Over the past 25 years, I’ve had the honor and privilege of inspiring students all over the world to create and write stories. My presentations are approximately 45 to 60 minutes of high energy, immersing students in my story creation process. Using time-lapse video, music, and digital technology, I discuss writing, biology, research, illustration, and editing while addressing how and where I get my ideas. I keep a journal full of ideas and drawings. My stories start from those ideas, and I show the process from idea seed to finished story. I narrate a new or previously published story to the students, engaging them with video and music. I follow with a live computer drawing demonstration, usually projected onto a screen or big TV behind me. In most instances, it’s a simple drawing created from scratch that contains many concepts learned in curricula: insect biology, the difference between a bug and a beetle, primary and opposite colors, symmetry, and horizontal/ vertical placement. It also has just the right touch of humor :-) I airdrop a digital copy to the teachers to take back to their classrooms afterward. I like to take questions from the students at the end of the presentation. I appreciate the efforts of all the librarians, PTOs, and school administrators who have made my visits possible. My presentations have been described as engaging, educational, and a lot of fun.

Our virtual school author talk program brings the magic of stories to inspire, educate, and connect with students in the classroom. Whether it's the laughter from a funny tale, the curiosity kindled by a mystery, or the wonder of discovering new worlds, each BookBreak virtual author talk is designed to spark a love of reading and enhance literacy. Our innovative platform connects students with renowned authors virtually, allowing schools to participate who would not normally be able to afford the speaking fees of bestselling authors. With BookBreak, you can offer your students the excitement and inspiration of a live author event, empowering them to thrive as readers and writers. With over 2,000 subscribing schools and counting, our goal is to embed author talks as an integrated component of student learning. By seamlessly integrating these virtual author sessions into your curriculum, you’ll ignite a fire for reading, kindle a passion for writing, and captivate even the most reluctant readers. These interactive experiences are more than just talks—they’re a catalyst for transforming student motivation and cultivating a vibrant school-wide culture of reading. Use our curriculum aligned virtual author talks and included pre- and post- activities and watch as your students’ enthusiasm soars and their love for literature flourishes!

Eileen Egan Mack is a singer/storyteller who has several music programs, storytelling related programs that honor woman in one-person shows and storytelling programs that draw from folk tales, world cultures, history, and personal stories. This program proposal is for a music program. “Jazzy Ladies-Composers, Lyricists, and Singers” featuring vocalist Eileen Egan Mack backed by a jazz ensemble. Eileen, a retired educator, introduces the audience to the music and lives of women of jazz through brief stories and songs. It honors, among others, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Billie Holiday, Maxine Sullivan, Ethel Waters, Joni Mitchell, Diana Krall, and Marian McPartland. This is a program to recognize women’s place in music and social history and presents jazz standards through singing, program notes and jazz instrumentals.

MUSIC OF THE EARTH - A Celebration of World Cultures and Our Planet! Mysterious, exciting, information-packed! World cultures come alive through the powerful vibrations of exotic instruments from around the globe. Unique, interactive assemblies with giant drums, crystal singing bowls, Australian didgeridoos, Chinese gongs, Native American flutes and chants, Indian snake charmer, Aztec wind whistle, Scottish Bagpipes, and much more! Special programs available for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Winter Solstice, Earth Week (April) and St. Patrick’s Day.

We offer dynamic, bilingual programs tailored for our diverse community, showcasing author visits, writing workshops, poetry readings, and engaging cultural events. Through immersive experiences, we celebrate heritage as our superpower, focusing on Afro-Caribbean culture and exploring themes like personal and cultural identity, belonging, migration, and family values. Our programs are designed to be engaging and culturally responsive, offering a rich fusion of experiences for all.

Jennifer Islas has been a licensed Zumba Fitness Instructor since 2009. She has provided classes at many local schools and libraries for both students and teachers. Jennifer is a former educator as well and has worked with children from age 3-18 years as a Speech and Language Therapist. Her classes are high energy, interact, fun and easy to follow!

City Dance NY offers many dance programs and residencies. We are a multicultural ballet company presenting Arts in Education for over 18 years in the NYC region. World Dance Assembly. We travel the world in a 45 minute program presenting dances from all continents. Our dance residency is a multi week offering in which students learn about dance as a communication tool and present their work in an assembly program. We present adaptations of story ballets such as Peter and the Wolf and Snow White.

We offer several performers from our roster for BOCES Programs.

