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  3. Bradlee W. Skinner
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Bradlee W. Skinner

MAEd
Educator & Entertainer
Director of the Year, National Educator of the Year, TOTY
Country or state 
United States (Wyoming)
Available to 
Global
City 
Green River
Fee 
Languages 
English
Volunteer
Yes

Personal Details

Current position (3)

Educator & Entertainer

Director of the Year, National Educator of the Year, TOTY

Motivational Speaker

Within Our Ranks Speaking Group

Movie Producer

Red Giant

Achievements (4)
Director of the Year, 2018

Bradlee W. Skinner was recognized as the Theatre Director of the Year for the state of Wyoming in 2018.

Building Level Teacher of the Year (2019)
National Educator of the Year, 2019

The Jostens company selected Bradlee W. Skinner as their national educator of the year for 2019.

Teacher of the Year, 2020

Sweetwater County School District #2 named Bradlee W. Skinner as their district teacher of the year for 2020.

Degrees (3)
Educational Leadership
Southern Utah University
2013 to 2009
English Instruction
University of Phoenix
2007
Theatre Education: Acting and Directing
Southern Utah University
1994 to 2001

Bio

Horizontal Tabs

Bio #1: Workshop/PD

Bradlee W. Skinner, is an educational thought leader, educator, former administrator, playwright, perspective giving speaker, and an expert in school culture and climate. He is known for his quick wit, creative thought, and humorous personality.

Bradlee was recognized as the 2018 Wyoming Theatre Director of the Year; the current District Teacher of the Year, and in summer of 2019 Bradlee was honored by the Jostens company as their National Educator of the Year.

Bradlee is the host of "The Stark Realization" Podcast, and co-host of the web series, "The Empower Half Hour" both focusing on current trends and best practices in the world of education. And Bradlee recently added movie producer to his resume with his first film hitting theaters later this summer.

Bradlee openly shares his knowledge, experiences and creativity with others. He currently speaks to students, staff and communities throughout the country about how to think differently about schools, education, and life. Focussing on positive school culture and climate, determination, grit, and social-emotional learning.

Walker of the Road To Awesome, Lover of family and friends, and Believer in the Power of the word “yet”, and a “Stark” contrast to your typical educational speaker; this is Bradlee W. Skinner.

Bio #2: Keynote Address

Learn how Bradlee W. Skinner went from delivering pizzas to delivering keynote address. In 2013 Bradlee nearly lost everything; his house, his job but he never lost hope. Bradlee shares his experience on how changing your environment can change your life. By surrounding himself with people who were determined to succeed rather than being surrounded by people who were hoping to see him fail; Bradlee went from being a homeless pizza delivery driver to and national recognized educator of the year. His inspiring story of overcoming adversity will motivate and inspire you.

Bio #3

Who is the most interesting teacher in the world?...

He once filled out a discipline referral against himself... just to feel what it was like.

A mariachi band wrote a love ballad... dedicated to his teaching.

He once taught a German Shepherd to bark... in Spanish.

In a science class he showed students how to start a fire... with only dental floss and water.

When he walks through a garden... the roses stop to smell him.

Presidents take the day off... to celebrate his birthday.

He can cook minute rice... in 30 seconds.

The list of organs on his donor card... includes his beard.

He is the life of the party... even at the ones he never attended.

He has inside jokes with students... he hasn't even met.

If he gives you a pat on the back... you can include it on your job resume.

He is the most interesting teacher in the world.

I don't always speak at schools or conferences but when I do...those in attendance have a great time.

Stay learning my friends.

Presentations

Presentations (7)
Answering the Call

The importance of teachers answering the call to teach but more importantly... to stay.

Homeless, but not Hopeless

Bradlee shares his story about how his life was thrown into disarray as he lost his job, lost his home, but never lost hope. This inspiring presentation shows how Bradlee went from being a homeless pizza delivery driver to being a nationally recognized educator of the year.

More White Water Rafting Guides and Fewer Cruise Ship Captains

This presentation focuses on leadership styles being more like the way a white water rafting guide trains and prepare a crew to navigate the waters of life, rather than using the outdated leadership style of a cruise ship captain, telling everyone what to do, when to leave, and where you are going.

