2019 Jostens Renaissance National Conference
The 28th Annual Jostens Renaissance National Conference will be a one-of-a-kind experience that brings together students, educators and staff to create a positive culture and climate in their schools.
By participating in the three-day conference, attendees will:
- Leave prepared and motivated to implement tangible strategies to improve school climate and culture
- Attend dynamic breakouts led by educators and students sharing real-life insights and proven ideas from the classroom
- Be inspired and educated by experts and thought leaders
- Build a lasting network of educators and students from across North America
Whether you’re an established Renaissance school or a first-time participant, the Jostens Renaissance Conference will help you inspire students to academic success while celebrating the moments that matter.
Leadership Academy
The Leadership Academy is an optional 4-hour session on Saturday, July 20 from 1PM– 5PM and will be for educators and students. Additional cost for this session.
Location: Orlando, Florida – Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate
Tentative Schedule:
Saturday, July 20
1PM–5pm Pre-conference Leadership Academy
Sunday, July 21
8AM–12PM: “New to Jostens Renaissance” and Pre-Conference Student POV Presentations
1PM–10PM: JRNC Opening Session, Breakout Sessions and Evening Event (dinner provided)
Monday, July 22
8AM–10PM: Breakout Sessions, Pep Rally and Award Celebration (breakfast, lunch, dinner provided)
Tuesday, July 23
8AM–12PM: Breakout Sessions and Closing Session (breakfast provided)
Room Cost: $129 per night plus tax
Registration Cost (includes most meals, but not hotel room):
- Early Bird (register by April 15): $395
- Standard (register by June 15): $425
- Full Price (register after June 15): $475
Featured Speakers
Jason Kuhn (Leadership Academy)
Jason Kuhn, a former NCAA Division 1 Baseball player and Navy SEAL Team Leader, has firsthand experience on what it takes to be an effective team member, a successful leader, and a developer of a winning mentality. He is the founder and CEO of Stonewall Solutions and has designed the Fundamentals of Winning Curriculum. His leadership and teamwork workshops and consulting are nationally recognized and endorsed by athletes, corporate CEOs, and psychologists. Through his leadership workshops, Jason provides training on team building, mental toughness, and leadership development.
George Couros (Opening Speaker)
After over 17 years as an educator – filling a myriad of positions including teacher, technology facilitator, administrator, and district leader – George Couros has become a trusted expert in the field of innovative leadership, teaching, and learning. He is the author of “The Innovator’s Mindset: Empower Learning, Unleash Talent, and Lead a Culture of Creativity.” George is also the creator of ConnectedPrincipals.com which is an online platform where school administrators share best practices in education and create dynamic student learning opportunities. Couros’ main focus is on the development of leadership and what is best for learning. His message directly aligns with that of Renaissance in that the foundation of his writing, speaking, and consulting is built on the belief that meaningful change only happens when you first connect to people’s hearts.
Ann Bancroft (Featured Speaker)
Ann Bancroft is one of the world’s preeminent polar explorers and an internationally recognized leader who is dedicated to inspiring women and girls around the world to unleash the power of their dreams. Through her various roles as an explorer, educator, sought-after speaker and philanthropist, Ann believes that by sharing stories related to her dreams of outdoor adventure, she can help inspire a global audience to pursue their individual dreams. Ann’s teamwork and leadership skills have undergone severe tests during her polar expeditions and provided her with opportunities to shatter female stereotypes. The tenacity and courage that define her character have earned Ann worldwide recognition as one of today’s most influential role models for women and girls.
Hamish Brewer (Closing Speaker)
Hamish Brewer, known internationally as the ‘relentless, tattooed, skateboarding principal’ has a proven track record of turning at-risk schools around through the power of relationships and high expectations. Brewer has been recognized as the recipient of numerous honors including NAESP National Distinguished Principal, Virginia Principal of the Year, VAESP School Bell Award, and ASCD Virginia Impact Award. Additionally, Hamish has been recognized as Fox News Hometown Hero for Washington, DC and has been featured on NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt for his high octane, transformational approach to educational leadership. Hamish describes himself as an “educational disruptor” and his track record as a turnaround principal backs that up. He currently serves as Principal of Fred Lynn Middle School in Virginia.
Testimonials from the 2018 JRNC
“Starting my 25th teaching year I have found it difficult at times to stay refreshed and energetic and to have new ideas for my classroom but with the Renaissance conference I feel like a new teacher every year!”
“We are just starting our Renaissance program, so I wasn’t sure what to expect at JRNC. I was totally blown away. It’s a high-energy, positive atmosphere that will leave you with more ideas than you know what to do with. I’m so pumped to go back to my school and get our program off the ground. Now I just have to convince my superintendent to let us keep coming back!”
“JRNC was hands down the best conference I’ve attended in my 27 years as an educator (including k-12 and post-secondary). It was well organized, had balanced content, and engaged both youth and adults in meaningful ways. An experience that not only reminds us why we do what we do, but also provides information and resources for continuous growth as an individual and organization.”