I'm Turning the Page: My Next Chapter in Serving Educators For over two decades, I’ve had the incredible honor of traveling across the country and around the world, stepping onto stages, and sharing my heart with… Read More
Dr. Manny Scott | The Keynote Speaker Educators Need Today
From a high school dropout with a 0.6 GPA to earning a Ph.D., Dr. Manny Scott's journey epitomizes resilience and the transformative power of education. As one of the original Freedom Writers, his story, featured in the acclaimed movie "Freedom Writers," has inspired millions. Over the past 25 years, Dr. Scott has delivered over 2,500 keynote presentations, reaching more than 1.5 million professionals and 1 million students worldwide.
Signature Keynotes
For Educators: Motivational & Transformational Keynotes
1️⃣ The Power of One: How One Educator Can Change a Student’s Life
- This is Dr. Manny Scott’s most requested keynote, inspiring educators to recognize the impact they have on students. He shares his personal journey and provides strategies for fostering meaningful relationships that change lives.
- 🏫 Ideal for: Teacher professional development, convocation keynotes, education conferences.
2️⃣ The Power of Relationships: How to Reach and Teach Every Student
- Building trust and connection with students is the foundation of learning. This keynote gives educators the mindset and strategies to cultivate deep, life-changing relationships with students.
- 🏫 Ideal for: Schools struggling with student engagement and behavior challenges.
3️⃣ Bridging the Gap Between Curriculum and Student Context
- This keynote equips educators with the tools to navigate and embrace differences in the classroom, creating a learning environment where all students thrive.
- 🏫 Ideal for: Teacher professional development, convocation keynotes, education conferences.
For School Leaders: Transforming Schools and Leading with Impact
4️⃣ Leading with Hope: 8 Patterns of Transformational Leadership
- Based on Dr. Scott’s research and experience working with school leaders, this keynote outlines the 8 leadership patterns that separate great school leaders from the rest.
- 🏫 Ideal for: Superintendents, principals, and school administrators.
For Counselors: The Role of Hope and Healing in Education
5️⃣ Message to Counselors: The Heartbeat of Student Success
- This keynote celebrates the work of school counselors while equipping them with new insights on how to support students academically, socially, and emotionally.
- 🎓 Ideal for: School counselor conferences and professional development sessions.
For Students: Helping Them Take Ownership of Their Lives
6️⃣ Turn the Page: How to Rewrite Your Future, No Matter Your Past
- Dr. Scott shares his personal story of overcoming adversity and provides students with a proven framework for making better choices, developing resilience, and creating a brighter future.
- 🎓 Ideal for: High school and college student assemblies, youth leadership programs.
For Parents: Partnering with Schools to Raise Successful Kids
7️⃣ 4 Proven Ways to Position Your Child for Success
- A practical and empowering keynote that gives parents actionable steps to help their children excel in school and life.
- 🏡 Ideal for: Parent-teacher nights, school-hosted community events.
For Faith-Based Educators & Organizations
8️⃣ The Power of One (Christian Edition): A Biblical Approach to Transforming Students’ Lives
- A faith-based keynote for Christian educators, emphasizing the biblical principles of teaching, mentoring, and leading with love.
- 🏛 Ideal for: Christian schools, faith-based education conferences.
9️⃣ Transformed to Transform: Living Out Romans 12
- A sermon-style keynote focused on how faith transforms teachers and leaders, empowering them to transform others.
- 🏛 Ideal for: Christian educators, churches, and ministry leaders.
For Speakers & Communicators
🔟 How to Succeed as a Speaker: Communication in a Cross-Cultural World
- A training and coaching session for aspiring speakers and communicators who want to succeed as a speaker.
- 🎤 Ideal for: Educators, leaders, and professionals who want to start and grow their speaking business.
3 Ways to Experience Dr. Scott

Live Virtual Keynotes
Dr. Manny Scott brings his powerful and inspiring messages to you—live, from his studio—no matter where you are.

On-Demand Presentations with Personalized Introduction
Access Dr. Scott’s most impactful talks anytime, anywhere, with pre-recorded video content tailored to inspire and equip your audience.

Exclusive YouTube Content
Join Dr. Manny Scott on YouTube, where he shares wisdom and practical guidance to help you flourish in every area of life.
Original Freedom Writer
His father was incarcerated. He missed 60-90 days of school annually from 4th to 9th grade. He dropped out of school at age 14, and he lived in 26 places by age 16. Now, he is an author, a speaker, a scholar, a faithful husband, a doting father, a pilot, and one of the top education speakers in the United States.
What Others Are Saying
Your presentation is the best we ever had in Miller Place (as one of the sages here, I agree). One of our Board of Education member’s son (a senior at the high school) came home and raved about your presentation. She almost fell off her chair that her son wanted to talk to her about something from school. Your impact was quite prolific.
![]()
Seth Lipshie
Department Superintendent
What Others Are Saying
My class has changed forever! I am reading your book to my students and they love it. I also took your advice. I told my students that I really didn't know them, and that I was truly sorry for not acknowledging their cultures. We have become much closer and the behavioral problems have slipped away. You are a Rock Star! Your new pal Deac.
![]()
David Declemente
What Others Are Saying
Manny, thanks so much for coming to West Plains. The faculty and staff are still reeling over the experience. I continue to receive messages 'this was the best experience of my PD career!' You have inspired all of us.
![]()
Julie Williams
-
1M
Students Reached
-
2.5K+
Events Held
-
1.5M
Professionals Reached
-
25
Years of Experience
Recent News & Thoughts
View All PostsThis year's "Power of One Tour" has been powerful! I've been traveling all over the country reminding educators that, "Even on your worst day, you can be a student's best hope!" Attendees left each event reinvigorated and… Read More
I was once so inspired by a lecturer that I was unknowingly shaking my head left and right back like I was saying "no." The lecturer stopped his lecture, and said in a condescending tone… Read More