Picking Up Hitchhikers on the Road to Awesome.

"What if there really are two roads? Then I want to be on the one that leads to Awesome." - - Kid President
Live is a journey; so make sure your school or team is on that right road. A school that focuses on culture and climate is a school with higher test scores and graduation rates and lower behavioral issues. Allow Bradlee the opportunity to guide you on that road.

Shall We Play a Game?

Gamification strategies are wonderful tools to help you improve your classroom management, engage students or team members, and empower individual learning and self improvement. Let Bradlee show you how.

Failing vs Failure: One is a Given, One is a Choice

Failing is a part of learning, a stepping stone to success. Failure is a choice. Bradlee shares his experience in failing over and over again that eventually led him to receiving multiple awards for his teaching and improving the culture and climate of the schools he worked in. An emotional journey that inspires and educates.

The Power of "Yet"

Helping students define their own level of success through growth mindset using the power of the word "yet" to move past their own challenges, failings, and stumbling blocks.

Past talks (35)
Answering the Call
Code Break Power Summit 20201
Ottawa, Canada
April 25, 2021
Take Hold of Your Future
Wyoming State Speech and Debate Tournament
Laramie, Wyoming
Answering the Call
Lincoln Schools
Brookfield, Illinois
March 4, 2021
Livestreaming Shows and Masks Onstage: How This Theatre Teacher Is Navigating COVID-19 to Continue Productions
Re:Set Education
New York, New York
February 26, 2021
The Power of Yet
Platte County School District
Wheatland, Wyoming
February 11, 2021
Overcoming and Serving with Humility
The Lasting Learning Podcast
Dearborn, Michigan
November 25, 2020
School Branding and Building Community
ConnectED Podcast
Jostens Renaissance Education
October 25, 2020
My Drivers Ed. Instructor on the Road to Awesome
Code Breaker Power Summit
Ottawa, Canada
July 21, 2020
Better Schools
A Better America Podcast
Ben Lomand, Arkansas
July 4, 2020
The Power of "YET".
Gear Up Wyoming
Western Wyoming Community College
May 28, 2020
The Empower Half Hour Web Series on Education Today.
The Empower Half Hour
Web Series
April 8, 2020
A Stark Realizaiton
A Stark Realization Podcast
Apple Podcasts
January 7, 2020
Celebrating Successes for All Students
The Staff Room Podcast
Ontario, Canada
February 28, 2020
The Purpose of Schools
In the Mind of Education podcast
Detroit, Michigan
February 26, 2020
A Conversation with Bradlee W. Skinner
THED Talks: A Podcast for Theatre Educators
Chicago, Illinois
February 5, 2020
Change Your Environment
Your 365 Podcast with Michelle Bronson
Boise, ID
December 19, 2019
Keynote Address: Theatre Saves Lives
Wyoming State Thespian Festival
University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY
December 7, 2019
Recruitment 365
Krach Training Leadership Workshop
Bowling Green University, Bowling Green, OH
August 2, 2019
The Renaissance Family
Jostens Renaissance National Conference
Orlando, FL
July 16, 2019
School Center
Jostens Renaissance National Conference
Orlando, FL
July 15, 2019
Arts in Schools Matters
Arts Advocacy Day
Washington D.C.
July 11, 2019
The "Look" of a Renaissance School
Jostens Renaissance National Conference
Orlando, FL
July 13, 2018
A Leader's Guide to Culture and Climate
Jostens Renaissance National Conference
Orlando, FL
July 12, 2018
Gamification for Classroom Management
Wyoming Technical Conference
Green River, WY
May 6, 2018
Games, Rallies, and Fun. Oh My
The Greenroom Podcast
Nashville, TN
April 13, 2018
Creative Community Fundraising
Jostens Renaissance National Conference
Scottsdale, AZ
July 12, 2017
Fewer Cruise Ship Captains and More White Water Rafting Guides
Jostens Renaissance National Conference
Scottsdale, AZ
July 11, 2017
Escape Rooms for Free - Using Google Forms and Your Imagination
Wyoming Technical Conference
Green River, WY
May 6, 2017
Commencement Address
Round Mountain High School Graduation
Round Mountin, NV
The Road to Awesome
Jostens Renaissance National Conference
Orlando, Florida
July 10, 2016
Gamification: Supercharge Your Classroom
Wyoming Technical Conference
Rock Springs, WY
May 7, 2016
Gamification: Let Learning Stay Fun
Google Summit
Riverton, WY
May 6, 2016
Reframing School Culture Through Leadership
Jostens Renaissance National Conference
Orlando, FL
July 18, 2015
Bringing Expert Witnesses into the Classroom Through Social Media
Wyoming Technical Conference
Rock Springs, WY
May 15, 2015
Commencement Speaker
Round Mountain Middle School Advancement Ceremony
Round Mountain, NV
May 9, 2015
  • All (4)
  • Videos
  • Photos (1)
  • Slides (1)
  • One sheet (1)
  • Press information (1)
This speaker hasn't uploaded any videos yet.
Copy of JRNC2017_PowerPoint White Water Guids vs Cruise Ship Captains.pptx
Jostens Renaissance® Names GRHS Teacher 2019 Outstanding Educator of the Year

