Speaker Information
Baruti Kafele
A highly-regarded urban educator in New Jersey for over twenty years, Principal Baruti Kafele distinguished himself as a master teacher and a transformational school leader. As an elementary school teacher in East Orange, NJ, he was selected as the East Orange School District and Essex County Public Schools Teacher of the Year and New Jersey State Teacher of the Year finalist.
As a middle and high school principal, Principal Kafele emerged as a turnaround school leader which included the turnaround of "The Mighty" Newark Tech, that went from a low-performing school in need of improvement to national recognition, including U.S. News and World Report Magazine recognizing it three times as one of America's best high schools. This culminated in Principal Kafele receiving the coveted Milken Educator Award for his leadership.
One of the most sought-after school leadership and classroom equity presenters in America, Principal Kafele is impacting America’s schools. For over 35 years, he has delivered more than 3000 conference and program keynotes, professional development workshops, parenting seminars and student assemblies. In addition to writing several professional articles for popular education journals, he has authored thirteen books, including seven ASCD best sellers. His next book, What Is My Value INSTRUCTIONALLY to the Teachers I Supervise was released on December 16, 2024.
Principal Kafele is the creator and host of the popular AP & New Principals Academy, streamed live every Saturday morning on his AP & New Principals Academy YouTube channel at 10:55 ET. He is the recipient of over 150 educational, professional and community awards which include the prestigious Milken Educator Award, the National Alliance of Black School Educators Hall of Fame Award, the East Orange, NJ Hall of Fame Award, recognition as one of the World’s Top 30 Education Professionals for five consecutive years (2020 – 2024) by Global Gurus Top 30, and the City of Dickinson, Texas proclaiming February 8, 1998 as Baruti Kafele Day.
Salome Thomas-EL
"Every child needs someone crazy about them.” This is the mantra of Salome Thomas-EL, award-winning teacher and principal, and internationally recognized educator. Principal EL believes that in the most challenging times, resilient teachers and leaders bounce back from adversity to ensure that all students are exposed to engaging, challenging, and joyful classrooms. In his thought-provoking presentation, Dr. EL shares how schools can positively change cultures by empowering teachers and leaders to build relationships, promote resilience, and “Choose to Stay” for students and staff.
Through his powerful combination of passion and leadership, Principal EL unpacks this vision for change with the “4Cs of School Success:” Being Crazy about students, Curious about their lives outside of school, Consistent as adults in their lives, and driven to foster a Culture that is grounded in love, support, joy, and resilience. Attendees will better understand the power of adult-child relationships in schools and celebrate the impact that can be made when roles as learners and compassionate leaders are leveraged. Teachers and administrators will leave with an inspiring, common-sense roadmap to help children achieve their dreams, no matter the odds.
Dr. Salome Thomas-EL has been a teacher and principal since 1987. He received national acclaim as a teacher and chess coach, where his students have gone on to win world recognition as Eight-Time National Chess Champions. Principal EL is the author/co-author of five best-selling books, I Choose to Stay (movie rights optioned by Disney Films), The Immortality of Influence, which stresses the importance of leadership, mentoring, parenting, and service to others, and the newly released Passionate Leadership, Building a Winning Team, and Retention for a Change. Thomas-EL speaks to groups around the country and frequently appears on C-SPAN, CNN, and NPR Radio. Principal EL has studied at Cambridge University in England, Lehigh University in Pennsylvania, and holds a doctorate in Education from Wilmington University in Delaware. He has received the Marcus A. Foster Award as the outstanding School District Administrator in Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania’s distinguished Martin Luther King Award. Reader’s Digest Magazine recognized Dr. EL as an “Inspiring American Icon.” Principal EL has also appeared on GMA and The Oprah Radio Network.
Dr. StePhen Barkley
Steve Barkley, Chief Learning Officer and Executive Vice-President of PLS 3rd Learning, is internationally recognized for his ability to facilitate change through his teaching and coaching. He is skilled in guiding teams through continuous improvement with coaching, mentoring, and professional learning communities. Most recently, Steve has concentrated on leadership training, coaching skills, and establishing teacher professional development goals, often focused on efficacy, agency and accelerated learning. Students' holistic growth requires learning opportunities that are authentic, purposeful, and connected.
He began his career more than 45 years ago as an elementary teacher. For the past 30+ years he has served as a consultant to school districts, teacher organizations, state departments of education, and colleges and universities both nationally and internationally. His strategies to connect with clients virtually has greatly increased his availability for personalized facilitation and coaching.
Steve is a master teacher-of-educators, a highly motivational speaker who is extraordinarily knowledgeable about life in schools. A catalyst for growth, he is a true role model who practices what he teaches.
