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- On behalf of the Kannapolis City Schools
and Central Carolina Bank, thank you for speaking at our Teacher
of the Year Award Banquet last month. . . . many felt this was
the best Gold Star Banquet yet!
Kristen B. Evans, Executive Secretary
Central Carolina Bank
Kannapolis, NC
- What a marvelous opening you gave to
our meeting! I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for
the wonderful, warm, and touching keynote presentation that launched
us into one of the most successful sales conferences Steck-Vaughn
has ever had. . . . You made us laugh; you made us cry; and you
made us think; and that’s all I could want in a keynote
address.
Ron Cox, Vice-President/National Sales Manager
Steck-Vaughn, a Harcourt Brace Company
- You were GREAT!!! Our World Book managers
loved your talk and were inspired by your message.
Alvin Granowsky, Vice-President, Education
World Book Educational Products
- Anyone who can face a room full of educators
on a hot August morning and hold them in stitches and tears for
90 minutes following a full breakfast on the first day back from
summer break is phenomenal. You are one such human being. The
faculty has rerun your stories and digested your words of professional
wisdom throughout the day . . . I can’t thank you enough.
You did what you said you would do; you lit that professional
fire for so many teachers and administrators. Our new school year
promises to be off to an excellent start.
Anita R. Fisk, Special Programs Coordinator
Pershing County School District, Lovelock, NV
- The evaluations of your presentation
were overwhelmingly positive. On a scale of 1-5, you received
many 5+ and 6 marks. I am not surprised in the least. . . . You
are a master storyteller with a powerful message to share, not
only to educators who can relate, but to anyone who has attended
public school.
Pam Shelden, Director, Comprehensive Planning
The School District of Escambia County, FL
- You are a consummate storyteller, and
you had many of the 600 participants both laughing and crying
at various times during your presentation. You have a knack for
presenting practical ideas both articulately and humorously. The
evaluations submitted by the participants indicated that they
enjoyed your presentation immensely and felt that you are a most
talented teacher and presenter.
Penny G. Beers
English and Reading Program Planner
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
School District of Palm Beach County, FL
- You’ve done it again! Indeed, my
church family was touched by your message and awed by your gifted
ability to tell a story. Our associate pastor and several key
members of our congregation were so moved that they are spinning
with creative ideas about how to make a difference in the world
of mentoring!
Kay Stewart, Tucker, GA
- Many thanks for your wonderful message.
It was so inspirational – one I’ll never forget. .
. . Keep talking, educating, spreading the word, and nurturing
others to grow. Please know, we, who heard you, are inspired to
continue to teach/mentor!
Betty Chambless, Doraville, GA
- You were truly an inspiration for me
to change my teaching habits; and, I am already a hands-on teacher.
. . . I am grateful to you and your suggestions. It seems after
33 years of teaching, this old dog has been taught some new tricks.
William M. Watkins, III
Professor of Visual Arts
Holmes Community College, Goodman, MS
- Your presentation of “A Celebration
of Teaching” was truly inspiring and motivational. I sat
mesmerized through your entire presentation as you told wonderful
stories about special teachers who touched and made a difference
in your life. . . . You are to be commended for celebrating teaching;
for you make clear to all that being a teacher is something very
wonderful to celebrate.
Vivian M. Presley, President
Coahoma Community College, Clarksdale, MS
- I was in attendance for your inspiring
presentation at the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Conference in Atlanta. How I’d love to be able to grab and
hold the attention of my students in the manner you held ours.
E. L. Lorton, School of Education
University of Miami
- Words cannot begin to thank you for the
inspirational message you shared with the Idaho school counselors.
Your message was “right on” with concerns, feelings,
and needs of our group. Your validation of the “wayside
teaching” counselors do was a “spark” to many
counselors when they returned to their schoolhouse. You touched
many. Thank you.
Wendi Ellis-Clark, President
Idaho School Counselor Association
- The impact of your heartfelt, humorous,
insightful and powerful message to our association of school counselors
will be felt for years to come. It is an essential message any
educator working in a schoolhouse should hear. You reminded me
why I love the profession I have chosen.
Bob Sweeney, President
Westchester Putnam, Rockland Counselors Association, Mamaroneck,
NY
- It was a pleasure to hear you speak;
believe it, you are a great motivational speaker.
Mark H. Kuranz, President
American School Counselors Association
Racine, WI
- Without a doubt, you were absolutely
tremendous and most inspiring. Thank you for the wonderful presentation
you made to our teachers. They all loved you and continue to give
you rave reviews.
