Be the interruption

your students need.

CHARACTER | SKILLS | OPPORTUNITY

Inspire your educators and students throughout the ‘24-’25 school year. Jonathan delivers a memorable keynote on the transformative power of interruptive educators. He shares how educators interrupted his life, took him off the path that he was on, and placed him on a path of success. In turn, he engages the audience in collaborative activities that help connect his experiences of interruption to practical classroom strategies. His insights demonstrate the profound impact of purposeful intervention in guiding students toward their full potential.

Interruptive Educator—A philosophy that every teacher should embrace to steer their students from current paths towards success. Inspire students to find their voice and take ownership of their learning journey through character development, skill growth, content ownership, and access to opportunities for success.

What is an Interruptive Educator?

Interruptive educators are teachers, counselors, school leaders, and district personnel who consistently and unwaveringly interrupt their students in selfless and intentional ways to either help support them along or move them on a path to success. It’s a proactive approach where educators play a pivotal role in shaping students' character, skill development, and access to opportunities. The next time you have an opportunity to correct, redirect, or discipline a student, offer an interruption instead.


Explore how being an interruptive educator can create a significant shift in student success, encourage ownership of learning, and elevate the level of student and educator excellence at your school. Connect with us to discover how this approach can help shape a brighter future for you or your students.

Are you interested in developing student leaders at your school?

Why be an Interruptive Educator:

Many of us can point to a teacher, counselor, principal, coach, or school personnel who had a significant impact on our lives as a kid. If we were lucky, that impact either supported the positive trajectory we were already on or significantly shifted a potentially negative one and helped change it before it was too late. Interruptive educators consistently and unwaveringly interrupt their students' lives to take them off the path they are on and guide them along a path to success. They do this by shaping character, developing skills, and creating access to opportunities.

  • Educators promote character development by enhancing student confidence and creating a supportive environment. They cultivate a sense of belonging, guide the development of positive perspectives and attitudes, and encourage ethical decision-making. Through these efforts, teachers enhance students' personal and academic growth.

  • Students must be introduced to, practice, and master essential skills throughout their educational journey. While specific skills may vary based on individual goals, four foundational skills are consistently present in students who successfully complete their education, pursue postsecondary training, and thrive in their careers.

    • Effective Communication

    • Critical Thinking 

    • Strategic Decision Making

    • Leadership

  • Teachers leading with interruptive practices are committed to broadening students’ horizons. They facilitate access to resources, networks, and experiences that students may not have encountered otherwise, thus leveling the playing field and opening doors to new possibilities.

By interrupting students' current trajectories, educators identify and nurture students talents and skills. This approach empowers students to discover their strengths and leverage them for future success in school, career, and life.