General Session Speakers
First General Session, Friday, Oct. 9, 4 p.m.
Speaker: Inky Johnson
Husband, father, collegiate athlete, entrepreneur, and author, Johnson is a highly sought after speaker. For more than a decade, audiences across industries have benefited from the raw energy of his thought-provoking and inspirational presentations. Whether the topic is leadership, teamwork, excelling in adversity, embracing change, mental agility, or perseverance, his message resonates with his audiences.
Johnson earned his master's degree in sports psychology from The University of Tennessee, where he was a starting cornerback, three-year letterman, and two-year captain of the football team. Projected to be a top 30 draft pick his junior year, he sustained a life-threatening, career-ending injury that paralyzed his right arm and hand. Since then, he’s had a burning desire to use his situation and experiences to add value to people's lives.
Through sharing his story of faith and perseverance, Johnson’s mission is to serve others and is someone who takes tremendous pride in what he does.
Performance by: Lamar CISD
Award presentation: Outstanding School Board, TSPRA Key Communicator
Second General Session, Saturday, Sept. 13, 10:30 a.m.
Speaker: George Couros
Couros is a leader in innovative teaching, learning, and leading, with a focus on innovation as a human endeavor. His belief that meaningful change happens when you connect to people’s hearts is modeled in his writing and speaking.
As a passionate advocate for progressive education, he shares insights and strategies on cultivating innovation within our schools. His sessions delve into transformative educational practices that inspire educators and leaders alike to create vibrant, empowering learning environments.
In his 20-plus years in education, he has worked at all levels of school — from K-12 as a teacher, technology facilitator, and school and district administrator, and currently as an adjunct instructor with the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania.
Couros has authored several books, including his latest Forward Together: Moving Schools from Conflict to Community in Contentious Times. He also hosts the education podcast The Innovator’s Mindset.
Performance by: Friendswood ISD
Award presentation: Superintendent of the Year