In life you meet special people who touch your life and you never
forget them. You have touched my life and the teachers and no
one in Lee County will ever forget you.
Again, many, many thanks and much appreciation for again being
part of our Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Program™.
Darlene Ann Grossman, President
The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Fort Myers, FL
- Your commitment to teaching and learning
deserves cheers. Your ability to inspire and connect with all
those you encounter gets a standing ovation! Thank you for leaving
your “ripple of influence” with Leadership Georgia
and for continuing to share your wit and wisdom with our world.
Kay Stewart, Program Chair – Education
Leadership Georgia
- The National Association of Junior Auxiliaries,
Inc. Area Meetings were so well-received and definitely a success!
Much of that success can be attributed to your poignant and motivational
presentation. You made us laugh, reminded us of what is really
important, and helped us remember those who have touched our lives
and been a mentor to each of us.
Merry A. McSpadden
NAJA Education Committee
- “Inspirational,” “exciting,”
“spellbinding,” “touching,” “motivating,”
and “uplifting” are but a few of the descriptions
reported back to me by the faculty and staff. What a wonderful
way to start the school year and to begin the school renewal process!!
William W. King, Headmaster
Norfolk Collegiate School, Norfolk, VA
- Your ears should be ringing all the way
from Atlanta to Norfolk. I have never heard such rave comments
given about a presenter. . . . Your presentation touched with
compassion and humor is a must for teachers and administrators.
John H. Tucker, Jr., Headmaster
Norfolk Academy, Norfolk, VA
- Our teachers are still mentioning your
name in fond and respectful tones. They felt confirmed and inspired
by your talk. Consequently, this high performance engine we call
a faculty is running a little smoother and with more power.
Douglas C. Naismith, President
Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, Suffolk, VA
- You changed my entire outlook going into
this school year. I did not realize how down I was about this
past school year until you spoke and then – WOW! It was
just what I needed to get me fired up and looking forward to this
year.
Bob Presley, Deputy Superintendent
Human Resources and Administration
Hays, TX
- Through Frank Winstead’s anecdotes and stories, we were
reminded of the importance and power of a good teacher in shaping
children’s lives, not just through classroom teaching, but
through the “wayside teaching” that lets students
know that they are valuable human beings who can do anything once
they learn to believe in themselves.
He has a great sense of humor, is clearly
well-read, and artfully weaves numerous anecdotes into his presentation.
Alejandra Martin, Executive Director
Texas Association of School Personnel Administrators, Austin,
TX
- I teach in El Salvador and had the opportunity
to hear you speak at the SACS Tri-Regional Conference in Guatemala.
Even though the conference took place several months ago, the
impact of your seminar has remained with me. It was by far the
best, most inspiring session I have ever attended at this conference.
Carole de Castillo, Teacher
El Salvador
- On behalf of the Central and Eastern
European Schools Association, I thank you for your outstanding
keynote address in Budapest. Your combination of anecdotes, stories,
and quotes proved to be a real winner. The teachers not only loved
your presentation, but walked away inspired and full of enthusiasm.
David M. Cobb, Executive Director, CEESA
The Netherlands
- The Pre-Conference Institute, “The
Role of the Media Specialist in the 21st Century,” presented
with Dr. Ann T. White, received the highest evaluation and praise
from the participants. . . . The two days truly provided a spiritual
renewal for the participants as they rethought their roles. I
believe you and Ann were able to bring about a transformation,
and the participants have returned to their schools with a renewed
spirit, through your experiences, warmth, and humor.
Mary Virginia Sanchez, Executive Director
Association of American Schools of Central America, Colombia,
Caribbean, and Mexico
- Your personal experiences and unassuming
manner, coupled with your clever use of visuals, humor, and entertaining
anecdotes, wove a powerful message throughout your presentation.
Your audience was left feeling enthused, appreciated, and motivated
to try new approaches – exactly what we were looking for.
. . . You positively impacted 236 instructors from 13 states with
a clear vision of what they can and need to accomplish and how
to go about it – in just 90 minutes.
John W. Corbett, Colonel
U.S. Army Director, Junior ROTC
- On behalf of the TEACHERS AS LEADERS
program, thank you for your inspirational presentation. . . .
Your insightful remarks and wonderful anecdotes prove that teachers
are the hub of the school. . . . Your dedication to education
shines through as you share your Hall of Fame. Thank you for reminding
us of the impact that we have on young people. As you so aptly
quoted, “The ripple of influence never stops.”
