Keynotes and In-services

Jason Ryan Dorsey knows the difference educators can make, because an educator changed his life forever. Growing up in a rural area, Jason saw few opportunities and abundant challenges. At a critical moment, a teacher inspired Jason to leave high school and his “troublemaker” friends behind and start college early. Jason attended college programs in Florida, Israel, and New York before enrolling at the University of Texas. By age 18, Jason was a junior in college with an extensive network, respected mentors, and tremendous job opportunities.

While tutoring fellow students, Jason realized that many of his peers were not well prepared to succeed in college and their careers. Determined to help, Jason authored and then self-published Graduate to Your Perfect Job in his college dorm room. This step-by-step book became a national bestseller and supplementary course in 1,650 schools and colleges. It is estimated that 100,000 young adults have used Jason’s first book as a resource to enter the workforce.

Jason with the President and Vice President of the New York State School Boards Association. Jason was the youngest keynote speaker in the history of their organization! The success of Graduate to Your Perfect Job launched Jason into speaking at schools, colleges, and education conferences. He developed a reputation for inspiring school stakeholders by reinforcing the difference they can make. Now 29, Jason has spoken on-site at over 700 schools and colleges across the United States and as far away as Finland and India. Exposure to so many different schools prompted Jason to write his acclaimed book, 50 Ways to Improve Schools for Under $50. This practical book reveals inexpensive ways administrators, educators, parents, students, and community members have strengthened their school from the inside out.

Jason’s Most Requested Education Keynotes and In-Services:

In this inspiring program, Jason shares his personal story of educators taking the risk to reach out to him—and changing his life forever. He then reveals specific, front-line tested strategies and actions that every school stakeholder can use to have a more lasting, meaningful impact on their students. All attendees—from first-year teachers to seasoned administrators—leave this high-energy, emotional keynote feeling good about themselves, their profession, and inspired about the difference they make.

Ideal for: Education conference opening or closing general sessions, school-year faculty kick-offs, and mid-year professional development programs. (This program is available as a 45 to 60 minute keynote or up to 2.5 hour seminar.)

“Jason Dorsey did a terrific job of addressing 400 teachers from across South Dakota. Through the use of personal experiences and humor, Jason helped our teachers with specific strategies to reach the students in our schools. Jason's insight and energetic delivery was a highlight of our Teacher Leadership Conference and resulted in him receiving a standing ovation.” Dr. Rick Melmer, Secretary of Education State of South Dakota

Administrators and educators at all levels want fun, creative, cost-effective ideas that other school stakeholders have used to strengthen their school from the inside out. In this interactive program, Jason shares powerful stories of schools transformed by the actions of individual school stakeholders who took the risk and responsibility to try something new in their classroom, hallway, department, building, or district. Every attendee leaves this program with a more hands-on understanding of school culture and ten to twenty (depending on time) specific, ready-to-use ideas they can immediately implement.

Ideal for: Education conferences focused on systemic school improvement, in-services related to relevance, rigor, and relationships, and summer professional development academies. (This program is available as a 45 to 60 minute keynote or up to 2.5 hour seminar.)

"You were the catalyst that got our school year off to a terrific start! There are very few speakers who can touch the emotions of our “seasoned” and diverse convocation population–teachers, administrators, food service, custodial, grounds and maintenance workers, as well as bus drivers–but you know the formula! Finding a speaker who could bring a message that would be both new and inspirational to each of us was quite a tall order and one that you filled very successfully!" Nancy Moore, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Glen Rose ISD

After working on-site at some of the country’s most challenging schools, Jason has developed a unique strategy for connecting with and motivating hard-to-reach students. This strategy enables him to quickly build the trust, respect, and confidence of these students who often do not look, dress, or talk like him. In this practical program, Jason shares his strategy so your attendees can better engage and influence their hardest to reach students. This program is ideal for school stakeholders who want their students to take more responsibility for their actions, set and achieve higher academic and graduation goals, and make better decisions.

Ideal for: Conferences and summits for school leaders with hard-to-reach student populations, in-services and professional development programs focused on best practices for serving hard-to-reach students, and grant funded initiatives designed to help hard-to-reach students. (This program is available as a 45 to 60 minute keynote or up to 2.5 hour seminar.)

"Jason presents a fresh perspective in a lively and enthusiastic manner. Educators at all levels and disciplines can benefit from his practical viewpoint and put his knowledge and ideas to use immediately." Richard Wong, Executive Director American School Counselor Association

To receive a FREE DVD of Jason Ryan Dorsey speaking to an audience similar to yours, an in-depth brochure describing his keynotes and seminars, and a customized speaking proposal, please contact Jason's office directly or complete the following Information Request Form:

Event Information: What kind of event are you planning: When and where will your event take place: Event Date(s): City/State event will be held: Who and how many people will be attending: What is the goal of your event: Describe the ideal speaker for your program: We hire speakers in the $ to $ fee range. How did you hear about Jason Ryan Dorsey?   Contact Information: Your Name: * Title: Company/ Organization: * Address: * City:   State:   Zip: Phone: *    The best time to call you: E-mail address: * Specific comments and questions:   * These fields are required. Thank you for taking the time to fill out this form. We will contact you as soon as possible.