The First Step to Changing a Child’s Perspective Is to Understand It

Thursday, February 27, 2026 | 8:00am
When mentioning socioeconomic issues in persistence for African American male students, “Culture of Poverty” is a key factor which implies that poverty is passed from one generation to the next through learned behavior. Physiological, social influences, and esteem needs are deficiency needs, which arise due to deprivation.  This interactive session provides counselors with specific strategies to engage all learners. Counselors will learn how effective relationship building with children is fundamental for student and school success.
 
This insightful session will provide counselors  with a better understanding of why we are dealing with so many students who are at-risk, as well as, specific strategies to engage ALL learners. Counselors will learn how effective relationship building with children is fundamental for student and school success. Understanding the reason we teach, with special emphasis on the student is the central theme of this presentation. Dr. Tommie Mabry will offer the counselors a refreshing look into the eyes of the students from his own experience as a student at risk as well as an educator.

Learning Objectives:

• Implement teaching to capture and inspire ALL learners
• Affirm and validate counselors’ effectiveness
• Learn a framework for reshaping school culture, affording counselors  and students an opportunity to become part of the solution collaboratively
• Answer the key question, Now that we understand today’s student, what do we do with them?

Dr. Tommie Mabry is a renowned international speaker, nationally acclaimed educator, and published author. Authoring books like A Dark Journey to a Light Future: A Memoir.
 
His story of the trials, success, and service has inspired millions around the world. News of Dr. Mabry’s achievements instantly went viral, breaking national headlines. Dr. Mabry has appeared on USA Today, PBS Network, BET Soul and many more.
 
Dr. Tommie Mabry grew up in one of Jackson, MS roughest neighborhoods. Trouble followed him everywhere before and after fifth grade when he was arrested for breaking into the state fairgrounds. After that arrest, he was suspended or expelled from several schools due to his behavior. A judge once prophesized that in five years his attitude would either get him killed or incarcerated. Tommie grinned at the judge who did not know that the “monster” lurking within him was fueled by the prophecy. 
 
Things started to change for Tommie when he joined an AAU basketball league that traveled around the world. He was the first person in his family to graduate from high school when he crossed the stage at Bailey Magnet in 2007. Although he was shot in the foot after skipping school during his senior year, Tommie healed and received a full basketball scholarship to Missouri State University-West Plains. He later received a B.A. cum laude in Education from Tougaloo College and his M.A. in Child Development in 2017. 
 
After his undergraduate studies, Tommie was hired as a teacher by the same Jackson Public School District that had suspended and expelled him many times during elementary and secondary education. He joined Tougaloo College as the Director of Enrollment in 2016.
 
Dr. Mabry’s story and achievements have enabled him to use his voice to inspire and impact millions as a renowned speaker. Dr. Mabry received his Doctorate Degree – an Executive Ph.D. from Jackson State University in 2020 where he majored in Urban Higher Education. He has written and published four books that target all age groups. He travels the world sharing his story to motivate and inspire others – and he lives by the motto, “I cannot walk in my future with my foot in my past."
 
In 2022, Corwin honored Dr. Mabry with the New Voices Award for his book “Perspective! The Secret to Student Motivation and Success."