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Past participants of HOPE Summits and Institutes came away re-focused on creating school cultures where failure is not an option for any student. District office, building administrators and teachers from across North America have received inspiration, specific strategies for closing the achievement gap and application of data. The following quotes are peer testimonials from recent Failure Is Not an Option® events: Strategies for Applying the Six Principles
"The Failure Is Not an Option® Institute provided my staff and me with [strategies] for staff development, and opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across the country and frameworks for success. This is one of the, NO, this is the BEST educational opportunities in the country!" Kyle G. Barrentine, Principal
Clinton Central, Michigantown, IN “I left the conference confident and armed with [the strategies] to facilitate change in my school and district.” Tulani Smith, Principal
Adams Academy of Math, Science and Technology, Ypsilanti, MI “This has been a gathering that intended to impart knowledge, explain the purposes of that knowledge, inspire the use of that knowledge... and HOPE left their doors open as we assess, evaluate, grow and truly become forever a part of the future we will see through our effort of all those that learned.” Cindy Letts Hagen, Teacher
Vincennes Community School Corp., Vincennes, IN "Failure Is Not an Option® will renew your faith in the education system we have in the U.S. You don't need to teach to the test. FNO will show you how." Michael Lehmier, Labor Representative
Pennsylvania State Education Association, State College, PA
"Phenomenal and inspirational. The Six Principles of 'Failure Is Not an Option' is an exceptional tool to begin the process of improving student achievement." Jacqueline Genesoni, Department Chair
Freeport Public Schools, Freeport, NY “It helped me find out more about myself as an educator - and what I wanted to keep and build on, and what I needed to ditch in order to meet the needs of my students!” Amy W. Driskill, Teacher
Muhlenberg Co., Greenville, KY "This experience was amazing! The speakers were inspirational and gave concrete strategies for today and tomorrow." Lisa Marie Kreese, Principal
Lloydminster Catholic School Division, Lloydminister, AB "The HOPE Summit offered many solutions to the problem of entrapment. For those who feel entrapped in terms of working with at-risk children, the conference provided recourse or a way out. I heard things that I hadn't heard before-excellent information." Gwendolyn Baker-Alford, Teacher
Doughtery County, GA "The FNO Conference was very encouraging and informative. I was presented with great ideas that were supported with excellent examples." Jacob Rodriguez, Teacher
Crown Point High School, Crown Point, IN "This was the best professional development experience I have ever had. I found so much of the information useful—I haven't stopped carrying the conference binder around since the day the event ended. The whole process we all went through was transformational and really lit a fire underneath us all." Mary Ann Robinson, Technology Outreach Coordinator
Mecosta-Osceola ISD, Big Rapids, MI "The HOPE workshop not only inspired me but gave me the nuts and bolts to go back to my building and create a PLC using the 6 principles." Lori Manion, Principal
Nikiski North Star Elementary, Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, Kenai, AK "I felt like I was on a retreat with my colleagues. We were able to work collaboratively to strategically plan our next step/move for our district. This conference inspired us to take the next steps. " Juliet Mendez, Assistant Principal
Avondale Elementary School District, Avondale, AZ Top Inspiration to Build Cultures Where Failure Is Not an Option for Any Student
"This event was awesome. It renews your spirit and your vision for education. I tried to hold back the tears when I attended the last session on collaboration with Dr. Wortham." Mya Ward, Middle School Teacher DeKalb County School District, GA "Having now been thoroughly immersed in HOPE Conferences, I find these energized gatherings to be nothing less than communities of learners and leaders. If these educators return to their schools with the same vigor, hopefulness, and inventiveness I observed.... watch out!" Roland Barth, Founding Director
Harvard Principals’ Center, Sherman Oaks, CA "I left inspired and reassured that failure is not an option and we need to be creative to meet the changing needs of our students." Talana Bradley, Principal
