JoinKeynote Speaker
National Conference in New Orleans • Nov. 6-9, 2024
Perspective
Understand Where Your Students are Coming From
Wednesday, November 6 • 5:15-6:15 PM
Speaker: Dr. Tommie Mabry
About the Session
Educator, published author, and master storyteller Dr. Tommie Mabry will kick off the conference by sharing his inspiring journey—one full of hardship, self-realization, and redemption—from troubled youth to a renowned international speaker with attendees. His insightful session will provide attendees with a better understanding of why we are all dealing with so many students who are at risk, as well as specific strategies to engage ALL learners. Participants will learn how effective relationship building with children is fundamental for student and school success. Understanding the reason we teach, with special emphasis on the student, is the central theme of his presentation. Dr. Mabry will offer participants a refreshing look into the eyes of the students from his own experience as an at-risk student, as well as from being an educator.
Dr. Tommie Mabry
Dr. Tommie Mabry is a renowned international speaker, nationally acclaimed educator, and published author. His story of the trials, success and service has inspired millions around the world. Dr Mabry has appeared on USA Today, PBS Network, FOX Soul and many more.
Dr. Tommie Mabry grew up in one of the roughest neighborhoods in Jackson, MS. Trouble followed him everywhere before and after fifth grade when he was arrested for breaking into the state fairgrounds. After that arrest, he was suspended or expelled from several schools due to his behavior. Things started to change for Mabry when he joined an AAU basketball league that traveled around the world. He was the first person in his family to graduate from high school when he crossed the stage at Bailey Magnet in 2007. Although he was shot in the foot after skipping school during his senior year, Mabry healed and received a full basketball scholarship to Missouri State University-West Plains. He later received a bachelor’s degree in education from Tougaloo College and his master’s in child development in 2017.
After his undergraduate studies, Mabry was hired as a teacher by the same Jackson Public School District that had suspended and expelled him many times during elementary and secondary education.
Mabry received his doctorate degree – an Executive Ph.D. from Jackson State University in 2020 where he majored in urban higher education. He has written and published four books that target all age groups. He travels the world sharing his story to motivate and inspire others – and he lives by the motto, “I cannot walk in my future with my foot in my past.”