Ernie's Speaking Topics

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Format: Keynote

Best for: New teacher orientation, induction programs, alternative-certification programs, colleges of education

Description:
Many new teachers enter the classroom carrying both excitement and uncertainty—especially those coming to education as a second career. In this encouraging and practical keynote, Ernie Lee helps new e

Format: Keynote

Best for: New teacher orientation, induction programs, alternative-certification programs, colleges of education

Description:
Many new teachers enter the classroom carrying both excitement and uncertainty—especially those coming to education as a second career. In this encouraging and practical keynote, Ernie Lee helps new educators recognize that belonging is not something they earn after years of experience; it is something they begin building from day one through purpose, relationships, preparation, and steady presence. Drawing from his journey from law to the classroom, Ernie offers a powerful message of confidence, calling, and commitment for teachers beginning their next chapter.

Audience outcomes:

• See their prior life and career experience as an asset, not a liability.
• Gain practical confidence for building relationships and classroom presence from day one.
• Leave encouraged to view teaching not merely as a job change, but as meaningful work worthy of their best effort.

Format: Keynote

Best for: New teacher orientation, induction programs, teacher-retention initiatives, mentor-teacher programs, colleges of education

Description:
Too many promising teachers begin questioning their future before they have had the support, perspective, and practical tools they need to succeed. In this honest and encouraging k

Format: Keynote

Best for: New teacher orientation, induction programs, teacher-retention initiatives, mentor-teacher programs, colleges of education

Description:
Too many promising teachers begin questioning their future before they have had the support, perspective, and practical tools they need to succeed. In this honest and encouraging keynote, Ernie Lee speaks directly to the doubts, frustrations, and early missteps that can cause new teachers to wonder whether they belong in the classroom. With humor, empathy, and hard-earned wisdom, he helps educators understand that struggle is not failure, confidence can be built, and the work is still worth doing.

Audience outcomes:

• Recognize that early classroom struggles are normal and can be overcome.
• Learn practical ways to build confidence, relationships, and classroom presence.
• Leave with renewed purpose and a stronger commitment to stay, grow, and lead.

Format: Keynote

Best for: District leadership meetings, principal conferences, HR and recruitment teams, induction coordinators, mentor-teacher programs, colleges of education

Description:
Recruiting teachers is only the beginning. If schools want new and second-career educators to stay, leaders must create a culture where they feel welcome

Format: Keynote

Best for: District leadership meetings, principal conferences, HR and recruitment teams, induction coordinators, mentor-teacher programs, colleges of education

Description:
Recruiting teachers is only the beginning. If schools want new and second-career educators to stay, leaders must create a culture where they feel welcomed, supported, and capable of growing through the difficult early years. In this practical and timely keynote, Ernie Lee helps school leaders think beyond hiring and focus on the conditions that build confidence, belonging, and long-term commitment. Drawing from his own transition into teaching and years of classroom leadership, Ernie offers clear guidance for helping new educators believe they can succeed—and giving them reasons to remain.

Audience outcomes:

• Understand what new and second-career teachers need most during their early years.
• Identify leadership practices that build belonging, confidence, and retention.
• Leave with District leadership meetings, principal conferences, HR and recruitment teams, induction coordinators, mentor-teacher programs, and colleges of education

Format: Keynote

Best for: Faith-based schools, private schools, Christian school conferences, faculty retreats, new teacher orientation, teacher appreciation events

Description:
Teaching in a faith-based or private school is more than delivering instruction; it is an opportunity to serve students with purpose, wisdom, and steady confidence.

Format: Keynote

Best for: Faith-based schools, private schools, Christian school conferences, faculty retreats, new teacher orientation, teacher appreciation events

Description:
Teaching in a faith-based or private school is more than delivering instruction; it is an opportunity to serve students with purpose, wisdom, and steady confidence. In this encouraging keynote, Ernie Lee helps educators reconnect with the deeper calling behind their work while offering practical insight into building relationships, leading classrooms well, and sustaining their commitment through challenging seasons. With warmth, experience, and conviction, this message reminds teachers that their daily presence can shape both learning and lives.

Audience outcomes:

• Reconnect with teaching as meaningful work rooted in purpose and service.
• Gain encouragement and practical confidence for leading students well.
• Leave renewed in their commitment to teach with presence, patience, and conviction.