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"Thank you for your invaluable contribution to our Rethink • Retool • Reset Summer Conference. The feedback from our attendees is in and your closing keynote was an amazing success. In fact, the final verdict was: You knocked it out of the park!"

—Sally Smith, Executive Director, Alabama Association of School Boards

As one of the country's leading motivational speakers for teachers and educational leaders, Kent Julian entertains, educates, and equips audiences to create DREAM-to-DO cultures in their classrooms, schools, and districts.

From the moment Kent steps on stage, the audience members realize they're not in for the typical, boring lecture. High energy, hilarious stories, audience engagement, and a true passion for education are guaranteed.

In the midst of the laughter and learning, profound professional development and personal growth take place. That's because Kent not only teaches educational leaders the keys of creating DREAM-to-DO cultures in their classrooms and schools — he shows them how to cultivate the same environment in their lives as well.

If you want an education keynote speaker who energizes your audience while sharing powerful strategies that can be used immediately, then Kent is your speaker.

⇒ If your audience of teachers and educational leaders wants to create DREAM-to-DO cultures in their classrooms, schools, and districts so all students have a chance to succeed...

⇒ If they want practical tools to equip students on how to take 100% responsibility for their actions and achievements...

⇒ If they love to laugh and learn at the same time...

...Then Kent Julian is the speaker you are looking for!

 

ENDORSEMENTS

  • "Kent is extremely easy to work with. And wow, his keynote had people in awe the entire time... from laughing one moment to thinking deeply the next. Everyone was engaged the entire time and we had so many compliments about the keynote this year that it was unlike anything we've ever had in the past. It was simply an amazing morning and Kent has set the standard for all future speakers we bring in!"

    —Jennifer Fisk, Nevada ACTE

  • Kent was masterful at engaging with conference participants BEFORE, DURING, and AFTER his keynote, and many of our conference participants commented on this and said they loved his willingness to do so. Additionally, his E+R=O message is paramount for educational leaders, and our members really valued hearing how the educators in Kent's life empowered him to overcome his academic struggles and at-risk behavior. I won't give away the surprise, but the way he shares what he overcame catches everyone off guard and makes it even more memorable! 

    —Dr. Michele Balliet, Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators

  • "Kent’s keynote was perfect for our association members. In fact, it was so good that I’ve already been approached by two other leaders who want to book Kent. I told them that not only is Kent’s message excellent (which they saw for themselves), but his positivity and enthusiasm are unparalleled. The same confidence and strength of character he exudes on stage are the same qualities you see when you work with him behind-the-scenes. He’s professional, reliable, and exhibits a can-do attitude at all times. He's simply amazing to work with!”

    —Rachel Rutledge, Education Association, South Carolina CTE
              (and Coordinator for Education and Business Summit)

  • Hire Kent Julian—you won't be disappointed! His energy, enthusiasm, and positive message...everything was so well done. Across the board, our teachers and staff said that Kent was the best speaker we have ever had at Carson."

    —Erin Crimone, Assistant Principal, Carson High School

  • "Great job of sharing classroom strategies that really work. For example, your 4 Fence Posts of 100 Percent Responsibility is so practical and real...not the run-of-the-mill strategies I've heard from other motivational speakers for educators. Keep sharing your strategies and telling your story—both are needed!"

    —Caren Floyd, Principal, Compton United

  • "Kent Julian is a true gift! When he speaks at your conference, he is there to serve, not to be served.

    "His E+R=O message was perfect for our association. It not only helped our members grow professionally, but it’s a message that they can apply to their personal lives as well.

    "I shared feedback with Kent from our conference attendees (I cannot always do that with speakers because the feedback isn't always positive) and words like awesome, amazing, and loved it were used over and over to describe both his keynote and breakout presentations."

    —Dana Crumpton, President, South Carolina Career and Development Professionals 

  • "Awesomely simple and completely true! Thank you for reminding me that it's all about the environment I cultivate."

    —Susan Gatlin, Counselor, Terra Linda High School

  • "Kent Julian's presentation was awesome! He uses amazing energy, information, stories, and humor to drive home all of his excellent points. He is so much more than the typical motivational speakers for teachers that we usually see at conferences (although he is extremely motivational). He really breaks down a teacher's job and helps us see how we can encourage outstanding performance in our students!"

    —Meaghan Palmer, Teacher, G.W. Middle School

  • "Kent Julian is definitely one of the most dynamic and entertaining motivational speakers for teachers I've ever seen. He had our faculty fully engaged throughout his presentations. Numerous staff members commented that his presentation assisted them in focusing on the right things in the classroom (i.e. classroom leadership instead of classroom management). Many also said that Kent reminded them that the most important part of their job is to help students reach their potential both in education and life. Bottom line, the presentation included outstanding practical skills that faculty members can immediately utilize in assisting students to be successful!"

