Ernie's signature speaking topics

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Best for new teacher orientation, induction, and alternative-certification programs

Many second-career teachers enter the classroom after succeeding elsewhere, only to find themselves questioning their confidence, competence, and identity. This keynote helps them see that classroom confidence is built, not born.

Audience outcomes:

• Renewed confidence
• Clearer professional identity
• Practical encouragement for the first years of teaching
• Stronger belief that prior life experience is an asset

Classroom Confidence: What New Teachers Need to Know Before They Quit

This interactive session gives new teachers practical strategies for building classroom presence, managing self-doubt, developing professional identity, and navigating the difficult first years of teaching. Participants leave with a clearer understanding of how to lead from their strengths, recover from difficult days, and grow into the teachers their students need.

Best for: New teacher cohorts, induction programs, GaTAPP programs, RESAs, teacher-preparation programs.

Recruit, Welcome, Retain: How School Leaders Can Support New and Second-Career Teachers

Recruiting teachers is difficult. Keeping them is harder. This session helps principals, mentors, and district leaders understand the unique needs of new and second-career teachers. Ernie offers practical ways schools can create cultures where new teachers feel supported, respected, and likely to stay.

Best for: Principals, assistant principals, HR leaders, mentor teachers, district professional-learning teams.

Called to the Classroom: Purpose, Service, and Confidence in Teaching

For faith-based school communities, Ernie offers an encouraging message about teaching as a calling, service, and daily act of influence. This session helps educators renew their sense of purpose and see their classroom work as meaningful, formative, and deeply human.

Best for: Christian schools, faith-based education conferences, teacher appreciation events, faculty retreats.