Meet the Speakers
Rodney Robinson
2019 National Teacher of the Year Rodney Robinson is a 21-year education veteran working with marginalized black and brown communities in Richmond, Va. He has worked with Pulitzer-winning author James Foreman to develop curriculum units on race, class and punishment as a part of the Yale Teachers Institute. His current role is as a senior policy advisor with Richmond Public Schools in charge of Teacher Pathways.
Ron Clark
Ron Clark is co-founder of the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Ga. He is a best-selling author who has been featured on “The Today Show,” CNN, and “Oprah,” and Ms. Winfrey even named him as her first “Phenomenal Man.” Ron’s teaching experiences in New York City are the subject of the uplifting film “The Ron Clark Story,” starring Matthew Perry, better known as Chandler from “Friends.”
Judy Carter
Interviewed by Oprah Winfrey after writing her first book, former teacher Judy Carter went from playing Vegas as a headlining standup comic to become an in-demand speaker on “The Power of Purpose” to overcome stress and navigate change. She is that rare speaker who is laugh-out-loud funny AND thought-provoking. Judy can show even the humor impaired how to laugh in the face of stress and brighten up a bad day.
Joe Dombrowski
A former elementary teacher in Metro Detroit, Joe Dombrowski gained Internet fame through a viral video of a class April Fool’s Day joke spelling test, which landed him on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” A teacher and comedian, he earned his masters degree in educational leadership from Oakland University. He tours with his “Indoor Recess” comedy show and hosts the podcast “Study Hall with Mr. D.”
Meet the Special Guests
Coy Bowles, member of the Zac Brown Band, music teacher and author of five children’s books
Dave Burgess, NYT best-selling author of the “Teach Like a Pirate” series
Leah Porter, 2021-22 Michigan Teacher of the Year
Owen Bondono, 2020-21 Michigan Teacher of the Year
Tina Miller, 2021 AWSA Wisconsin Elementary School Principal of the Year
Dave Beranek, 2021 AWSA Wisconsin Secondary Principal of the Year
Justin Johnson, 2021 Illinois Teacher of the Year
Cherie Dennis, 2022 Georgia Teacher of the Year
Dr. Earl Franks, Executive Director at the National Association of Elementary School Principals
All Together Now
Life Changers
Speaking of amazing teachers and celebrating educators, please take a look at the inspiring documentary “The LifeChangers: A Tale of Two Educators.” The short film follows a day in the life of Detroit Public Schools Community District teacher Michele Pizzo and Eastern Michigan University professor Lolita Cummings.
Both teachers have had a profound impact on their students and institutions, and we’re pleased to share their stories.
About Us
Since 1992, The Meemic Foundation for the Future of Education has been funding school and classroom programs and other partnership initiatives to support educational excellence. The Meemic Foundation, founded as a nonprofit organization by Meemic Insurance Company, offers financial assistance to public, private, parochial and charter schools, and colleges and universities.