Books & Articles (4)

Should Teachers "Dress Up"?
Love and the Scarlett Letter
Are we Really Preparing Students for the Future
Don't Yell at the Flowers

Expertise (20)

Education
Entertainment & Art
Leadership
Culture and Climate gamification Musical Theatre Avoiding Toxic Work Environments Choreographer ballroom dance Comedy Art and Entertainment students fraternities Education Leadership Teaching Depression Coaching Anxiety grit

Clients

Jostens Renaissance
EdTech Team
WyTECC
Educational Theatre Association
Wyoming Thespian Association
Wyoming Educators of Secondary Theatre
Google
Utah Advisory Council of Theatre Teachers
Nye County School District
Sigma Chi International Fraternity
Gear Up Wyoming
Jostens Renaissance Virtual Conference
Code Breaker Power Summit
A Better America Podcast
The Empower Half Hour
Lasting Learning Podcast
You Can't Make This S**t Up Podcast
Lincoln Elementary School. Brookfield, IL
Wyoming State Speech & Debate Tournament

Awards & certifications (4)

Teacher of the Year
Sweetwater County School District #2
2020
National Educator of the Year
Jostens
2019
Theatre Director of the Year
Wyoming Educators of Secondary Theatre
2018
Winner of a Robert Downey Jr. Look-A-Like Contest
2009

