Teachers & Parents
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Carrots and sticks. Bribes and threats. Are you tired of what passes for motivation these days? Spark the inspiration teachers and parents need to nurture and develop the self-motivation and personal leadership skills students will need to succeed and to lead!
EDUCATORS, ADMINISTRATORS & STAFF have brought Fran Kick in for back-to-school convocations, in-service sessions, first-year teacher orientations, staff team-building programs, retreats, single-school, multi-school, district-wide presentations, and regional workshops.
PARENTS have KICKed IT IN with Fran Kick at parent-teacher open house nights, community volunteer trainings, and PTO/PTA meetings. It’s all about motivating kids to motivate themselves, helping parents instill more self-motivation and personal leadership in their children.
TOPICS for presentation themes include:
- Paying attention and responding appropriately
- The more you put into it, the more you get out of it
- What you put into it, is what you get out of it
- If you’re whining, griping and complaining, having a terrible time—maybe that’s why!
- Positive attitude vs. negative attitude—you ultimately make the difference
- Getting involved and cooperatively contributing
- The discipline of focus and the power of attention
- Positively reinforcing yourself and others to make positive choices
- Leading by example—because you can’t lead others until you lead yourself
REVIEWS (Teachers)
REVIEWS (Parents)
DETAILS
REVIEWS (Teachers)
“I have heard many people reflect on your presentation and how they are able to infuse many of your ideas into their own instruction. I am most impressed with how you guided our own thinking by including past experiences and relationships that we have all had. Your ability to take us on a mind journey as we made connections to our own teaching and leadership helped us all to increase our personal capacity in the area of motivation and leadership!”
Jack Parker, Principal
Center Grove Middle School Central, Indiana
“What a joy having you with us. I have received great feedback from each of the groups you worked with [teachers, college students and high school students] and I think it was exactly what each group independently needed. I said this to you personally, but I wanted to reiterate, that your ability to diversify and personalize each presentation is so far above and beyond others who do your work. Thank you for destroying the cookie cutter, one size fits all leadership, and listening and responding appropriately to the needs of the learners in front of you!!”
J.R. Snow, PK-12 Fine Arts Coordinator
Harrisonburg City Public Schools, Virginia
“Illustrations and examples were poignant! Thought-provoking ideas given to try to improve ways of doing things in the classroom. Gave me a new perspective—how to take what I currently do to change it—so kids benefit more. Going to use many activities in the first two weeks of class to build community.”
Tech Prep and HSTW/MMGW Institute
Northwest Ohio Tech Prep Consortium
“Your keynote address not only inspired all of us to be better administrators/teachers, but it also challenged us to commence the journey of self-reflection and examine our own behaviors through a different set of lenses. The enthusiasm and insight you possess is truly a gift. I wish you all the best as you continue to ‘Kick It In’ and change the philosophy of education.”
Karl Stewart
Baltimore County Public Schools, Maryland
“Kick it in! was just what the doctor ordered. You were able to touch an entire corporation of teachers with your simple, yet integral, message of taking a new and different look at what was going on in the classrooms. Your message ignited the entire group into a fire of excitement and energy—in January at the end of a long semester with final exams needing to be graded and recorded! The energy in the auditorium was incredible. The teachers and administrators were so inspired that the conversations for the days following were all centered on the interactive presentation. What an opportunity for professional rejuvenation! I highly recommend Kick it in! to any school corporation or individual school that is in need of a reminder that our task as educators is the total emersion of ourselves into the chosen profession of teaching and learning.”
Julie Lauck, Principal
New Prairie High School, Indiana
“Your message was powerful, your delivery was awesome and your ability to bring everyone down front both literally and figuratively was awesome. During my twenty years in education, I don’t ever recall a speaker captivating an audience like you did. It has often been said that the best way to judge a speaker is not during the presentation, but by what actions are taken after. I can tell you that even through this measurement, the day was a huge success!”
Timothy Quinn, Assistant Superintendent
Derry Township School District, Pennsylvania
“The 90-minute session that you delivered to our faculty was truly one of the most inspirational messages that I have ever heard. You started out our school year in a great way. Even the most difficult people on our faculty, seemed to be ready to go to work. Your message is very appropriate for everyone involved in the school setting from custodians to instructional assistants to superintendents. I would highly recommend you to any school looking for a shot in the arm for morale.”
Penny Bradley, Assistant Principal
Nelson County High School, Kentucky
“Thank you for working with the K-12 staff. We do very little together other than start-of-the-year housekeeping chores. You gave us all an opportunity to laugh uproariously at each other, at ourselves, and at whom we pretend to be. It is truly amazing how laughter can become a common denominator. A lot of barriers were broken down between the elementary teachers and those from the high school. Many of the teachers commented that this was the best spent time at an in-service, ever.”
