L i s a C o l l u m
“It is my mission for all educators to BELIEVE, “All Students Can Be Successful!””
Lisa Collum
Educator, Administrator, Author, 2x Investigated for Perfect Test Scores…
Lisa Collum envisions a world where every teacher believes in every student’s success. Her relentless dedication to empowering educators with unwavering support, equipping them with essential resources, and instilling a belief in the success of every learner is the cornerstone of her mission.
As the founder and CEO of Top Score Writing, Inc., and the visionary behind Coastal Middle and High School, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Lake Park, FL, Lisa Collum has garnered widespread recognition for her transformative impact on education. Her leadership has earned her and her company esteemed accolades, including being named among the Top 50 Florida Companies to Watch for 2021, receiving a CEO Global Award, and being honored as Entrepreneur of the Year 2021.
Lisa’s journey from educator to school leader and business owner, a pioneering force in the education sector, has captured national attention. Her remarkable achievements in revitalizing a low-performing Title I school by implementing a systematic approach to enhance student writing skills have set a new standard for educational excellence. Under Lisa’s guidance, the percentage of students achieving proficiency in writing skills skyrocketed from 38% to an astonishing 95% within the first year, reaching a remarkable 100% in the subsequent two years.
The compelling narrative of Lisa’s ascent from a young educator to a trailblazing school leader and successful entrepreneur is in high demand among news outlets, educational institutions, and audiences seeking inspiration and guidance. Her remarkable journey is a beacon of hope and a blueprint for transforming educational outcomes.
Lisa holds a master’s degree in Education and resides in southern Florida with her husband, Ray-Ray, and their children Brandon, Bryson, and Jazzy.
Speaking Video
Speech Topics
Featured Keynote Address
All Student Can…
In this powerful keynote, Lisa Collum reminds us of the mindset needed for teachers to impact their students in the classroom.
After achieving unprecedented test scores in her first classroom assignment, Lisa faced one of the few challenges no teacher plans for or would ever want to endure: Her students scored too high on their tests. Instead of being celebrated for her unique and impactful methods, Lisa was investigated for wrongdoing—twice.
Lisa could’ve left the education field even though she’d done nothing wrong. Knowing the truth would eventually be confirmed, Lisa chose to dig in and endure the scrutiny instead of running away. Why?
Like so many teachers, Lisa believes that students are worth it. All students can be successful.
In this presentation, Lisa will share the full story of how she was accused, investigated, and cleared. She’ll also talk about the essential mindset choices we can make to help when adversity comes our way.
Optional Breakout Sessions
First Steps to Writing and Planning
Audience: All Educators
Time: 60-minutes
Description: Embark on a journey to master the foundational elements of writing and planning with our engaging workshop, “First Steps to Writing and Planning.” This session will demystify the basics of planning and writing, guiding you through the initial steps of the writing process. Attendees will gain invaluable tools and strategies for effective planning and learn how to construct and utilize outlines to streamline their writing efforts. Whether you’re an experienced educator or new to the field, this workshop will empower you with the skills necessary to foster student success in writing.
Takeaways:
Comprehensive Understanding: Attendees will leave with a clear grasp of the fundamental steps in the writing process, from brainstorming to drafting, ensuring a solid foundation for teaching writing skills.
Practical Tools and Strategies: Participants will acquire practical tools and strategies for effective planning and outlining, which they can immediately implement in their classrooms to enhance student writing outcomes.
Captivate Students with Enjoyable Writing
Audience: All Teachers (Administrators can be included)
Time: 60 minutes
Description: Unleash the joy of writing in your classroom with our dynamic workshop, “Engaging Students Through Fun Writing Experiences.” This session explores innovative ways to make writing enjoyable, ensuring your students remain enthusiastic and motivated. Learn how to teach writing engagingly, utilizing various tips, strategies, and activities to spark creativity and interest. By integrating these fun approaches, you can transform your writing curriculum into a captivating adventure for every student.
Takeaways:
Engagement Techniques: Attendees will acquire practical, hands-on strategies to make writing fun and engaging, keeping students motivated and involved in the writing process. This will equip you with the tools you need to effectively engage your students in the writing process.
Creative Activities: Participants will leave with innovative activities and tips that they can immediately implement to enhance their students’ writing experiences.
Meeting the Needs of Below-Level Writers
Audience: All Teachers (Administrators can be included)
Time: 60-75 minutes
Description: In our workshop, “Meeting the Needs of Below-Level Writers,” you will discover effective strategies for teaching writing to students struggling or performing below grade level. This session focuses on implementing scaffolding techniques, providing explicit instruction, and utilizing structured writing frameworks. You will also learn how to offer effective feedback to support and motivate your students. Equip yourself with the tools and approaches that have the potential to transform your students' writing abilities and help them find success in writing.
Takeaways:
Scaffolding Mastery: Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of scaffolding techniques to support struggling writers and ensure they can progressively develop their skills.
Feedback and Frameworks: Participants will learn how to apply writing frameworks and provide constructive feedback, fostering improvement and confidence in below-level writers.
Achieving Writing Success:
Excel in your Writing Assessment & Boost School Grades
Audience: All Teachers
Time: 60-75 minutes
Description: Unlock your students' full potential with “Achieving Writing Success: Utilizing Top Score Writing’s Simple and Effective Method.” This workshop offers a comprehensive guide to understanding the importance of state writing assessments and how to prepare students effectively using Top Score Writing’s proven methods. Attendees will learn how to implement this straightforward program to enhance student performance, receive in-depth teacher training and support, and foster student engagement. Discover how this approach can significantly impact your school’s writing scores and overall academic performance.
Takeaways:
Proven Implementation Strategies: Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how to implement Top Score Writing’s methods to prepare students for state assessments, ensuring higher performance and confidence.
Enhanced School Performance: Participants will learn how the Top Score Writing program can improve school grades by boosting student engagement and achievement in writing.