Dr. Manny Scott
“Even on a Teacher’s worst day, you can be a student’s best Hope!”
Speaker, Author, Original Freedom Writer
Many superintendents struggle to motivate their teachers. Dr. Manny Scott's keynote addresses inspire teachers to renew their commitment to education so that students succeed in school and graduate prepared for work and life.
An original Freedom Writer whose story is partly told in the hit movie Freedom Writers, Dr. Manuel Scott has personally energized more than two million educators, students, and leaders worldwide with his authentic, inspiring messages of hope.
On the road up to 300 days a year for the past 20+ years, Dr. Scott has delivered over 2,000 presentations and is the speaker of choice for convocations, conferences, and conventions.
Dr. Scott has a gift: connecting with, holding the attention of, and energizing all kinds of audiences. From inner-city youth to business executives, he has learned to speak and command the language of his audiences with relevant, riveting, and compelling messages, moving them from cheers to laughter to tears and go-forward determination.
By age 14, Dr. Scott's story was almost over:
His father was incarcerated, he missed 60-90 days of school annually from 4th to 9th grade, he dropped out of school at age 14, he lived in 26 places by age 16, and his best friend was brutally murdered. Sensing that the end of his life was near, Dr. Scott sat down on a park bench and considered how he would make others feel the depth of despair and anger roiling in his soul. He says, "When I look back, I now see that I was heading down a path that would have destroyed me."
But Something Powerful Happened…
Several loving adults came into his life and inspired him to turn the page and write a different story—to create a new life.
Original Freedom Writer:
He returned to school with a new attitude and purpose and ended up in the back of Erin Gruwell’s English class—a group now known worldwide as the Freedom Writers, portrayed in the hit MTV movie.
In his journal, Dr. Scott began writing—and dreaming about—new, more fulfilling chapters in his life- chapters filled with healing, hope, perseverance, and possibility.
Through hard work, and the loving help of teachers and others, Dr. Scott went from being a high school dropout to a Ph.D. Now, he is happily married to his college sweetheart, a doting father of three, and one of the nation's most in-demand education speakers.
Speaking Videos
“Your presentation is the best we ever had in Miller Place (as one of the sages here, I agree). One of our Board of Education member's son (a senior at the high school) came home and raved about your presentation. She almost fell off her chair, and her son wanted to talk to her about something from school. Your impact was quite prolific.” - Seth Lipshie, Department Superintendent
Speech Topics
Unlocking Potential: How Intercultural Competence Powers Student Success
Audience: All Teachers (Administrators can be included)
Time: 60-75 minutes
Description: In this presentation, Dr. Scott discusses the importance of intercultural competence in education and the role that school employees play in fostering a more inclusive and equitable learning environment. Intercultural competence is the ability to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with people from different cultural backgrounds. By the end of this presentation, attendees will have a greater understanding of the importance of intercultural competence in education and will be equipped with strategies for developing this critical skill.
The Power of One: How School Employees Can Change the World
Audience: All Educators
Time: 60-minutes
Description: This presentation explores the many ways in which school employees make a positive difference in the lives of students and the broader community. From teachers and administrators, to support staff and bus drivers, each and every school employee plays a vital role in shaping the future of our children. By the end of this presentation, attendees will understand that even on their worst days, they can still be a student’s best hope.
How to REACH Youth Today
Audience: All Educators
Time: 60-minutes
Description: This presentation explores innovative approaches to connecting with youth, with a focus on those who may be considered “unreachable” or hard to engage. It examines the challenges that many educators face when trying to communicate with young people and discusses the importance of building trust and understanding to establish meaningful connections. Through a combination of research and personal anecdotes, we will share strategies for engaging with youth in ways that are relevant, respectful, and responsive to their needs and interests.
Program Options
Keynote Address
Dr. Manny Scott's keynotes ignite lasting change, connecting deeply and leaving a profound impact. Attendees gain renewed purpose and tools for positive community and societal impact.
Virtual Events
Dr. Scott offers options for all types of events, whether they are live online or pre-recorded. He always delivers a powerful event for your audience and community.
Ongoing PD Options
Dr. Manny Scott has developed an exceptional program to meet your district or school's ongoing professional development needs. This option includes upgraded events, weekly training videos for teachers and principals, and a curated video library to ensure lasting impact.
Testimonials
My class has changed forever! I am reading your book to my students and they love it. I also took your advice. I told my students that I didn't know them and that I was truly sorry for not acknowledging their cultures. We have become much closer and the behavioral problems have slipped away. You are a Rock Star! Your new pal Deac.
— David Declemente
I can't even put it in words! The feedback I have received is amazing. I have received so many phone calls, emails, and messages saying there is no way I will ever be able to top that. In over 3000 evaluation forms there was not one single negative one.... which is unprecedented (especially at this time of the year when all the teachers want to do is get their rooms ready for the soon-arriving students).
— Sandy Armstrong, Regional In-Service Director - East Alabama Regional In-Service Center (EARIC)
Manny, thanks so much for coming to West Plains. The faculty and staff are still reeling over the experience. I continue to receive messages, “…this was the best experience of my career!” … You have inspired all of us.
— Julie Williams