Neal Wedum, Principal
Choteau Public Schools, Montana
“Thank you so much for your presentation at our 2009 convocation. The words you shared were aligned to my message and certainly enriched the entire program. Let me also say that it was a pleasure working with you. As I shared with you, I have had some impressive speakers for our convocations but they were not always the easiest or most pleasant individuals with which to coordinate and/or collaborate. I have already shared with a neighboring district friend about your presentation and message and feel certain she may be contacting you in the future. Again, thank you for enriching our convocation and the beginning of a new school year.”
Arnold Adair, Superintendent
Deer Park Schools, Texas
“I don’t believe my words could ever adequately express how successful our first Welcome Back Kickoff event was on Wednesday, September 6, 2000—BECAUSE OF YOU! This was the first event for me in my new position, and I wanted desperately to ‘Hit a Home Run.’ I knew I would never again get a second chance to make a first impression in my new role. Thanks to you Fran, the event was outstanding, and even more successful than I had envisioned! I was so pleased with the turnout, and the mixture of employees represented from all categories. I am still receiving positive comments and feedback, and everyone wants to know when you will be back. Your brilliant blend of humor with inspiration is amazing. We all laughed so hard yet absorbed such important reminders about what really matters in life! You have such a gift Fran and all of us at IRCC are grateful that we had the opportunity to experience that gift. You can count on being invited back.”
Tina Hart, Director of Institutional Effectiveness
Indian River Community College, Florida
“Thanks for a great presentation and the great work you do! Here’s what attendees shared: Fran Kick was one of the best speakers that I have heard in a long time. Very motivational and made sense! What a great way to get it started because it was very up lifting and infused with energy. He is a very dynamic speaker and connects with the audience extremely well! Engaging and relevant.”
Dan Stacy, Ohio School Improvement Institute
Ohio Department of Education
“We thoroughly enjoyed having you as a part of our event at the weekend and we couldn’t have asked more from your performance. We have been raving about it ever since we’ve come back to HQ here! I will be back in touch for future events.”
Chris Lawlor, Events Manager
WorldStrides
“Fran Kick is one of the finest individuals that I been honored to know, defined by his intellectual curiosity, commitment to excellence, overall accomplishment and leadership. Fran possesses so many commendable virtues: he redefines the term ‘Positive Thinker,’ and is consistently cheerful, personable and optimistic. During his presentations he enthusiastically talks about the importance of pedagogical excellence, and does so in a manner that inspires his audiences. To his everlasting credit, he maintains exceedingly high standards of personal and professional integrity, attributes which permeate his speaking engagements. He literally ‘walks the talk’ in thought, word and deed.”
Michael Kumer, Associate Dean
Duquesne University School of Leadership & Professional Advancement
“After twenty years of working with students around the world, and sharing the stage with fantastic speakers who bring a substantive message to their audiences, I haven’t experienced anyone who can communicate with such power and passion as Fran Kick. I am always excited to work alongside this caring-sharing educator/speaker/friend.”
Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser, VP of Education
Conn-Selmer, Inc./Steinway Musical Instruments, Inc.
REVIEWS (Parents)
“Thank you so much for coming to work with our students and parents! I am still hearing positive feedback from both the students and the parents. I cherish the opportunity to have you share your vision and professionalism. We need more people like you motivating our youth! Thanks for helping our school year end on such a positive note!”
Bob Barfield
White Knoll High School, South Carolina
“Thank you for presenting such a dynamic, energetic, and motivating workshop to the volunteers and parents of Centerville City Schools. Your enthusiasm and humor brought the topic to life. These are a few of the comments people wrote on the evaluations concerning what was most helpful to them:
‘Ways to be more positive so that I don’t encourage negative behavior’
‘Handout well constructed, tons of information’
‘Thanks for making this ‘fun.’ It made me want to get better and work harder’
We deeply appreciate the time and effort you devoted to preparing and presenting this workshop. The flyers, posters, and news releases were effective in publicizing the event as evidenced by the number in attendance. Your commitment to helping adults and students work together more effectively was obvious in every aspect of your presentation.”
‘Ways to be more positive so that I don’t encourage negative behavior’
‘Handout well constructed, tons of information’
‘Thanks for making this ‘fun.’ It made me want to get better and work harder’
We deeply appreciate the time and effort you devoted to preparing and presenting this workshop. The flyers, posters, and news releases were effective in publicizing the event as evidenced by the number in attendance. Your commitment to helping adults and students work together more effectively was obvious in every aspect of your presentation.”
Jane Hochstein & Marilyn Simpson, Academic Volunteer Coordinators
Centerville City Schools, Ohio
“Thank you again for the sensational and motivation programs you presented to the students and parents of Lubbock ISD. The comments are still circulating about the positive, energetic, and high-energy program that many agree should be seen by all! Leadership through character building has lasting effects and it was a wonderful opportunity for the parents to be able to experience the same enthusiasm as shared earlier in the day by their children. The children of today are our leaders of tomorrow. Keep on Kicking It In!”
