Today's Events
Poitier speaks today
Actor, director, and author Sidney Poitier will address today’s General Session, which starts at 11 a.m.
You might know Poitier for being the first African-American man to win an Oscar—for “Lillies of the Field” in 1963—and for his starring roles in “In the Heat of the Night,” “The Defiant Ones,” and “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.”
But you might not know he played Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall in the 1991 Emmy-Award winning television miniseries, “Separate but Equal,” about the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case.
Poitier also has written a critically acclaimed autobiography, The Measure of a Man. In 1992, he was presented with the American Film Institute’s Life Achievement Award and a Kennedy Center honor for lifetime achievement in the performing arts.
Other major sessions today include Focus on Education lectures at 8:45 a.m. with Simon T. Bailey, an expert on leadership; and 2 p.m. with former U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher, who will discuss the connection between health and learning.
Book signings today
The following book signings will take place today at the Bookstore unless otherwise noted. For signings taking place at other locations, the book must be purchased first at the Bookstore or authors can sign bookplates. Books will not be sold at events in hotels.
• 9-9:30 a.m.—Fellowship Gathering speaker Lee Woodruff—In an Instant: A Family’s Journey of Love and Healing.
• 2:45-3:15 p.m.—Lorraine Monroe, speaker at the National Black Caucus of School Board Members Luncheon—Nothing’s Impossible: Leadership Lessons from Inside and Outside the Classroom and The Monroe Doctrine: An ABC Guide to What Great Bosses Do—Peabody, Plaza A-E.
• 3:30-4 p.m.—Meet the Experts presenters William Parrett and Robert Barr—The Kids Left Behind: Catching Up the Underachieving Children of Poverty and Saving Our Students, Saving Our Schools.
• 3:30-4 p.m.—Focus lecturer Simon T. Bailey—Release Your Brilliance: The 4 Steps to Transforming Your Life and Revealing Your Genius to the World.
Visit the Excellence Fair
Take a walk through excellence this afternoon. Leaders from 21 school districts from 15 states are hosting tabletop displays showcasing innovative programs at the Education Walk of Excellence Fair, 12:30-3:30 p.m. in Valencia Ballroom D.
Learn about Springfield, Ore.’s, literacy initiative; Fremont County, Wyo.’s, virtual high school for Native Americans; Gadsden, Ala.’s, parent outreach program; Prince William County, Va.’s, school-based credit unions; and much more. You’ll be sure to get lots of ideas to take home.
Discover new resources at the NA Benefits Fair
Learn about NSBA’s National Affiliate program at the NA Benefits Fair, held in conjunction with the Walk of Excellence, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. today in Valencia D Ballroom.
NSBA staff members will be on hand to explain how the NA program can help you become a better board member.
National Affiliates have access to essential resources and services that provide innovative leadership ideas, funding opportunities, the latest trends in governance, sample board policies, and the chance to be part of a nationwide network of advocates for public education.
The benefits of the NA program include American School Board Journal, School Board News, the SchoolGrants newsletter, the National Education Policy Network, and discounts on other NSBA publications and events.
A series of events is scheduled at NA Central (Room W207) today, beginning with five separate roundtables at 8:45 a.m.
Two workshops will be held this afternoon. The 1:30 p.m. session focuses on successful strategies for winning grants, while the 3:15 p.m. workshop shows you how to use humor to enhance your leadership.
Board members also are encouraged to visit NA Central to take part in the “Life on a School Board” program—audio recordings of instructive, enlightening, or amusing stories about school board experiences.
NBPTS teachers: Stop by exhibit booth
All National Board-certified teachers here are invited to stop by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards booth (#855) in the Exhibit Hall at 3:45 p.m. today for a group photo and networking opportunities. For more information, call James Minichello, (202) 360-9973.