an important life philosophy using three simple words: Yes I Can! Which is precisely the title of my published book, helping teen readers and parents overcome self-doubt when faced with tremendous challenges. DETAILS FOR GRADE SCHOOLS: Shorter 35-minute presentation for grades K-2 (focused on disability awareness, character education, kindness and respect, and the qualities of a superhero) followed by a longer 60-minute presentation for grades 3-5 (focused on anti-bullying, leadership, and resilience). Two assemblies maximum per day, preferably before lunch. To help with drive time and share travel expenses from my New Jersey home, I suggest programs at multiple schools on consecutive days. Please email me to establish initial contact, due to my hearing loss, or leave voicemail on my landline. Also open to an introductory Zoom meeting for a "meet-and-greet" and to answer your questions. ONLINE SPEAKER RESUME: www.JustTheWayYouAre.com/resume

History of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois), Glenn displays a large variety of authentic visual items that assist in the learning process and coordinate with the lecture he provides. Some items which are occasionally passed around, if feasible. This integrates a tactile interaction that stimulates the minds of all ages and is always enjoyable. Children are the key to our future and our first priority is them. It is Glenn's pleasure to bring the experience of a field trip to your location offering you convenience, scheduling and cost effectiveness.

This specially designed virtual show gets students engaged and excited to experience amazing principles of science while they share safe experiments in front of their computers. Exciting experiments from two of our most popular assembly programs, Wacky Science & SuperMarket Science, have become hands-on lessons kids do under the virtual and side-by-side aid of our wacky scientist, Doug Scheer.

**Mr. Twisty Arts-in-Education Assembly Programs** For over three decades, Chad Currin has brought Mr. Twisty, his hilariously charming character, into schools, captivating young audiences with assemblies that blend laughter, magic, and meaningful lessons. As the son of a school librarian, storytelling runs deep in Mr. Twisty’s heart, and he has even penned seven children’s books. Currently, Mr. Twisty also stars in *Mr. Twisty's Storytime Adventures*, a popular YouTube show that’s a big hit with early readers! Every episode celebrates children’s stories by independent authors, packs in delightful (and groan-worthy!) dad jokes, and showcases balloon artistry. Mr. Twisty’s arts-in-education programs keep kids engaged and enrich the curriculum, making learning memorable and exciting. Each assembly offers valuable educational experiences with an infusion of creativity and joy, fostering a love of reading, a sense of empowerment, and an appreciation for our planet’s tiny helpers. --- **Assembly Programs and Classroom Visits:** ### 1. **Books & Beyond: The Magical Power of Stories** **For Grades K-5** Dive into the adventure of reading with Mr. Twisty as he shares his story of growing up in a library and the love of stories he learned from his librarian mom! This lively program encourages students to explore the magical world inside books, emphasizing the importance of reading in daily life and supporting themes aligned with the Parents as Reading Partners (PARP) program. With humor, magic, and interactive elements, Mr. Twisty makes reading cool and fun, motivating students to open a book and discover the worlds waiting inside. - **Themes Covered:** Storytelling, reading motivation, imagination, book discovery - **Takeaways:** Kids learn that books are gateways to endless adventures and knowledge, igniting excitement for independent reading. - **Optional Classroom Visits:** Mr. Twisty can visit individual classrooms to work with smaller groups, sharing tips on creating their own “story magic.” --- ### 2. **The MAGIC of YOU! - Building Self-Esteem through Magic** **For Grades 3 and Up** In *The MAGIC of YOU!* assembly, Mr. Twisty uses magic as a metaphor for personal empowerment, helping students believe in their ability to make amazing things happen. This program is designed to boost self-confidence and encourage students to take pride in their unique qualities. Mr. Twisty shares inspirational stories and showcases illusions that remind students that they, too, have “hidden powers” within. After the assembly, students who attend the optional classroom sessions will learn a simple magic trick to take home, letting them experience the thrill of mastering something new and surprising their friends and family. - **Themes Covered:** Self-esteem, self-discovery, resilience, confidence-building - **Takeaways:** Students leave feeling empowered to face challenges and create “magic” in their own lives. - **Optional Classroom Visits:** Mr. Twisty can teach students a beginner-friendly magic trick to keep the theme of empowerment going. --- ### 3. **Wiggle, Dig & Compost! - Magical Worms & the World of Soil Health** **For Grades K-5** *Wiggle, Dig & Compost!* is a hands-on program where Mr. Twisty introduces his pet worms and teaches students all about the incredible role worms play in recycling and composting. This isn’t a typical assembly; it’s a special classroom experience where each class gets an up-close encounter with Mr. Twisty’s wriggling worm friends and a reading of his story *Little Lily and Eddie the Earthworm!* Kids will learn about worms, composting, soil health, and sustainability in a way that’s unforgettable—and they get to meet and greet Mr. Twisty’s worms for a fun, tactile experience. This program is ideal for teaching young students about the environment, helping them develop respect for our planet and its tiniest eco-heroes. - **Themes Covered:** Environmental science, composting, recycling, worm care - **Takeaways:** Students learn that even the smallest creatures play a big role in keeping our earth healthy and clean. - **Classroom Visit Experience:** A close-up meet-and-greet with real, live worms—a unique and memorable way to connect with nature’s recyclers. --- **What Teachers & Librarians Love About Mr. Twisty’s Programs:** - **Curriculum-Connected Learning:** Each program ties into key educational themes, providing a fun way to reinforce classroom topics. - **Interactive Elements:** Assemblies are highly engaging, often with student volunteers, humor, and age-appropriate magic tricks to make learning fun. - **Encouragement for Young Readers:** Mr. Twisty’s passion for storytelling inspires students to read more and discover the magic in books. - **Empowerment Focus:** Programs like *The MAGIC of YOU!* are designed to build self-esteem and encourage personal growth. - **Environmental Education:** Mr. Twisty’s hands-on approach in *Wiggle, Dig & Compost!* offers a unique environmental science lesson. Each program is adaptable to meet the needs of your school and audience, and Mr. Twisty is happy to work with educators to create a memorable and impactful experience for students. Let Mr. Twisty’s magic bring laughter, learning, and lasting lessons to your school!