Reggie Harris has been affiliated with the John F Kennedy Center’s Partners in Education program for over two decades, offering both multimedia performances for students and communities as well as in-depth workshops for educators at all grade levels. His writing, research, fieldwork and recordings have amassed an amazing repertoire of African American music, blending spirituals and freedom songs, the old with the new. Mentored early on by Dr. Charles Blockson and by using music and storytelling to create captivating performances for audiences of all ages, he has raised awareness of the Underground Railroad in young school audiences, college symposiums and adult concerts. • Arts-in-Education Performance Offerings "Music and the Underground Railroad" (Grades K-12) The Underground Railroad is one of the most important chapters in American History. This engaging, interactive concert of songs, stories and narratives about slavery and the quest for freedom reveals the hope, power and eventually, the triumph that was accomplished and shared by a network of multicultural allies. Through song, story and audience involvement, Music & the Underground Railroad provides an understanding of the secrets and passion of this powerful era. - Curriculum Areas:  Social studies, cultural geography, history, music, storytelling - Study Guide Link:  http://loydartists.com/images/resources/UndergroundRRStudyGuide.pdf - VideoLink: (starts with lower elementary and then changes to upper elementary around the 9:15 mark):  https://youtu.be/yu1Gzic1L14 "How Martin Climbed the Mountain!" (Grades 3-12) Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had a dream, but he did not dream alone. This program is an interactive multi-media presentation honoring the artists, poets, educators, inventors, explorers, scientists and other important contributors to the life and culture of America and the world, and who influenced and informed the work of Dr. King. Using stories and music, Reggie highlights how the contributions of Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Benjamin Banneker, Satchel Paige and others helped young Martin become a man who added to the fabric of our nation and who changed the world. - Curriculum Areas:  Social studies, cultural geography, history, music, storytelling - Study Guide Link: https://loydartists.com/images/resources/HowMartinClimbedPerfguide2019.pdf - VideoLink: https://vimeo.com/452762352 • Student Workshops Elementary: "Exploring the Underground Railroad in Song & Story and Classroom Interaction" "The Story of Children’s Impact on the Modern Civil Rights Movement / The Birmingham Children’s March" Middle: "Get On Board the Freedom Train  (Exploring the Underground Railroad)" "Keep Your Eyes On The Prize (AMERICAN EXPERIENCES IN CIVIL RIGHTS)" • Kennedy Center Professional Development for Teachers "Sing to Freedom: Music & Stories of the Underground Railroad" This proven in-service workshop offers a “hands on – classroom ready” historical and musical workshop on the Underground Railroad. Teachers receive valuable tools for building the knowledge base of students through effective art based curriculum connected lessons designed to open classroom study to a more vibrant exploration of history, music and language. Copies of the highly praised CD “Steal Away,” and an extensive teaching guide are included. The workshop explores the history of the Antebellum time period in America and provides information and context on how music and culture have been instrumental throughout history. Learning to sing, write, and update “code songs” based on historical words and phrases along with contemporary composition brings together both the musical and historical material contained in the workshop.

At Relevant Speakers Newtwork, we partner with only the nation's best youth communicators. All our presenters have been hand selected and fully vetted to ensure you have a successful and impactful event. No matter your topic, timeline or budget, we can help you find a speaker who is a perfect fit to meet and exceed your goals.

The Career Day Inc. Full Day Program offers a transformative experience that connects students with a diverse range of professionals across industries and backgrounds. Speakers include school alumni and local professionals who share their personal journeys and practical insights, encouraging students to explore their interests and make informed decisions about their futures. The day begins with a high-energy keynote assembly, delivered by a dynamic speaker whose story sets an empowering tone. This opening session inspires students to embrace their unique talents and approach their futures with confidence. Following the keynote, students rotate through career-specific breakout sessions based on interests of THEIR CHOICE. In these smaller classroom settings, they engage directly with professionals—from electricians and engineers to artists and healthcare workers—who demonstrate how academic subjects like math, science, or art apply in real-world careers. For many students, these connections illuminate unexpected pathways, such as how a love of drawing could lead to a career in surgery, architecture, or design. All participating students are invited to apply for the Arie A. Bucheister Memorial Scholarship, a $1,000 award granted to one student per school. The scholarship honors those who express how Career Day Inc. programs influenced their educational and career aspirations and encouraged lasting connections with mentors and potential career opportunities. Each Full Day Program is customized in collaboration with school administrators to meet the unique needs, schedules, and demographics of the school community. By introducing students to a wide spectrum of careers and pushing them to think beyond their comfort zones, Career Day Inc. empowers students of all academic levels to pursue exciting and often unimaginable possibilities. The Career Day Inc. Panel Style Assembly offers students a dynamic and inspiring experience by connecting them with a diverse panel of professionals across various industries. Each program is customized in collaboration with school administrators to reflect the interests, demographics, and goals of the student population. Career Day Inc. curates engaging speakers, including school alumni, local professionals, and subject-matter experts—who share personal stories, career insights, and advice for future success. Panels typically feature three to seven presenters, depending on the school’s schedule. A key feature of the program is student interaction. Ample time is provided for Q&A, and students are encouraged to submit questions in advance. The most thoughtful questions are highlighted and rewarded during the event to promote deeper engagement. To enhance the impact, many schools now include breakout sessions following the panel. These smaller group discussions allow students to connect more personally with the speaker or field that resonates most with their career goals, heritage, or cultural identity. The Career Day Inc. Panel Assembly fosters an inclusive, student-centered environment that broadens awareness of real-world career paths and empowers students to make informed decisions about their futures.

At STEAM Fund (Siegal Trust Enriching Arts & Music) at Community Foundation of Sullivan County, we are dedicated to enriching lives through our diverse Arts In Education programs. Our programs cater to Pre-K, Elementary, Middle & High School children, as well as adults, focusing on essential topics such as Social Emotional Learning, Mindfulness, Health, Anti-Bullying, Coping Strategies, Nutrition, Diversability, and core values like Love, Peace, Equality, Brotherhood, and Sisterhood. STEAM Fund collaborates closely with public school administrators, principals, teachers, and various organizations to bring these impactful programs to schools and organizations. Our experienced teaching artists ensure the delivery of high-quality programs that resonate with individuals through arts and music. STEAM offers the following: ASSEMBLY PROGRAMS: Mindfulness Matters, Nutrition Mission, Do The Right Thing, The Golden Rule Show, Happy Holidays Around The World, Alive Again SONGWRITING PROGRAMS: Theatre Within’ John Lennon Real Love Project, Real Food Rules Song Program, Sing About Learning Program WORKSHOPS/RESIDENCY PROGRAMS: Mindfulness in Motion, Self Care ABCs for Students PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Self Care for You & Your Students, Move It Or Lose It, Integrating Care, Music & Motion, Stress Reduction Through Mindfulness & Breathing Exercise If you are an administrator, educator, or part of the PTA/PTO, contact us today to discover how we can introduce these exceptional programs to your school and community. Let’s work together to inspire, educate, and uplift through the power of Arts in Education.