    —Kenney Wells, Principal, Berkmar Middle School

Keynotes

Kent's Most-Requested Keynotes for 2026

DREAM to DO!

Creating a Culture Where Students, Teachers, and School Leaders Perform at Their Highest Level

School leaders and teachers dream about seeing their schools champion student success in all areas of life — academics, personal life, family life, and preparation for the future. But seeing these goals become reality is more challenging than ever before.

This keynote focuses on how the culture you create, not the curriculum or standardized testing you use, plays the greatest role in improving student performance. Even better, creating a DREAM-to-DO culture can be implemented immediately and is the most cost-effective strategy for getting students, teachers, and school leaders to perform at their very highest levels!

Your Audience Will:

  • Discover how to create a DREAM-to-DO culture in their school or district
  • Learn to harness the power of "BIG is Little and Little is BIG"
  • Discover how to effectively transition from the old "classroom management" paradigm to a "classroom leadership" culture
  • Learn to cultivate a learning environment that champions personal responsibility in students' actions, attitudes, and achievements
  • Discover how to capitalize on "That Day" moments and use them as unforgettable learning experiences
  • Be entertained and inspired by relevant, customized, and often hilarious examples, case studies, and interaction

(Available in 45-90 minutes and half-day options)

YES! We want this keynote.

Show Up and SHINE!

How to Be an Amazing Teacher (Even if You're a Regular Person)

Most of us are regular people…average Joes and Janes with no royal pedigree or overly-dramatic life story. But this doesn’t mean we don’t have the capacity to be amazing educators who SHOW UP AND SHINE every day and truly make a difference in the lives of students!

Through lots of laughter and practical, common-sense ideas, Kent reveals what the best educators do differently from their colleagues. He takes teachers and leaders on a journey from “check out and whine” to SHOW UP AND SHINE and reminds them that it’s the teacher, not the curriculum, that matters most!

Your Audience Will:

  • Learn how to keep the #1 purpose of education top of mind
  • Discover the #1 superpower they have in their toolbox to positively shape the growth and development of students
  • Identify the #1 mindset and motivation for exceptional teaching
  • Be entertained and inspired by relevant, customized, and often hilarious examples, case studies, and interaction

(Available in 45-90 minutes and half-day options)

YES! We want this keynote.

What Does This Make Possible?

How Asking a Better Question Leads to Better Solutions

This keynote positively challenges educators and leaders to do the opposite of what most other people are doing right now. Instead of asking, “Why is this happening?” they will be inspired to ask a more empowering question: “What Does This Make Possible?!”

Through interactive and engaging activities and surveys, as well as two short signature stories (one hilarious and one heart-warming), participants will discover that not only can they adapt to today’s reality, but they can actually transform the way they see challenges. Instead of just seeing problems, they start to see opportunities looking for solutions.

Your Audience Will:

  • Discover why asking better questions is so beneficial for leaders and their team members
  • Learn how to strategically use questions to cultivate better dialogue and build a stronger community
  • Discover why timing is so important when it comes to asking better questions
  • Be entertained and inspired by relevant, customized, and often hilarious examples, case studies, and interaction

(Available in 45-90 minutes)

YES! We want this keynote.

ENDORSEMENTS

  • "Kent Julian was engaging, a great storyteller, and so relatable. His connection to special education was an extra bonus! We were thrilled and completely happy with his keynote. It was the perfect way to kick off our conference. What's more, I have shared his information with multiple other contacts, suggesting they bring him in as well."

    —Erin Toninato, Executive Director, Minnesota Administrators for Special Education

  • "Thank you for your invaluable contribution to our Rethink. Retool. Reset. Summer Conference. The feedback from our attendees is in and your closing keynote was a great success. In fact, the final verdict was: 'You knocked it out of the park!'"

    —Sally Smith, Executive Director, Alabama Association of School Boards

  • "Kent is extremely easy to work with. And wow, his keynote at our annual conference had people in awe the entire time... from laughing one moment to thinking deeply the next. Everyone was engaged the entire time, and we received so many compliments on the keynote this year that it was unlike anything we've ever had. It was simply an amazing morning, and Kent has set the standard for all future speakers we bring in!" 

    —Jenn Fisk, President, Nevada ACTE

  • "Kent Julian's presentation was motivational and filled with practical classroom leadership ideas I can successfully implement right now! I highly recommend that administrators and teachers listen to Kent Julian's DREAM-to-DO presentation. You'll definitely learn the difference between classroom management and classroom leadership!"

    —Sylvia Castaneda, Administration, Roma High School

  • "Kent, YOU and your message were just what our association members needed! Thank you for taking such good care of our people."

    —Tammie Reitenger, Deputy Executive Director, Arkansas School Boards Association

  • "There is so much I can say about Kent Julian! We have booked him multiple times, and he is always engaging and connects with our audience. He is an excellent communicator who balances humor and serious, primary points extremely well. He is confident, clear, and masterful at reading his audience. The comments we receive time and again from our members always include words like interactive, funny, energetic, engaging, informative, great, and wonderful."

