MIAMI — Miami teachers rallied at the Coleman Theatre for a pep talk and show of support before school starts on August 14. The annual Staff Welcome Back to School event is used to to start the new school year off right and to introduce new teachers and staff.

The year’s event was co-sponsored by Integris Baptist Regional Health Center. Speakers gave inspiring and supportive information and speeches to help kick off the 2014/2015 school year on a positive and upbeat note.

“The morning was designated as a motivational kick start to a wonderful school year,” Miami Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Randy Darr said. “All Miami Public School educators were present to learn about the power of communication, teamwork and being an advocate for themselves and their profession.” 

The agenda included Miami High School band welcoming the staff followed by the Miami Public School’s Teacher of the Year Andrea Forrester leading the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. The MHS band then played the National Anthem.

MPS Superintendent Loretta Robinson addressed the staff and introduced guest speaker Kerry Robertson who presented ‘Live It Up At Work!’ Robertson is a motivational speaker, trainer, and consultant who specializes in presentation and communication skills and media training. Robertson uses her experience as an Oklahoma television news anchor, talk show host and actress with a background as an award winning educator in speech and drama to teach communications and speaking skills.

“Think of education not as filling a bucket but sparking a fire,”Robertson said.

Cosponsor Integris President Jordan Cash spoke to the audience regarding Integris’ support for local teachers and Integris Baptist Regional Health Center’s innovative programs.

Mary Booth and Matt Mills gave a presentation about Bright Futures. Bright Futures is a grassroots organization designed to bring together communities including businesses, faith-based organizations, parent groups, and others to meet the needs of children so every child can be successful.

Miami Association of Classroom Teachers President Richard Patterson, and Dewayne Turner,  from Professional Oklahoma Educators (POE) also spoke to the audience.

“The speaker, Kerry Robertson, led us through a presentation that was fun and engaging, and most of all educational.  We are truly appreciative of the partnership with Integris that made this event possible,” Darr said. “We would not have been able to bring Kerry to Miami without the help of Integris.”

For more information or to book Kerry Robertson to speak at your event, click here.

About Kerry Robertson

Kerry Robertson is passionate about helping people become better speakers and communicators. These are life-skills that she considers to be the foundation for success at work and in our personal lives as well. Kerry specializes in presentation and communication skills and media training. She combines her unique experience as a television news anchor, talk show host and actress, with her background as an award-winning educator in speech and drama, to teach communication in a variety of speaking situations…from business presentations to media interviews.

Kerry leads high-level workshops and seminars that are customized to meet her client’s specific training needs. Her clients range from Olympic champions and CEO’s to leading government agencies and universities. In addition to training, Kerry is an exciting and refreshing speaker. High energy and contagious enthusiasm are her trademarks. Some people would call her “just plain perky”. She can’t help it! Whether she is delivering a keynote speech or leading a training seminar, Kerry truly enjoys herself.

A “ham at heart”, Kerry loves to laugh with her audience, yet delivers high content, information-packed sessions that can enhance their professional and personal life. As a private coach, Kerry focuses on getting powerful results! She helps clients become aware of their speaking strengths and needed areas of improvement. Videotaping is an integral part of coaching. This provides opportunities for clients to see themselves objectively and make on-the-spot adjustments in delivery.

Oklahoma television audiences remember Kerry for her years as a popular talk show host, reporter and news anchor. She has also appeared as the spokesperson for numerous national and regional television commercials. Prior to television, Kerry taught speech and drama. She was selected Oklahoma’s Speech Teacher of the Year for her development of competitive speech programs and innovative curriculum. Acting has been a life-long passion for Kerry. She has starred in numerous summer stock and community theater productions. Her favorite roles have been Miss Adelaide in “Guys and Dolls” and Ado Annie in “Oklahoma”.

Kerry considers herself an educator and an entertainer. “As a kid, I always wanted to play school (I was the teacher), or put on a show (guess who was the star?). I’ve been fortunate to make careers out of two things I always loved to do, teach and perform!”