Midwinter Conference Friday Keynote Speakers

Three keynote speakers will help us close out the event. Mike Flanagan, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, will provide an outlook for the year ahead for districts across the state. Next, Robert Bobb, will take the podium to discuss some of the challenges he has had to face in the Detroit Public Schools. Although some will be unique to Detroit, you may be surprised to find out how similar they are to issues facing your own district.

Finally Dave Weber, will close the conference with an inspirational presentation “Overcoming Life’s Goliaths.” As the title suggests, every person, company, and industry has Goliaths—barriers, obstacles, or challenges. The key to success is not avoiding them (that's unrealistic) but rather dealing with and overcoming them.

While everyone remembers that David overcame Goliath in the epic battle over 3,000 years ago, very few people realize the leadership concepts he used…and how we can utilize those same principles to help us in our lives today. A few of the strategies discussed include:

• The importance of shifting your vision
• Focusing on the goal, dealing with setbacks
• The power of attitude
• Coming together as a team to accomplish great things

After the conference ends you will be ready to take an informed and inspired perspective back to your district.