Bronx Expeditionary Learning High School, Bronx, NY "This conference was a positive experience! I brought nine teachers from Las Vegas who left with a renewed, re-energized commitment to creating a positive school culture where each child and teacher will be successful. I hope to bring another team next year." Mark Gumn, Principal
Durango HS, Las Vegas, NV "Be prepared to re-invigorate yourself. You'll hear speakers that will inspire you for a career and energize you to impact generations!" Jim Gaines, Teacher
N. Stafford High School, Stafford, VA "If you need to recharge your batteries and reaffirm your beliefs on helping all of our students, this is the event!" Alejandro Góngoro, Assistant Principal
Voigt Elementary/RRISD, Round Rock, TX "I was truly inspired by all of the presenters. I will implement the practices learned at the conference. I especially enjoyed Larry Bell. He has true anointing spirit to naturally touch others. I aspire to take on many of the [strategies and practices] learned." Angela Wiley, Teacher
Monroe High School, Albany, GA "Education must be inspired and passionate in order to be “life-changing.” This ‘HOPE’ event has been instrumental in ‘certifying’ to me that ‘everything happens for a reason’ and my mission in life is make a positive difference in the future of public education." Judy Martin, English Teacher
Valdosta High School, Valdosta, GA "All administrators in our district need to be here! If you can’t get fired up here, you’re in the wrong business!" Howard Kornblum, Principal,
American Lakes Elementary, Sacramento, CA “In thirty years of teaching, seldom have I been appreciated verbally, inspired to greatness, or made to feel as important as these three and a half days. Thanks so much, I’m bursting to get back to my classroom and my school.” Jan Gidlund, Teacher
Castro Valley School District, Castro Valley, CA "If you leave this conference without feeling motivated- Please leave the profession." Dana Boyd, Assistant Principal
Ysleta Independent School District, El Paso, TX "A great re-energizer. I came away with a very clear action plan for prevention and intervention for all student groups!" Francisca Owoaje, Principal
Compton Unified School District, CA "I would suggest any school district striving to reach each and every one of their students make this conference a “must do” on their retooling checklist." Sandy Hays, Instructional Coach
Dysart Unified School District, AZ "The event provides validation as our district continues to develop as a plc as well as many strategies for sustaining our journey." Kathryn Sever, Assistant Superintendent
Maine-Endwell Central School District-NY Top District Office
“I have been extremely impressed with the depth of knowledge and breadth of content offered in the sessions. I feel confident that every member of my team has learned this week.” Jennifer Smith, Associate Superintendent
District of Columbia Public Schools, Washington, DC “Our district team will leave this conference with the necessary skills to move efficiently change/ improve instruction to realize immediate improvement in student achievement for all students.” Oren Cook, Superintendent
Marcus Whitman CSD, Rushville, NY "While we have few options during this time of accountability, this conference put required accountability in the proper perspective. Our business is still about children-their growth and potential-not test scores!" Ed Holstrom, Director of School Improvement
Roanoke City Public Schools, Roanoke, VA “This was one of the most thought provoking conferences I have ever attended. The message is clear; there are no set prescriptions, but there are excellent ways to bring about hope for students.” Philip Deardorff, Superintendent
Flat Rock Hawcreek Schools, Hope, IN “I was captured and inspired by the ‘failure is not an option’ culture of learning and collaboration to inspire student learning by the myriad of tools I learned which can be taught at our campus and district level.” Rita Lopez, Director of Elementary Education
Ysleta ISD, El Paso, TX “The HOPE leadership conference produced an inspirational research-based environment that fastened team building and creative planning within our leadership team.” Ronda Adams, Associate Superintendent
Yolo County Office of Education, Woodland, CA “The HOPE Summit is an enriching professional learning experience that creates a positive, effective learning experience, focuses on research and results and develops courageous leadership.” Donna DeSiato, Assistant Superintendent
East Syracuse Minoa Central SD, Syracuse, NY “I came looking for HOPE. I found information, inspiration, and strategies and a plan for implementing positive change in my school district.” Elizabeth V. Primas, Director of Literacy
