February 8, 2008: MESPA Institute Keynote, Session IV

MESPA Home > Professional Development > MESPA Institute > Institute 2008: Changes, Challenges, Connections > Keynote speakers > Jodee Blanco

Rolf Carlsen (principal, Oxbox Creek Elementary, Anoka-Hennepin), Jodee Blanco, and Lou Thao and Brennan Harvey -- students from Oxbow Creek Elementary who introduced Ms. Blanco's Institute keynote presentation.

Jodee Blanco
Author, national anti-bullying activist, and educator
Keynote sponsored by AIG Retirement

Institute Follow-Up Message to MESPA members from Jodee Blanco:
"Thank you for remarkable graciousness last week. I was deeply honored to be chosen as your keynote speaker and it meant so much to me to receive a standing ovation. I’m humbled by your support and kindness and hope you know that I meant what I said about all of you being guardian angels. You are your students’ wings.

"Please don’t ever hesitate to reach out to me should you need anything, a sounding board, input on a bullying situation at your school, or just someone who understands the challenges you face every day and is always willing and eager to help in any way she can. I also hope you will consider bringing me into your school or district to speak. If you want more information on my anti-bullying program It’s NOT Just Joking Around™, please contact my office at 708/870-8800 or visit my Web site at www.jodeeblanco.com. And again, thank you. I appreciate each and every one of you more than you could ever know."

Blanco Link to survival tips and other resources for students, parents, educators, and adult survivors.

Keynote Overview
It’s NOT Just Joking Around: A Survivor’s Guide to Bullying and Peer Abuse
“A confident child is harder to bully. A compassionate child will not bully.” These are the words of Jodee Blanco, who will discuss the hard realities of bullying in our schools and offer guidance for shifting the social dynamic in her keynote address. Blanco will consider: five things never to say to a bullied child; immediate steps to take with a peer abused child; the two types of bullies and how to identify the most dangerous one; and the difference between discipline and punishment and why one is effective and the other damaging.

Jodee Blanco turned her pain into purpose. From fifth grade through high school, she was shunned, and even physically assaulted by her classmates simply for being "different." When she went public with her story, the result was the critically acclaimed New York Times bestselling memoir PLEASE STOP LAUGHING AT ME. The reaction to Jodee's book was overwhelming. Letters came pouring in asking for help and support. Finally, someone understood. That's when Jodee knew there was no turning back.

Now a globally recognized anti-bullying activist, Jodee Blanco works with students, parents, and teachers in schools and communities throughout the United States on peer abuse survival and prevention. Her seminars and workshops continue to redefine the possibilities for shifting the social dynamic in our schools.

Jodee Blanco is a seasoned published executive who has worked with New York Times bestselling authors, Academy Award-winning actors, Emmy Award-winning producers, and Hall of Fame professional athletes. Most notably, she is the author of the New York Times bestselling memoir, Please Stop Laughing at Me…, as well as the creator and executive producer of the It’s NOT Just Joking Around!™ anti-bullying education program. One of the nation’s most sought-after speakers and seminar presenters, Jodee’s anti-bullying initiatives redefine the scope of possibilities for curbing suffering in our schools from kindergarten through college world-wide.

Mission: The Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association is dedicated to promoting and improving education for children and youth, strengthening the role as educational leader for elementary and middle level principals, and collaborating with partners in education to assist in achieving these goals.

Leading schools toward excellence through the MESPA vision to be the premiere resource for preparing today's principals for tomorrow and a strong leading voice for public education.

Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association

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