A Look at Educational Speakers
Ken Coates | Leading Thinker on Post-Secondary Education
Ken Coates is highly respected for his work on the impact, relevance and transformation of post-secondary education. His work examines the changing role of universities, student expectations and outcomes, the effectiveness of academic research and commercialization of research, and the role of international students. Ken argues that universities have expanded too far and too fast, that many under-qualified students are enrolling in universities and that many graduates are experiencing unexpectedly weak employment outcomes. He provided commentary on the problem with university satellite campuses in the wake of some recent closures at large-scale North American universities.“We have everybody scrambling after the same declining number of students… There are not enough students to go around.”You can listen to the full interview below:
Natalie Panek | Rocket Scientist & Advocate for Women in Tech
Natalie’s experience as a woman working in a non-traditional field and a male-dominated industry offers a unique perspective on the opportunities for women in technology fields. She works passionately to blaze a new trail and empower women in the fields of science and technology engineering. Natalie was recently featured in a Fast Company article looking at how prominent women in STEM are ensuring their stories are part of the narrative about space careers. These leaders have the explicit goal of attracting more young women to STEM careers.“It’s not enough to talk about record enrollment in engineering or computer science courses in university. A wider perspective is necessary, which looks at the statistics regarding women advancing in their careers into leadership, director-level, and board-level positions.”You can read the full article here.
Andy Hargreaves | Educational Change & Sustainable Leadership Expert
Andy Hargreaves has been studying how to improve the work of teachers, principals and schools for nearly 30 years in his native United Kingdom, Canada and the US. Bridging theory and practice, Hargreaves searches for successful initiatives that can be shared in any classroom. Hargreaves is eager to mine insights into the educational experience, whether they come from international data sets – or David Bowie’s report card. Following the British singer’s death last month, Hargreaves paid tribute on Twitter, posting a teacher’s report card comment that the future global superstar was a “complete exhibitionist” and lamenting that if the young Bowie was more focused and consistent, “his ability would have been put to better use!” In February, Andy was presented with the Horace Mann League of the USA’s 2016 Outstanding Friend of Public Education Award. The award is presented to the public schools’ leading advocates and thinkers, including past recipients Marian Wright Edelman, Pedro Noguera, Diane Ravitch and Jonathan Kozol.“Andy’s work – specifically his recent books – and his ability to communicate to many audiences made a direct connection with us and we’re pleased to honor him as a friend of public education.” -Executive Director, Horace Mann League
Eddy Robinson | Indigenous Artist, Activist & Educator
Like many Indigenous people in Canada, Eddy did not enjoy an easy childhood as an Anishinaabe youth in the big city. His father – a residential school survivor – left the family when he was just three years old. Eddy subsequently endured years of abuse from an alcoholic parent. Only in his adult years was Eddy able to understand the legacy of his father’s experience at Chapleau Indian Residential School and Shingwauk Indian Residential School. Over the past 25 years of working on the frontline of social services and advocating for Indigenous communities locally, provincially and nationally Eddy has evolved into a noted Anishinaabe artist, musician, educator, facilitator, trainer and public speaker. He’s involved with numerous local district school boards, colleges, universities, corporate institutions and several Indigenous/Aboriginal organizations.Look how engaged all these teachers are 🙂 Thank you Eddy Robinson for your speech and song. pic.twitter.com/0J6aythkF4
— Mariah Burton (@mariah_burt) February 19, 2016