Craig shares his inspirational journey from GED to PhD!

One thing more important than what you teach is the safety of whom you teach. If you’re not up to date on the kids’ lingo these days: to ‘crash out’ means to have a public meltdown with little regard for understanding. In this session educators will learn how to safely and effectively navigate a “crash out” in the classroom. We encourage to prioritize safety, communication, and de-escalation. In this session educators will develop a clear crisis plan which helps them set clear behavioral expectations, promote positive interactions, and foster a sense of belonging. This plan also stresses the importance of getting to know their students' individual needs, triggers, and potential reactions to stressful situations. Craig Boykin was once a crash out who repeated the 3rd & 5th grades, dropped out of high school, endured a mother abusing drugs, absent father and was later shot by a gang member. Craig's trademark slogan, GED to PHD is a concrete paradigm that educators should never give up on any student.

Objective: Navigating a crisis can be extremely intimidating for many educators. This session is designed to prepare school personnel on any level for the inevitable crash out that may occur within schools, this training reflects the 3 most common phases of a crisis: pre-crash out planning, crash out response and post-crash out activities. It’s important that teachers understand that a student in a crisis situation may have little to no control over their behaviors, and the precursors to a crisis do not always occur in the classroom. Still, it is critical that teachers recognize what a student is experiencing during a crisis, and what specific steps they can take to de-escalate a crisis.  

Generational Trauma and Generational Poverty are all too common in American schools. What's rare, is an opportunity for educators to sit an absorb first-hand from a former at-risk student who dropped out of high school, endured a mother abusing drugs, absent father and learning disability. In this engaging session participants will unlearn perceived fallacies about students dealing with trauma from impoverished communities. A school reflects society. Within a school's walls are especially vulnerable students, such as those with histories of neglect, trauma, or violence. Schools are well positioned to help these traumatized students. Although some might argue that teachers should focus solely on academics, the reality is that teachers can't teach effectively if their students are not able to focus on learning. Students cannot learn effectively when they are burdened by the effects of trauma and poverty.  Craig's trademark slogan, GED to PHD is a concrete paradigm that educators should never give up on any student.

Validation means that you honor your students experiences and stay in the moment with them. Validation is crucial for student’s healthy emotional development as it helps them feel understood, accepted, and valued, fostering self-esteem, self-compassion, and the ability to regulate their emotions. By validating a student’s feelings, educators create a safe space for them to express themselves, learn to identify and manage their emotions, and build strong, trusting relationships. Validation helps children understand that all emotions are valid and acceptable, even the difficult ones like anger, sadness, or fear. This understanding is a foundational step in developing emotional intelligence and self-awareness. When children feel heard and understood, they are more likely to share their experiences openly, leading to stronger bonds and a sense of security. When children are validated, they are more likely to feel understood and heard, which can help de-escalate conflicts and promote more constructive communication. Craig’s trademark slogan, “GED to PHD,” is a concrete paradigm that educators should never give up on any student.Craig’s trademark slogan, “GED to PHD,” is a concrete paradigm that educators should never give up on any student.

Objective: As educators, we should always put an emphasis on building a rapport and creating a safe space for our students. This is imperative to establish before we can even begin to address the functional and skill-based goals in a classroom setting. One of the ways we do this is by validating their feelings throughout, especially in moments of frustration. Creating an environment that is supportive and establishing a relationship built on trust, allows educators to address students’ goals and promote improved confidence and self-worth in our classrooms. 

In an equitable classroom environment, students of all backgrounds (e.g., race, nationality, gender) have the same opportunities to learn and develop their knowledge. To create an equitable learning environment, educators must be culturally competent and possess the ability to communicate and work effectively across cultural lines. This session offers an integrated and customized approach to evaluating educational equity. The issue of educational equity and cultural responsiveness is unique to each K-12 organization, and our team will recommend a tailored approach best suited for your school district. Craig’s trademark slogan, “GED to PHD,” is a concrete paradigm that educators should never give up on any student.

Objective: Equity in education is crucial because it ensures every student has a fair chance to succeed by addressing individual needs and providing tailored support, regardless of their background or circumstances. It's about creating a level playing field where all students can thrive, rather than just offering the same resources to everyone. Equity, ensures that students receive the support they need to overcome barriers and reach their full potential. Equity aims to create a system where all students have equal access to quality education and resources, regardless of their race, socioeconomic status, or other factors. This helps to address systemic inequalities and promote a more just and equitable society. By providing targeted support to those who need it most, equity helps to level the playing field and ensure that everyone has a fair chance to succeed. When students receive the support they need, they are more likely to be engaged in learning, develop a positive attitude toward school, and achieve academic success. Equity can also lead to improved school environments and climates, as students feel more connected to their school and more likely to succeed.