TEACHERS AS LEADERS
Program Planning Committee
Gwinnett County Public Schools
Lawrenceville, GA
- I wanted to personally write to you to
tell you how much we all enjoyed your talk at our Montana Library
Association conference in Missoula, Montana, last week. It was
an inspired and upbeat beginning. I wish you would have stayed
to give a few of the other presenters some tips on speaking in
front of large groups! You spoiled us for the rest of the conference.
Cindy Christin, Children’s Librarian
Bozeman, Montana, Public Library
- Thanks again for an enlightening and
entertaining morning. I could have listened to you for hours.
You need to have a seminar on speaking for a few ministers I know!
Ruth Potter, Children’s Librarian, Decatur,
GA
- An audience of 300 school library media
specialists, principals, and superintendents will long remember
Frank’s multimedia presentation. . . . His sensitive selection
of subject material coupled with effective utilization of instructional
equipment proved a dynamic duo that earned a standing ovation.
It was truly a marvelous presentation.
Theresa M. Fredericka, Conference Chairperson
Ohio Educational Library/Media Association
- From the start, we were spellbound with
your presentation. You gave us all special thoughts to cherish
all while showing us the right way to “lecture.”
Barbara Birdnow, President
Alabama Instructional Media Association
- Frank Winstead is a professional educator’s
professional! For more than a decade I was one of the library
media specialists (DeKalb County, Georgia) who were welcomed each
school year by the wit, wisdom, and wizardry of Winstead, director
of Educational Media. Adept in his delivery, securely backed by
current research, and grounded by his soulful experiences, Frank
turned the spotlight in our direction. He targeted each of us
as change agents—“teachers” with a twist. He
encouraged us to take chances, to step out of the shadows and
share the stage. He entreated us to begin and follow through with
a single purpose—to make a difference in the lesson, the
life, the classroom, the school. His primary goal was and is to
enable, empower. His sincerity is sobering; his style South-sational;
his effect long lasting and far-reaching.
Angela Isom, Library Media Specialist, Hall
County, GA
- As we experience our hours in “a
place called school,” we are rarely treated to a morning
as meaningful as the morning spent with you last Friday. Almost
400 teachers, administrators, professors, and student teachers
were spellbound by your presentation. You touched something within
each of us, and we will never be the same.
Annette Ballard, Principal
Fairview Elementary School
Lake Charles, LA
- You provided the perfect message to inspire
our teachers. One physical education instructor whose intention
was to work on her volley ball schedule found herself captivated
by the dynamism of your presentation.
M. Ellen Huber, Principal
T. P. Taravella High/Community School
Coral Springs, FL
- Our school consists of a very “experienced”
staff. In other words, most of us are older and have been in education
for a number of years. The presentations that you did for our
staff were exactly what we needed in order to “renew”
our attitudes and to remind us why we are in this great profession.
Gary Harkness, Principal
Big Timber Grade School
Big Timber, MT
- Wow! What a presentation you gave at
our NASA Fall Conference in Las Vegas last week. You more than
met my expectations. The feedback was great.
Gerald Connor, Executive Director
Nevada Association of School Administrators
- I have never – in 54 years –
heard a better presentation. He brought tears to my eyes and joy
to my heart. . . . A 5-star presentation!
Workshop Participant
Association for Educational Technology (AECT)
Orlando, FL
- During my six decades in the educational
arena, I have never experienced anything so motivational and inspiring
as Mr. Winstead’s presentation concerning the most important
and influential “setting” in our society, the school
classroom.
Jack K. Acree, Executive Vice-President
Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE)
- Hi! I’m writing to tell you how
much we liked your speech. Everybody else who gives us speeches
makes us sleep. . . . Nobody in the history of Rowland Elementary
has ever kept us as interested as you did and for as long as you
did. . . . I, and everybody else for that matter, liked the way
you congratulated the honor students but then turned the conversation
over to the people who didn’t make the honor roll. I think
you changed everybody’s opinion toward life and we appreciate
you.
Laura, Student, Rowland Elementary School
DeKalb County, GA
-
Mr. Winstead, the
events surrounding your visit to Emory University brought back
many memories of sweltering days at Hawthorne Elementary that
summer of 1966 and the following year at Smyrna Elementary.
