ADE Summit 2025

Renowned educator and motivational speaker Dr. Adolph Brown is bringing his dynamic energy and transformative message to this year’s Summit! With a powerful blend of music, motivation, and evidence-based, data-driven insights, Dr. Brown’s keynote will ignite inspiration across every level of a district. His high-energy session will encourage all staff—teachers, administrators, and support staff alike—to be ALL IN for the year ahead. Through engaging stories and actionable strategies, Dr. Brown will dive into critical topics like mental toughness, self-care, and the power of teamwork.
No matter your role, you'll walk away with practical tools and renewed motivation to start the school year empowered, energized, and uplifted.

Don’t miss this unforgettable kickoff experience—join us and leave ready to make this your best year yet!

Despite growing up poor and on welfare and spending time in the foster care system Sandy has achieved the impossible over and over again in her life but it’s taken a team. Sandy will share stories of the impact teachers, coaches, administrators and staff had on her life. In this keynote you will be reminded of why you went into education, the transformation power of connection, and the rippling effect it has for generations to come.

In this deeply personal keynote, Beau McCastlain shares insights from a transformative year as the 2024 Arkansas Teacher of the Year. Drawing from over 16 years in the classroom, a broadcast journalism career in Arkansas, and on the road connecting with students, educators, and communities, this keynote explores how educators and mentors not only impact individual lives, they shape legacies.
 
For the past four years, Beau has led a groundbreaking video production program at De Queen High School, where students take the lead in telling authentic stories through a student-run broadcast studio known as DQTV.
Launched during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic with just seven students, DQTV has grown into a nationally recognized program that builds student voice, fosters civic engagement, and connects classrooms to communities. Students graduate not only with technical skills but with real-world experience and confidence to pursue enrollment, employment, or enlistment after high school. Several students have earned regional and national recognition, including opportunities to work alongside the White House Press Corps.
In this keynote, Beau shares stories from his 2024 Arkansas Teacher of the Year journey, his classroom, and beyond—illustrating how educators can ignite change that echoes through generations. Through a mix of reflection, storytelling, and real-world examples, Beau reminds us that when students are seen, heard, and empowered, they don't just succeed—they lead.
 
Through authentic storytelling and reflection, McCastlain offers a powerful reminder: the influence of an educator echoes far beyond the school walls, reaching across generations. Attendees will leave feeling inspired, affirmed, and ready to elevate the calling of teaching in their own communities.