    —Dr. Greta Peay, Deputy Executive Director, Nevada Asociation of School Administrators

  • "Kent is one of the best motivational speakers for teachers and educators I've seen. His message at our Fall Kickoff event was outstanding!"

    —Dr. Steve Flynt, Chief Academic Officer, Gwinnett County Public Schools

  • "UPLIFTING! I had the privilege of hearing Kent at a HOPE Education Conference that I attended, and he would be a tremendous education keynote speaker for the opening of a school year for any school or district!"

    —Zoe Marcus, Principal, Oak Ridge Elementary

  • "Thank you for being so incredibly talented onstage and super easy to work with. For a Meeting Professional, you are truly one of the rare jewels out there as a speaker!”

    —Brenda Merkel, Presentation College

  • "Part stand-up comedian. Part dynamic story-teller. Totally-incredible motivational speaker for educators. Kent Julian is the master of inviting his audience on a journey of laughter, encouragement, intensity, and inspiration while communicating clearly that each of us as educators can be 100% responsible for our success in both life and leadership by living E+R=O!"

    —Lisa Firestone, CTE Teacher

  • "Kent Julian is a master presenter! He scaffolds his presentation with the right amount of humor, content, and inspiration that every educator can relate to. But even better, Kent is genuine and, because of his own story, has a strong passion to encourage people in education. His message is uplifting, humorous, down-to-earth, and engaging for your entire staff. It was a spectacular way to start the school year, and I heard from many staff members that it was "just what I needed!"

    —Terry Ahearn, Principal, Grand Ridge Grade School

  • "I LOVED the THAT DAY strategy!"

    —Licci Moore, O. Garza Elementary

Training and Workshops

Kent's Most-Requested Virtual and In-Person Training and Workshop Experiences for Leaders and Educators

Bust YOUR Signature Move

Understanding Your Greatest Strengths (and the Strengths of Those Around You)

Ever wonder why some people understand you while others just stare at you like you’re from outer space? Amazingly, there is a very simple yet profound strategy that will help you understand yourself better, as well as every student you teach and every staff member you work with. And you can make this happen in just one week.

That’s right, JUST ONE WEEK!

Every person has their own "signature move" — their unique personality and learning style. This workshop equips you to identify, understand, and connect with each signature move so that you can ensure success for all students. Even better, you’ll walk away from this workshop with all the tools you need to implement what you learn immediately!

Participants Will:

  • Learn how to identify the 4 signature moves (i.e. personality styles)
  • Identify their own best signature move(s) so that they can play to their strengths and compensate for their weaknesses
  • Learn to ask 2 simple questions to quickly identify other people's signature moves
  • Discover how to encourage and build others up in their signature moves
  • Laugh and learn through tons of creative interaction and participation

(Available in 45-90 minutes and half-day options)

YES! We want this training.

Heroes Work Here!

How to Be a True Hero and Why It's Likely Different (and Even Better) Than You Think

We've all seen movies about heroes, but most scripts get it wrong. In fact, the classic heroic story is the antithesis to most movies today.

So what does this have to do with you as an educator? Well, according to the classic heroic story, educators can play the same role as the most influential character!

In this fun, creative, and mind-stretching workshop, educators and leaders will discover an empowering and more holistic way to think about student development.

Participants Will:

  • Learn the main elements of a classic heroic story and how these elements can positively reframe student development
  • Discover the educator's role in a classic heroic story
  • Discover the student's role in a classic heroic story
  • Learn the one thing that matters most in student development and progress (and if you miss this, no curriculum or program will fix it)
  • Explore practical skills for equipping students to become their own hero
  • Laugh and learn through creative interaction and participation

(Available in 45-90 minutes and half-day options)

YES! We want this training.

It's Not Just Theory with Kent...

Kent started out as an at-risk child with significant learning challenges.

Kent's strategies come from real life. He started out as an at-risk child with significant learning challenges.

He couldn't read in third grade. When he reached high school, his SAT scores were so low that he had to take Development Studies after graduation just to get into college — on probation.

Yet, because of middle school and high school educators who created a DREAM-to-DO culture in his life, he went on from these humble beginnings to earn honors in both his undergraduate and graduate degrees. And before starting his own company, he worked for 20 years with youth as a swim coach and in the non-profit world, eventually leading him to become the executive director of a national youth association that helped teenagers just like him.

What this means to you is that Kent's passion and expertise for creating DREAM-to-DO cultures come from both his personal life and professional life. As an at-risk student, his life was changed because of the DREAM-to-DO culture educators created for him. And today, as a youth and educational leader, he has seen the same type of culture change the lives of thousands of others.

Book Kent for Your Next Event

To bring Kent to your next event,

click the button below or call (678) 466-9482.

Bring Kent to Your Next Event