I am a children's book author with long experience visiting schools around the country, from California to South Carolina, Texas to Illinois. I am especially happy to visit ANYWHERE in New York State, from Long Island to the North Country and everywhere in between. I've published a range of books from PreK to Young Adult, and I'm still actively publishing today. I love visiting schools and I'm grateful to meet and try to inspire young readers and writers.

Jumpin' Jamie performs "Kindie Rock" for all ages, puppets, and magic. Programs can include "Music and Puppets", "Music, Magic, and Puppets", "Magic show", "Puppet Show", and educational shows such as "Indiana Jamie Reading Show", "Jump Into Dinosaurs", and more. Jumpin' Jamie has performed thousands of shows for crowds from 12 to 12,000 including venues like Citi Field, Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, and American Dream.

I offer both Picture Book presentations and Creative Writing workshops. My 5 picture books are centered on themes such as rejection/belonging, kindness/friendship, trying new things, etc. These stories are delightful for young ones, catering to their imagination, and are not preachy! My Picture Book Presentation consists of pre-reading Q&A, picture book reading, digital presentation of writing-illustrating-publishing process, and post-presentation Q&A. This is suitable for one time sessions for grades K-2. My Creative Writing workshops consists of helping young writers to create their individual story outlines which they then use to begin writing their story drafts. I read their drafts and give them personalized feedback for them to use in their new drafts. These workshops are suitable for multiple sessions and for grades 3-5. For references, see my website. My credentials include having a Creative Writing degree from Columbia University and I was also a former ELA/ENL Teaching Fellow.

1. K-12 Storytelling Workshop 2. Professional Development for Teachers and Staff 3. Train the Teacher in Storytelling Writing on Your Feet is an exciting new storytelling course for students in grades K-12. Developed over a five-year period in partnership with Taconic Hills Elementary School, Writing on Your Feet provides students the opportunity to generate story ideas, teaches concepts such as a story arc and the skills of live storytelling. Writing on Your Feet complements most schools’ personal narrative writing curricula by introducing students to an innovative approach to storytelling that helps them identify what they want to say in their story, as well as how to say it; students first learn to speak their story and then, after doing so, are prepared to write it down. Writing on Your Feet is a highly impactful, program that uniquely scaffolds a school’s writing curriculum by introducing kids to personal narrative development through storytelling. The Ancram Center believes that this kind of creative pedagogy–one that allows for a wide range of learners to develop an essential skill–is key to supporting individual academic attainment. The course is taught over four 45-minute classes with an optional storytelling event to culminate the students’ work. The classes can be completed over two to four weeks depending on a school’s needs. The Ancram Center also offers one-time two-hour versions of this workshop. Professional development workshops and train the teacher sessions are also available.