I remembered why you were my favorite teacher and how your example
inspired a twelve-year-old boy’s love for history and
teaching. When you rose to speak and put your hand on my shoulder,
I felt twelve again and wished that I could express verbally
all that was welling up in my heart. Thank you, Mr. Winstead,
for those days you gave to me and Mark and Jimmy and all the
others, for the doors you opened to us, for speaking to us of
Sopwith Camels, David Balfour, Jules Verne, and the necessity
for wearing dark socks when speaking in public.
Casey Cochran, Doctoral Student
Emory University; a Student in Cobb County, Georgia’s,
First Program for Gifted and Talented Students-1966
- Thank you for presenting “Wayside
Teaching in a Place Called School” during our general assembly.
Your presentation was wonderful, thought provoking, and timely.
It helped set the stage for an excellent year.
Lavon Fluker-Reed, Superintendent
Aberdeen, MS
- You were fantastic! Even those few who
are our harshest critics thought you were wonderful. In fact,
several of our principals told me that a number of the teachers
told them you were the best they had ever heard.
Dell McMullen, Superintendent
Fort Benning School System
Fort Benning, GA
- Thank you, thank you, thank you! You
are a fantastic motivator. Your address was truly a celebration
of the teaching profession. We are so honored to have been graced
by your presence.
Elise L. Ax, Assistant Superintendent
Clark County School District
Las Vegas, NV
- I’ve been teaching 50 years, and
you are the best I’ve ever heard.
Sister Angelina
St. Pius X School, Nashville, TN
- I enjoyed your presentation. You have
wonderful experiences that uplift and enlighten. I must say that
when I realized that we would be sitting on those hard bleachers
after a long day of work, I wondered how the administration could
think that this was a way to celebrate and honor teachers. However,
from the moment you began I was enthralled. I could not believe
it when you had to finish up. I don’t think I wiggled once.
Robin Daniel, Director of Technology
The Walker School, Marietta, GA
- I have had a good school year because
of your talk at Father Ryan High School in Nashville.
Joyce Hedrick
St. Mary’s Preschool, Clarksville, TN
- I just wanted to write you a note of
thanks for your wonderful presentation at McLean High School.
. . . Far too often in today’s schools, the first week is
wasted on trivia, policy, and regulations. It was refreshing to
be reminded why we teach and, as importantly, how we teach. .
. . I respect the profession and the people in it, and now thanks
to your presentation, I can’t wait until Monday!
Philip Bigler, Fairfax,VA
1998 National Teacher of the Year
Director, James Madison Center
James Madison University
- I entered the cafeteria with a pencil
and a notebook ready to complete my class seating chart and a
grocery list. However, I suddenly found myself tuned in to every
word you spoke. As a first year teacher, I began the year with
a genuine concern for each and every student in my classroom.
The year is over half way finished and I have become engrossed
in procedures, rituals, routines, and clerical tasks, and am slipping
away from my focus and purpose as a teacher. . . . Thank you,
Mr. Winstead, for putting more wood on my fire, for giving me
pride in a profession that many scoff at, and for reminding me
of my focus and my purpose. My only regret is that I couldn’t
see my students after you spoke – I’ll just have to
wait until Tuesday.
Jennifer Langley, First Year Teacher
Jenkins Elementary School, Spring, TX
- To think I almost skipped your presentation
because I felt I was too busy and needed to spend that time getting
my room ready! What I really needed was to get my soul, my spirit
ready, and you definitely helped me do that!
Patricia Cray, Teacher, Chapel Hill, NC
- I was in the audience that you “touched
and taught” today. You did a wonderful job of presenting
the heart of teaching.
Gay Carpenter, Adult Education Teacher, Anderson,
SC
- Super!! This person should be cloned.
He was a real shot in the arm. He encourages and motivates in
such a magical way. . . . He has literally challenged me to rethink
everything I do in the classroom.
Teacher, Gifted and Talented Program
DeKalb County, Georgia, School System
- Your keynote address at the Superconference
of the Alabama Federation, Council for Exceptional Children, was
most outstanding. I am still hearing comments from doctoral students
and classroom teachers about your excellent presentation. You
did a great job of motivating teachers, students, and administrators
to do a better job.
Tommy Russell, Professor and Chair
Programs in Mental Retardation
Area of Teacher Education/Special Education
University of Alabama
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“Without a doubt, you were
absolutely tremendous and most inspiring.
Thank you for the wonderful presentation you made to our
teachers. They all loved you and continue to give you rave
reviews.”
Darlene Ann Grossman
The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools
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