Reviews

Testimonials (27)
  • One of the deepest, most sincere presentations I have ever seen, Bradlee enveloped the whole audience in his honesty, vision and integrity. Proud of successful moments and humbled with discouraging events, he showed us true understanding and grace in the face of adversity. Our ideas and energy, while applauded by others, are not truly manifested until we stand firmly in the belief of ourselves regardless of where we are. Finding like minded individuals who share our passion and pursuit to engage learners is the relief we need. Change is the catalyst for authentic growth whether it be taking a step back, changing schools or connecting with those who see a greater purpose for you than you can in the moment. I took so much from his honest approach and know it is the point of discussion to be had when staff groups gather again. I eagerly await his first book and know that it will be one of many. Take a moment today to recognize those who support and lift you up to places you didn’t think you could be.
    Laura Kennedy
  • Bradlee's story is heartfelt, real, heart-wrenching, and inspiring. He speaks so eloquently about his struggles and perseverance and about the importance of having someone believe in you and support you. Everyone who has ever felt doubt in themselves as an educator should hear him speak. Every leader should hear his story. Well, just all educators should hear his story, because you never know if your story, or a colleague's story, is similar to Bradlee's. Thank you for sharing your story with us at CodeBreaker Power Summit 2020!
    Janique Caseley
    Verified
  • Truly Bradlee W. Skinner is a man of good character, a student of fair ability, with ambitious purposes, a congenial disposition, possessed of good morals, having a high sense of honor and deep sense of personal responsibility. I am pleased to recommend Bradlee, who like me understands that the truth is, you don't learn much from winning, but losing can make you a lot stronger. I am honored to call Bradlee my brother and know you will benefit from hearing his story. "In Hoc".
    Drew Brees
    Verified
  • Bradley delivers an incredibly powerful keynote. His use of technology was excellent as he used a green screen, embedded presentation display, and he was also extremely efficient in a remote setting. I have seen him on both stages. His stories will melt your heart and his knowledge of Research/literature will strengthen you and your staff’s purpose. He inspires, engages, and gets you thinking. You walk away ready to learn more to tackle future challenges because of his impact.
    Dr. Brandon Beck
    Verified
  • Bradlee W. Skinner has the ability to connect to participants through his story that shows not only vulnerability, but the ability to overcome. He draws people into his story, yet delivers a narrative that resonates well with his audience. Others need to hear his story as they an relate to what they, their colleagues, or students are facing with messages revolving around self-doubt and overcoming fear. His story is so uplifting and speaks to the importance of believing and surrounding yourself with those that will support and guide you.
    Craig Yen
    Verified
  • I was impressed by Bradlee’s ability to speak on how the struggles he has endured were both the worst and best events in his life. His message emphasizes the importance of enduring and growing through the difficult times in life while finding the right environment which can foster optimal growth in each of us. It was an entertaining, informative, and inspirational experience for me.
    Chad LeDune
  • Bradlee Skinner's message is captivating, authentic, and relevant! He is one of those speakers that people in the audience just simply connect with! I got the opportunity to hear Bradlee Skinner speak in person in Orlando, and I was laughing the whole time. I left with honest and usable ideas that I could implement the next day, but most of all I felt rejuvenated and inspired!
    Jonathan Alsheimer
  • Bradlee W. Skinner is an absolutely captivating speaker. I was hooked from the moment he started speaking. He is genuine and authentic and his message comes across so clearly. His ability to connect with his audience through emotion and personal stories had me wishing his half hour session was three times as long!
    Daphne McMenemy
  • Bradlee is the type of educator I want to be. He is passionate, endlessly energetic, full of charisma, and has a humility and grace that instantly warms you to him. He carries a message of hope and empathy through the power of theatre that extends not just to educators in the performing arts but speaks to the job of every educator. Having served both as an administrator and educator, he sees both sides of the job of teachers and his message is motivating to every educator.
    Zachary Schneider
  • I had the honour of listening to Bradlee speak at the CodeBreaker Power Summit. I was moved by his story. He spoke of his own experiences with mental health, impacts of lack of support and believing in yourself as an educator to create positive, meaningful changes for student outcomes. I am thankful to Bradlee for sharing his story and look forward to his book in the future.
    Caitlin Twitchin
    Verified
  • Bradlee has so much passion for education and students! He shares so many wonderful ideas on how to improve climate and culture. You need to book Bradlee!
    Melissa Wright
    Verified
  • I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and conducting business with Bradlee Skinner. He is honest, true to his word and always gives his best effort. Booking Bradlee is one of the easiest decisions you’ll have to make and you won’t be disappointed by his product. I could go on about how amazing Bradlee is, but I’ll let my simple and to the point review speak for itself.
    Brayden Flack
  • Bradlee has always been amazing at connecting with people. His ability to be personal with who he is speaking to is unmatched. He makes everyone feel valued and important while speaking on relevant and life changing topics.
    Derek
