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Derek Cordell, Program Director
derekcordell@educationhall.com

Mr. Cordell, Ed.M., Ed.S., Program Director with EducationHall, is currently the Principal at Pleasant Valley Elementary School in Reno, Nevada. A veteran classroom teacher, former Middle School Assistant Principal, and past National Teacher of the Year finalist, Mr. Cordell states his profound life’s goal simply: “To leave people, places, and things better than when I found them.” His common-sense approach and easygoing humor blend nicely with his tenacity for making the right decisions. Again, he clearly explains, “There is no wrong time to do the right thing.”

Credentials

• Seasoned national presenter, having presented at national conferences of ASCD and NAESP
• Finalist for National Teacher of the Year award, 2006
• Experienced teacher in elementary school and middle school settings
• Frequent columnist contributor: “On Common Sense” for The Launching Pad
• Motivational keynote speaker
• Accomplished grant-writer, accumulating over $1 million in competitive and private grants
• Independent consultant with EducationHall, specializing in School Culture and School-wide Discipline

Presentations

• Lightning Strikes: A session outlining strategies to improve behavior among chronic discipline offenders
• Be There: A workshop geared to increase supervision to decrease discipline issues school-wide
• Recapture your Playground: A strategy-laden session for decreasing discipline and increasing fun at recess and common times
• Teaching is a Team Sport: A session designed to increase the collaborative culture within a school
• Welcome to the Principalship: A workshop for new (and veteran) administrators with hints and ideas
• Improving Teacher Morale: A session to bring the zest back into the exhilarating work of education
• It’s the Leadership: A seminar designed to maximize the effect of the building/program leadership efficacy
• The Principal of the Aughts: A straightforward look at the changing nature of today’s principalship
• Creating the Learning Mode: A workshop for teachers to establish the classroom culture their students deserve
• Getting the Grants: A workshop for those desiring to stretch their legs and accomplish more…with more $

Keynote Addresses

• The Revitalization of Common Sense: It’s not rocket science – it’s education…but that’s tougher than rocket science! This humorous speech covers a variety of topics with one common thread: common sense.
• Relationships Matter: The work we do is only as meaningful as the relationships we strengthen and the people we empower along the way. This presentation showers the audience with anecdotes and advice to make the most out of our work…together!