District of Columbia Public Schools, Washington, DC “The Advanced Institute "walks their talk." There was an excellent mixture of knowledge gaining and process modeling.” Cathy Stafford, Superintendent Avondale Elementary School District, Avondale, AZ "This workshop is a must for educators who are serious about creating change and enhancing student learning!" Kevin Kusch, Assistant Superintendent Lloydminster Roman Catholic Separate School Division, Llodyminster, AB Top Building Administrators
"Bring a team to encourage a common vision of, ‘these are my children,’ and for inspiration that will carry the team forever with changes needed to positively impact their community." Mollye W. Williams, Principal
Comfort ISD, Comfort, TX “This conference has hit on so many topics that I deal with on a daily basis. I know it will help me be a better administrator.” Karen Pickert, Assistant Principal
Northwest HS, USD 259 - Wichita Schools, Wichita, KS "I laughed. I cried. And I will return home with a new hopeful spirit." Shelly Kacinski, Assistant Principal
LVJUSD, Livermore, CA "What a wonderful opportunity to be encouraged and inspired to continue the challenge of ensuring that every child can learn and failure is not an option!" Andrea Coleman Hill, Principal
Governor Mifflin Intermediate School, Shillington, PA “Career changing and inspirational thoughts, ideas and concepts emerged in me as a result of this conference. I have a true vision for how to truly make Failure Is Not an Option® align in my building.” Dawn Robinson, Assistant Principal
Roosevelt Magnet School- Dist #150, Peoria, IL “[The Summit is] an excellent venue for obtaining new ideas and strategies to promote growth and success in your school.” Stan Gajewski, Principal
Halton Catholic District School Board, Burlington, ON “This event was a great way to challenge traditional ways of thinking about educating students. It has inspired me to continue to have passion for children and to become more of a leader in advocating for all of my students.” Becky Svaty, Divisional Principal
Topeka PS USD 501, Topeka, KS “I can't recall an event that was able to captivate my ‘educational soul’. There’s no doubt that I’ll make more changes when I return to the educational arena.” Janette Johns-Gibson, Principal
District of Columbia Public Schools, Washington, DC “The focus [of these events] is on developing meaningful relationships with kids. The students have to know you care about each of them and then learning can occur.” Mark Timmerman, Principal
Earlham School District, Earlham, IA "Through the HOPE conference, I have been able to renew my commitment to the field of education by educating students, teachers and myself. I too am in need of continuous opportunities to educate myself about what are the great possibilities of serving others.” Karen Rogers, Assistant Principal
Spartanburg 7 SD, Spartanburg, SC “Absolutely the most powerful professional development experience I’ve attended.” Robert Mueller, Assistant Principal
Atchison Middle School, Atchison, KS “HOPE provided a smorgasbord of strategies to take back to our schools. They know how to support the statement ‘Failure is Not an Option!’” Merla Jones, Instructional Coordinator
Burke County School, District, Waynesboro, GA “[The Summit was] cause for reflecting on my own skills and commitment… engaging in authentic conversations with others… [and] possibilities for intervention and the quality of relationships… thank you for responding to the day!” Eileen Rohan, Principal
Dougherty Elementary School, Dublin, CA "FNO provides opportunities and structures for schools to get to the work of creating structures to provide excellent instruction to all our students." Stephanie Sharp, Principal
Maricopa Wells Middle School, Maricopa, AZ "This is a must event if you are going to reform a school. The best presenters are brought in from around the United States." Margaret Blake, Literacy/Math Coach
Mayfield Elementary School, Mayfield, KY "It is critical to do this (attend an event like this) as you go through this process, to get back your view from the beginning as well as analyzing where you are and what your priorities need to be." Fawneta B. Caroll, Assistant Principal/Special Education Director
Colorado City Unified School District, CO "Best descriptors for this conference: inspiring, enlightening, informative, and thought-provoking." Cynthia Goodsell, Principal
Dallas Independent School District, Dallas, TX "This is a "cutting-edge," right on the money, right on time, ready-to-use workshop. Thank You." Abimbola Ajala, Principal
Compton Unified School District, CA "Imperative information provides a foundation to build a unified team. PLC is an essential concept to achieve high standards for all students. The speakers were dynamic, inspirational and resourceful. The conference was affirming for those who are committed to a team approach to shared leadership and an aha for those who are struggling to find the 'how do we.'" Gloria Sullivan, Director of Research & Program Evaluation