“In my almost three decades of teaching, I have heard a wide variety of internationally known authors, many of them award recipients. Marc was easily the most engaging and inspiring presenter I have ever heard. He held the rapt attention of the entire auditorium—students and staff alike. He is such a gift!” —Adrienne DeMichele, Taipei American School, Taiwan Marc’s multidisciplinary presentation (adjustable for any age) is a jaw-dropping epic revealing secrets uncovered and mysteries solved while researching nonfiction books on the creators of Superman and Batman—riveting even for those who couldn’t care less about superheroes. The interactive story emphasizes persistence, challenging injustice, and sticking up for oneself and others. His approach motivates even the most reluctant students to read and embrace the adventure of research. The presentation culminates in not one but three big twists that show how, despite the odds, children’s literature—and any one person—can change the world. “Educational value? 5 out of 5 stars. Entertainment value? 5 out of 5 stars. Marc’s amazing story kept an entire room of students and teachers enthralled for an hour with no special effects or tricks. My principal and almost every teacher said this was the best assembly they have ever attended.” —Jamie Harris, librarian, Smalley Elementary, Las Vegas, NV

Sweethearts & Heroes is a social and emotional wellness organization dedicated to building sustainable networks of support, promoting empathy activation, and empowering students to become positive influencers within their communities. Our mission is to nurture Human Skills like empathy and compassion and develop positive leadership in young people. Through structured, spaced-repetition practices designed for age-mixed learning, we leverage the power of H.O.P.E. (Hold On, Possibilities Exist) and inspire students to Jump into Action to help others and establish healthy social norms. By leveraging your school influencers and Champion Teachers, Sweethearts & Heroes provides students with the tools, strategies, and skills to foster resilience and contribute to sustainable, compassionate school cultures. Our partnership approach involves scheduling our team for services based on your school, district, or organization’s desired pace and needs. This can be done with all our services and offers an independent approach to implementing the practices, tools, and messaging we bring to your community. Assemblies Our foundational assemblies introduce the world of Sweethearts & Heroes. In these assemblies, tailored to each grade level band (K-2, 3-5/6, 6/7-12), we’ll discuss the problem in the world today (this epidemic of hopelessness), how these Sweethearts give H.O.P.E. (Hold On, Possibilities Exist), and how Heroes Jump into Action to help others. Student-Teacher Empathy Program (S.T.E.P.) From day one, the Sweethearts & Heroes message has empowered our youth to be the change the world needs. S.T.E.P. is about taking our foundational K-2 and 3-5 grade messages and training high school students to deliver them in a small group classroom format. This propagates the message of Sweethearts & Heroes for your younger students while starting to build relationships across ages, setting up the crux of our youth leadership programs and age-mixed learning. B.R.A.V.E. 6-Week Youth Leadership Program B.R.A.V.E. stands for 16th-Century Bullies ‘R’ Action-Based, Vulnerable, and Empathetic. This is our student leadership system focused on 1) student empowerment, 2) empathy activation, and 3) Human Skills (SEL Core Competencies). It is uniquely designed to take young student leaders who can impact their school and build a culture and community of H.O.P.E. and Action through peer modeling, mentorship, and influence. We’ll introduce a group of up to 20 student leaders to Circle work and Bully Drill fundamentals. These students will implement vital age-mixed play-based learning by traveling to individual elementary classrooms to work with younger students Hero Huddles and Bully Drills. Circle Training | 1-Day, 2-Days Our Circle Training is designed for educators, administrators, students, and school teams. A single Sweethearts & Heroes Circle Trainer can work with up to 20 individuals at once in a training. Circle Training can be a single day, however, it is best completed over 2 days. Weavers of the Future Circle Training | 2-Days The Weavers of the Future Program trains older students to facilitate Circles, fostering healthy social norms and driving lasting, positive change in school culture. These student leaders will lead discussions that cultivate empathy, strengthen essential Human Skills (SEL), encourage perspective-taking, and build supportive peer networks. Master Weaver Circle Training | 3-Days Our train-the-trainer Master Weaver Circle Training is essential to creating a sustainable Circle culture and offering in-house training to future staff and students. This 3-day intensive training is designed to prepare an elite Circle team in your school who will be able to train new Circle facilitators. During this training, we’ll teach you how to tailor and deliver our foundational Circle Training, utilizing your personal stories of Circle and how it has impacted your life. The B.R.A.V.E. System Class Suite B.R.A.V.E. 101 | B.R.A.V.E. 102 | B.R.A.V.E. 103 | B.R.A.V.E. JRs The B.R.A.V.E. System Class Suite includes four classes to create systemic change that reaches all grade levels and implements our Circle work and age-mixed Bully Drill practices throughout your district. These experiential curricula embed our methodologies into your school culture through yearly B.R.A.V.E. lessons on leadership, social-emotional growth, and compassion. Community Ambassador Program Our community ambassador approach involves placing one of our team members in your school to work alongside your team as a long-term partner for school improvement and turning your school into a Circle culture. We provide individualized support weekly or bi- weekly throughout the school year to establish Circle as a consistent practice in your community and implement several of our programs based on your community’s needs.