Ann Graves, Assistant Superintendent
Lubbock ISD, Texas
“He said a lot in a little bit of time and I felt my time was so well spent. What excellent values and time-tested truths he passed along to build stronger families and healthier children. He was excellent.”
Karen Wilmer, Parent
Woodward Academy, Atlanta, Georgia
“Your presentations at the four middle schools received rave reviews and you obviously struck a responsive chord with the parents who attended the evening program. Their comments afterwards were heartfelt and sincere. In addition to your excellent presentations to the student and adult audiences, I was impressed with your cooperative ‘can-do’ spirit. In your informal contacts with our staff and the Farmington Families in Action volunteers you demonstrated a sincere interest and enthusiasm for our on-going programs. Such external feedback is invaluable. Thank you for a job well done. We look forward to working with you in the future.”
C. Robert Maxfield, Superintendent
Farmington Public Schools, Michigan
“The parent program was very well done and an excellent conversation starter. The topic had much substance and encouraged parents to start listening and communicating better with their children. The parent and student videos were thought provoking. The parents were wanting more when the kids came back. I think that’s a good problem to have. You have been delightful to work with, and we would gladly have you back. Your optimistic, enthusiastic outlook on life was contagious.”
Linda Enberg, Parent
Farmington Families In Action, Michigan
“Three months have passed by and people are STILL talking about your visit! Having you address all of our high school students, our student leaders, and our school parents in one day was a tall order, but you filled that order perfectly, and all three presentations went way beyond any expectations that my colleagues and I could have had. I found it most exciting to watch the dynamic of each room, as the attendees went from being audience members to being participants. It’s interesting that students and parents can have the same comments about anything, let alone a ‘lecturer.’ But perhaps the differing comments say more—when a fifteen year old says the program was ‘inspiring and introspective’ and a fifty year old says it was ‘awesome,’ you know you’ve really hit the mark!”
Jeffrey Haas, Teacher
Ridgewood High School, New Jersey
“Your message was received with great enthusiasm and we’re all truly grateful for having had the opportunity to hear you speak. Several parents have commented to me that they have ‘seen the light’ and have begun a new course of more positive communication with their children. I was amazed, frankly, to hear how many had previously given costly rewards for good behavior and high grades, but had done precious little to help their children achieve either. That, I’m told, is about to change! Thanks to you, parents are feeling a new, energizing sense of commitment to their children’s learning, and they intend to lend supportive help and encouragement to it daily. These parents are determined to be INVOLVED. They want to help their children experience the joy of working toward a goal and completing a job well done.”
Barb McVean, Principal
Holy Family School, Le Roy, New York
DETAILS
GROUP SIZE: As few as 40 to audiences as large as 10,800+ Fran Kick interactively inspires individuals to be more self-motivated and develop the personal leadership they need to succeed.
PROGRAM LENGTH: Available for a series of short sessions, 20-minute to 90-minute keynote with breakout presentations, as well as 3-hour (half-day) and 6-hour (full-day) facilitated workshops, retreat programs, and events.
ROOM SETUP: Fran’s goal is to be the easiest speaker, presenter, consultant you have ever dealt with. His setup needs are few and because every program is different, every location is different, every audience is different, he will always confirm exact setup and AV requests prior to the program. There are however a few items that are typically suggested:
AUDITORIUM/THEATER: Perfect with an open stage that is well lit and house lights up—no spotlights needed.
CONVENTION MEETING ROOMS: Set with chairs (ideally no tables) in a curved-row theater-style arrangement. This Audience-Centered Seating™ approach creates the most comfortable, viewable, and focused presentation possible. If the audience size will be over 400 and the room has a flat floor, a few 12–24 inch high platform risers would be suggested.
MICROPHONE: Wireless hand-held for audiences over 100.
A/V: Large flip pad of paper on an easel. No PowerPoint® will be used!
ADDITIONAL A/V: Large video monitor (for smaller groups <100) or a video projector with large screen (for larger groups >100). HDMI cable with audio.
Again, these items are only listed here for general pre-planning purposes so you know what might be needed. Any and all specific AV requests for your program will be finalized prior to the program. Fran Kick is a down-to-earth, humble, professional without the primo-uomo attitude or divo-like demands. You’ll absolutely love working with Fran’s non-egotistical, non-narcissistic personality, and non-self-aggrandizing attitude. His authentic approach is solely focused on making YOU look good and inspiring your group to enthusiastically engage in KICKin’ IT IN!
FRAN KICK has been inspiring teachers, parents, and students to KICK IT IN® and TAKE THE LEAD since 1986. With a B.A. in Education, an M.A. in Educational Psychology, and three recently college-graduated children of his own, Fran knows What Makes Kids KICK!
“One of the phenomenal aspects of Mr. Kick’s speech was no one got up to to anywhere (apparently nature only calls during boring assemblies).”
Michelle Spitka, High School Student