Be THAT teacher: Rehumanizing Education with Unapologetic Authenticity

The world is waiting for you!

When you show up authentically—all out, not afraid that you might be bending the rules or that you’re being too much—you’re going to be that teacher. You’re going to show your students what it’s like to do you: to be unapologetically yourself, joyful, and real. And what more can we want for kids than for them to learn how to unapologetically be themselves?

In today’s system, kids are too often seen as points of data. Sometimes, they’re labeled as inherently bad or mischievous, already set on a dangerous trajectory. But teachers must make the deliberate choice to find and see the best in their students. For educators who are seeking guidance on looking past stale, conventional paradigms, Be THAT Teacher offers a much-needed path to building stronger relationships with students, taking more joy in their work, and rehumanizing learning.

In Be THAT Teacher, Dwayne Reed proves to educators that there is a huge value in being yourself in the classroom. His approach isn’t just about making a splash, it’s an argument that when teachers are authentically and unapologetically themselves in the classroom, they create a more human space, one that allows students to be their best and have the best outcomes.

Dwayne Reed is an author, rapper, proud husband, father, and public-school teacher in Chicago, IL. In 2016, he released his viral music video, "Welcome to the 4th Grade," which garnered millions of views, and catapulted him into an educational spotlight. Reed believes relationships mean everything in education, and that every child, no matter their race or social status, deserves a fair chance at a quality education. His message to all is one of grace, love, and equity, and his aim is to rehumanize the learning experience for every scholar, everywhere.

Mr. Reed is a highly sought-after keynote speaker for schools, conferences, and educational events. With over 100 keynotes and breakout sessions under his belt, and having reached tens of thousands of educators in-person, in print, and through social media, Reed specializes in delivering inspiration, motivation, and practical strategies that are guaranteed to work from the classroom to the boardroom. He can be contacted about all speaking engagements via email or through social media.

Dwayne Reed is in love with his wife and junior-high sweetheart, Simone, and they, along with their children, live happily on the Southside of Chicago.