LM October 2015

Mark Anthony Garrett

Mark Anthony Garrett left Illinois school superintendents and administrators inspired and on their feet as he closed the IASA 51st Annual Conference with a spellbinding presentation around the theme that educators can be "lifesavers." He shared his own personal story about a teacher who reached out to Garrett and other children who had been labeled as "special needs" kids back in 1977 when he was in third grade. He said it was that teacher's voice in his head years later that caused him to put down a gun and abort his suicide attempt. Despite coming from a childhood that included neglect, abuse and gang involvement in Dayton, Ohio, Garrett went on to obtain college degrees and now travels the country motivating students and educators about their potential. Garrett said the actions of teachers and administrators - even small things like a smile or a handshake - can have a ripple and multiplying effect on others. "We can change people's destinies. I am

proof of that," Garrett said, urging educators to bring great enthusiasm to their jobs every day. "Every child, every chance, every day. I don't remember any test I ever took, but I do remember relationships. "You cannot teach those that you can't reach or grow them if you don't know them."

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