Meet keynote speaker Marc Brackett, Ph.D.

Marc Brackett, Ph.D., author of "Permission To Feel", is the founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and a professor in the Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine at Yale University. His grant-funded research focuses on the role of emotions in learning, decision-making, creativity, relationship quality, well-being, performance, and organizational climate; the measurement of emotional intelligence; and the influence of emotional intelligence training on key life outcomes.

Marc has published over 150 scholarly articles, received numerous awards, and is featured regularly in popular media outlets such as the New York Times, "Good Morning America", "CBS This Morning", and the "Today" Show.

He also is on the board of directors for the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL).

Marc is the lead developer of RULER, a systemic, evidence-based approach to social and emotional learning that has been adopted by over 3,000 public, charter, and independent preschools through high schools across the United States and in other countries, including Australia, China, England, Italy, Mexico, and Spain. Research shows that RULER boosts academic performance, decreases bullying, enriches classroom climates, reduces teacher stress and burnout, and enhances teacher instructional practices. Marc regularly consults with large companies on best practices for integrating the principles of emotional intelligence into training and product design.

He is a co-founder of Oji Life Lab, a corporate learning firm that develops innovative digital learning systems for emotional intelligence.

Marc speaks to tens of thousands of people each year and has been the keynote speaker at over 500 conferences around the world, including the White House, U.S. Departments of Education, Justice, and Defense, the Surgeon General’s office, the New York Times, Microsoft, Google, Facebook, and Twitter, as well as dozens of education conferences.

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Watch: Yale professor shares tips for how to be emotionally intelligent (clip from ABC's "Good Morning America")

Meet keynote speaker Orion Jean

Orion Jean is an 11-year-old sixth-grader from Texas. 

After winning a national kindness speech contest, he used his prize money to start the “Race to Kindness” campaign. His initiatives include the “Race to 500 Toys”, "Race to 100,000 Meals”, and “Race to 500,000 Books”.

His pursuit of kindness is fueled by this simple mantra: “If you see a problem, fix it.”

He is the author of "A Kids Book About Leadership"; a book focused on inspiring the young (and young-at-heart) to develop the leader inside of them. He is also the host of an upcoming podcast, "Growing up with Orion Jean", focused on asking icons, legends, and changemakers about the “one thing” they wish they knew at his age. 

Orion was also selected as TIME's 2021 Kid of the Year. He has been featured on "Ellen", "Good Morning America", "The Kelly Clarkson Show", "CBS Evening News", "ABC World News", and numerous local, national and international media outlets.

Learn more at: TopYouthSpeakers.com

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Watch: TIME 2021 Kid of the Year: Orion Jean

Meet keynote speaker Tami Charles

Tami Charles is the New York Times bestselling author of "All Because You Matter," and numerous books for children and young adults. Her middle grade debut, "Like Vanessa," earned Top 10 spots on the Indies Introduce and Spring Kids' Next lists, three-starred reviews, and a Junior Library Guild selection. Her latest titles include YA novel-in-verse, "Muted," which was a Buzzfeed Top 40 pick for 2021, and the lyrical picture book, "My Day with the Panye." When Tami isn't writing, she can be found presenting at schools both stateside and abroad. 

Learn more at: TamiWrites.com

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Watch: Debbie Allen interviews Tami for One Book Baltimore

Meet featured speaker Mary Jo Huff

Let the stories and music lead you to Mary Jo Huff at ECWC 2023.

Mary Jo is an early childhood educator who uses her storytelling and songwriting to help children develop skills that inspire a love for reading and writing. Through her unique writing style and music, Huff introduces topics that encourage the development of creativity, imagination and critical thinking in a way that engages students.

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Watch: Mary Jo Huff explains why she loves the power of storytelling and its importance for all children

Meet featured speaker Dan St. Romain

Dan St. Romain is a national independent educational consultant who provides staff development and consultative services to educators and parents working with children at all developmental levels. Dan is passionate about helping individuals shift their perspective on discipline, and understanding the best ways to provide support given the challenges posed in today’s society.  

After receiving his master’s degree in early childhood education, Dan worked in both private residential and public school settings. His work as a self-contained behavior unit teacher, educational diagnostician, director of a learning resource center, and regional educational specialist has afforded him experience at all levels, in both general and special education settings. Dan is now enjoying semi-retirement after having worked in the school system for the past 30 years.

Dan’s overwhelming strength is his skill as a presenter. Although his sessions are exceedingly interactive, his greatest asset lies in his ability to offer participants rich insight into the connectedness between educational practices and student behavior. He is the author of Teach Skills and Break Habits: Growth Mindsets for Better Behavior in the Classroom, Positive Behavior Principles: Shifting Perspectives and Aligning Practices in Schools, and several resources for teaching social skills, featuring his chameleon, Juan Pablo.

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Watch: Supporting Emotional Development in Young Learners

Meet featured speaker Charlotte Watts

Charlotte is more than a consultant, presenter and trainer—she is the embodiment of dedication to early learners and their families. With over 30 years of experience, she sees early learning programs as an “extended family” that provides children with the tools they need for success in school and beyond.

A program director and pre-K teacher, Charlotte holds a master's degree in early childhood education, a bachelor's degree in civil engineering technology, plus multiple licenses and certifications—including a National Director’s Credential. But it is her work as program director that she considers most valuable. Participating in the day-to-day operations of a community program has given Charlotte insight into what works—and what doesn’t—for teachers and families alike. An engaging and personable presenter, Charlotte communicates her knowledge with clarity, precision and humor.

Charlotte’s experience comes across at a highly personal level, making it feel replicable in a variety of settings. Her workshops maintain a wonderful balance of content and activity, making the subject matter digestible for any level of learner.

Deeply knowledgeable about the inner workings of early childhood programs, Charlotte has also contributed articles to Exchange magazine—highlighting the value of collaboration, the challenges and opportunities for family-run programs, and more.