The Number One Position

Mark Johnson

Mark taught 5th grade at Windy Hills Elementary for 12 years before accepting a principal position at Glenwood Elementary of Kearney Public Schools for two years. In the upcoming 2008-2009 school year, he has accepted a position as principal of Bryant Elementary in Kearney. He also serves on the Nebraska State Accreditation Committee, the Curriculum Coordinating Council, and has served as Assistant Director to Curriculum and Assessment. He is also a past recipient of the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award. His passion for education is growing exponentially every year. He blends humor, a family atmosphere, and the spirit of Elvis to build relationships with his students, but most importantly, to help support them in the #1 position of their learning. As a presenter, Mark tells stories and uses real-life examples from school and home (he has three children) to help spread his message.

Sam Stecher

Sam has been a teacher and a coach for Kearney Public Schools for 11 years. Between 1997 and 2008 he taught at Horizon Middle School of the KPS district. Officially employed as a Social Science teacher, Sam has taught two grade levels in three subject areas and everything from self-defense to yearbook in exploration classes. Sam accepted a position as a Dean of Students at Kearney High School for the 2008-2009 school year where he will focus on student discipline and educational leadership. He has also taught the graduate course “Instructional Theory Into Practice” for the University of Nebraska at Kearney, Nebraska Educational Service Unit 10, and Kearney Public Schools. Additionally he serves on the board of directors for the Nebraska Association for Middle Level Education. He has brought passion, energy, and numerous dogs to his classroom. His mission is to make learning a conscience choice on the part of the student. As a presenter, Sam has a rapid fire, fast-paced, skills-based message. You can also read some of Sam's thoughts in the books Tales of Successes with Kids and Teachers Have It Easy.