  • Bradlee is a great guy. I’ve been around him on the Josten’s Renaissance scene for the last 5 years. I’ve sat in his sessions and have enjoyed our side conversations and idea exchanges over the years. It’s all about gaining perspective through different lenses and Mr. Skinner helps educators do just that! Proud to see all that he is doing.
    Brion Packett II
    Verified
  • If you are looking for passion, engagement, fearlessness (I've watched Bradlee dance on stage spontaneously (and really well) in front of hundreds), you have your man. Contagious energy, original and unique, Bradlee Skinner is a speaker you will never forget seeing, and will always want to see again. I give him a huge "high 5"!
    Bonnie Blackman
  • Bradlee is one of a kind! He speaks from the heart and his message is REAL! Bradlee does more than simply energize and entertain his audience, he encourages, inspires, and empowers them to do be different and better than they were before they heard him speak. Bradlee gives his audience applicable tools and actions to walk away with that can be implemented immediately. Not only am I a better educator, but I am also a better person because of the influence and impact Bradlee has had on me.
    Mark Brown
    Verified
  • Bradlee, I'm just writing to thank you for the talk you gave at the festival yesterday. As a new coach without much experience, I sometimes wonder what the heck I got myself into and goodness knows I have lost countless hours of sleep worrying about our performances and everything involved with the state festival. But knowing that theatre gives many of my kids, who struggle to fit in anywhere else in the school, a place to feel at home, be themselves, and the opportunity to excel makes it all worth it. With much of today's education focusing so heavily on the STEM subjects, I believe that the A (STEAM) is more important than ever and can help young people connect with each other and the world around them. I saw how much fun a couple of my students in particular had these last few days and your words brought the festival to a powerful and relevant close for me and I'm sure them as well. Art can and does save lives and once again I thank you for your eloquence, gentle manner, and honesty. Cheers, Scott
    Scott Gillis
    Verified
  • "Bradlee keeps student success as top his priority. Bradlee quickly builds rapport, establishes expectations and continues to deliver a high quality instructional program."
    James Fitch
    Verified
  • Bradlee brings education to life for kids and motivation and passion to the stage!! Bradlee's love for life, kids, and learning is extremely evident in all he does - I'm fired up every time I hear him speak!
    Darrin Peppard
    Verified
  • There are many teachers out there who are cool, but are there any who are awesome? Well, let me tell you who, Mr. Skinner is by far the most amazing teacher any student could ask for. He makes the classroom feel like you are at home. Mr. Skinner is a very patient person when it comes to his student, I have never heard him yell or raise his voice at any student or person. He welcomes you into his classroom with a warm smile and a few cracked jokes to help us destress from anything going on whether it’s school, work, or family. Mr. Skinner is very passionate when it comes to teaching and relating to his students and makes class time very enjoyable and comfortable to all students. He is definitely not an uptight person, and when he teaches, he teaches with love and passion.
    Samantha Burrow
    Verified
  • Mr. skinner is a very good speaker. He is very inspirational. He makes things very fun while getting the point across. He makes everything he does entertaining.
    Araya finley
  • Mr. Skinner is such an outstanding teacher. He lets the kids have some freedom in his class and doesn’t treat us like we are still in fourth grade. Our classroom is in a book club style and not a bunch of hard desks. It makes the reading more fun and interactive.
    Hunter Byrd
  • As you can tell from Skinners various rewards, he is very successful and the talented in many fields. One of them being public speaking. Even though he is older than his students, he connects to us on a whole new level. I have never had a teacher understand our mind set like he does. If he came and spoke at you school, your students would love him. One of the main things I respect Jim for is not judging our generation. Most teachers just cane believe that out generation is the way it is. Mr. Skinner on the other hand might not know why we are how we are bust be definitely doesn’t judge us for it. As a student in high school I can say that having a teacher like Skinner to understand is one of the best things possible.
    Karsyn Keith
    Verified
  • Very inspirational man. He’s experienced a lot in his life and shares so much of the wisdom that’s come from those experiences. The genuine care that comes from his words and guidance restores your faith in people. He motivates you to do better in your career, relationships, and everyday life.
    Madison
  • Bradlee did an amazing job connecting with our youth in the GEAR UP program. He was very engaging and took to the virtual platform like a champ! Nothing was missed by not being able to speak with us in person. Thank you Bradlee, can't wait to work with you again.
    Sarah Robles
    Verified
  • Bradlee did a Zoom speaking event for our 7th-12th grade students and their families. He was engaging and adaptable to the audience and the format. The students enjoyed his sense of humor. I enjoyed his encouraging message. I would definitely have him back!
    Amanda DeBernardi
    Verified
  • Bradlee is an exceptional speaker who captivated my attention in his motivational story. He openly shares his vulnerabilities, his struggles, and how he gradually overcame them with the support of those around him. As a fairly new teacher myself, there are so many points in his presentation that I could connect with, such as facing my own self doubts. He inspired me to continue to take risks in my teaching practice and to support even newer teachers around me. Thank you Bradlee for sharing your memorable story!
    Victoria Lau
    Verified
Recommendations
28 Audience
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