Rochester City School District, Rochester, NY "I wish we had a more complete team. I would love to attend again and to take back all the information I gathered. Thanks!" Michael O'Shea, Elementary Supervisor
Carbon School District, Price, UT "An excellent opportunity to reflect and assess your school’s or district’s place in the continuum of authentic school improvement." Alicia Fernandez, Principal
Toronto District School Board, ON "It was invigorating and rewarding experience. It was great to network and share best practices." Brian Donnelly, Elementary Principal
York Region District, ON "Very informational- Best conference I have attended. Great to interact with others from other states and provinces." Karen Schleifer, Principal
Whitesides, Davis School District, UT Top Teaching Staff
“Awesome conference...I look forward to further information and share with other faculty to begin this process in our school community.” Deb DeVita-Cleary, Teacher
Frontier CSD, Hamburg, NY "This was certainly one of the most effective and engaging conferences that I've encountered in my three short years of teaching. Never have I seen such an intelligent and entertaining cohort of speakers." Nicole Sledge, Teacher
Dr. Susan S. McKinney Secondary School, Brooklyn, NY "This experience rejuvenated my teaching blood. It provided new insight and perspective into teaching. It definitely was NOT a 'traditional conference.'" Jerrick Rutherford, Teacher
Dr. Susan S. McKinney Secondary School, Brooklyn, NY "This event has been inspirational and uplifting. It allowed me to realize how important it is to be committed to the staff and students." Michelle Mast, Teacher
Dr. Susan S. McKinney JHS 265, Brooklyn, NY "This event is a great building block for good teachers to become great teachers. This conference has given me hope and the courage to change the culture of my school by not accepting failure as an option." Andrew Shih, Teacher
Crown Point Community Schools, Crown Point, IN "My batteries are re-charged! I can't wait to reaffirm my colleagues and spread the hope!" Denise Leschak, Teacher
Pottstown, PA "An amazing energetic experience from beginning to end. If you want to remember what called you to teaching, this is the place to light the fire." Cate Sarraille, Teacher
Livermore Valley Joint Unified, Livermore, CA “HOPE provides resources to take back to our district and implement ASAP, but reinforces positive change occurs over time.” Terry Montgomery, Teacher
Giant City CCSD, Carbondale, IL “This information gives me a firm, researched, information to be a foundation for my personal vision of what school is and should be.” Leonore Turner, Teacher
Dublin Unified, Dublin, CA “Through this powerful often emotional process we grew as a team, expanded our knowledge, and increased our courage.” Kathy Proctor, Instructor
Public Unified School District, Littleton, CO "Thank you for giving me some inspiration and inner peace. It is easy to become so focused on my little piece of the world. Your conference led me to the humanitarian responsibility I have as an educator.” Jennifer Kramer, Teacher
West MS, Leavenworth, KS "I am energized and charged to return to my school and share the 'HOPE' experience with my colleagues. In my 9 years of teaching, this is the most valuable professional development experience I’ve had. Thank you!” Shannon D. Foster, Teacher
District of Columbia Public Schools, Washington, DC "This conference gave me incredible insight and awareness of what we need to put into action to ensure student success." Luz Gillis, Teacher
Ysleta Independent School District, El Paso, TX "The advanced institute gives you just the right balance between inspiration and the tools needed to implement at your work place. Philosophy shift - thank you." Dawn Klock, Teacher
Ridgeview Elementary, Colorado Springs, CO "This advanced institute experience was valuable, rejuvinating, and gave me better direction for where our school is headed." Joella Shahan, Teacher
Peoria School District, Peoria, IL "You have to go! This is so energizing and will generate lots of ideas to take back to your school." Tuesday Williams, High School Teacher
South Redford School District, MI "This (presentation) conference was skillfully done. It contained the right mixture of serious, essential information and humor (both verbal and delivered via the use of technology)." Juli Ann Waite, Middle School Teacher
New York City, NY "It was a great learning experience. I learned strategies that I can take back to school to share with colleagues an students." Sonja Turner, Elementary Teacher
Jackson Madison County School System, TN Top
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