GREG FORBES SIEGMAN
EDUCATORS AND/OR FUTURE EDUCATORS (i.e. STUDENTS MAJORING IN EDUCATION)
GREG'S BIO: Greg's bio
WEBSITES: Greg's website - The First Thirty's website
BACKGROUND: The First Thirty by Jillip Naysinthe Paxson (and expanded version, The Silhouette Man) are based on the true story of educator Greg Forbes Siegman, his efforts to make a difference, and the first thirty things learned from the people and places he encountered (and setbacks and successes he experienced) along the way.
After graduating college, Greg decided to spend one year as an educator - working as a substitute teacher in a public school system. One year turned into eight. Since then, he has served as Scholar (or Writer or Artist) in Residence for schools or programs in USA, Canada and Africa. A large part of the book based on his story revolves around the field of Education, including the influence educators had on him as a student, his own experience as a young educator in and out of class , and the deep admiration he has (and lessons he learned from) from so many of the experienced educators and school staff/administration who worked alongside him. The book about Greg has subsequently been used as an example for current educators and future educators in curriculum, courses, conferences and staff development outings, and it has been used in Leadership programs as well. Greg has been invited to speak with educators, and those studying to be educators, at schools and events throughout North America. See below for examples.Sample of HONORS & MEDIA: Education Week feature story, Good Morning America buries Time Capsule chronicling Greg's efforts to break down racial and cultural barries among students, USA Today article on how Greg worked with his students in the immediate aftermath of the 9-11 tragedy, Washington Post Co Education reporter writes feature story on Greg's experiences as a student that led to him becoming an educator, College Bound, College News, Newsweek Kaplan College Guide. Honored at Princeton University as one of nation's top social entrepreneurs under 40. Jefferson Award for Public Service, America's Daily Point of Light, ZBT's National Man of Distinction, honored by Hasbro as one of 30 'real-life American heroes', NBC, CBS Tylenol Hometown Hero, Simply Family's Heroes of the Year.
Sample of BOOKS & SPEECHES:
== Closing Session Speaker, North Carolina Teaching Fellows Junior Conference 2009 - event for 500 current and future educators
== ROE 40 Teacher Institute 2007: One of the keynote speakers for a once-every-two-year event for educators and school administrators in the Midwest. In conjunction with the event, organizers order dozens of copies of the books, workbooks and posters based on them
== AmeriCorps GRASP orders copies of the book for its members
== North Central College Education Department Lecture Series 2009
== Scholar-in-Residence, Confederation College (Canada) -- included an event for dozens of the school's staff and faculty
== St. John's University School of Education chose the book as one of their First Year books for new students (and also brought Greg to speak at multiple events for the students and one for faculty)
== HESC ordered copies of The First Thirty for all of the educators and site leaders attending their Conference in NY; booked Greg to keynote two Conferences for educators, site leaders for them.
== Keynote Speaker, Mayor's 11th Annual Youth First Breakfast -- event for hundreds of education, business and community leaders hosted by local Mayors in Minnesota
== A grade school Principal ordered copies of The First Thirty for every adult at the school -- and copies of the book's Lessons Poster for every room in the school
== Bari's Book Club (Book Club for Teachers) selects The First Thirty for their reading
== University of Missouri-St. Louis order copies of The First Thirty for staff reading
SAMPLE OF FEEDBACK FROM GREG'S SPEECHES & REVIEWS OF THE FIRST THIRTY:
Jordan, Elon University student studying to be an educator: "I really enjoyed Greg's speech at North Carolina Teaching Fellows Junior Conference.... [Instead of hearing] a bunch of statistics...we got to hear from someone who actually lives it....Also, [Greg didn't use a podium], and I LOVE when speakers don't use a podium, as I feel much more like it's a conversation rather than a lecture....I bought The Silhouette Man [the book based on Greg's story] and...I am really enjoying it so far!..."
Teacher Information Network: "The First Thirty is a dazzling gem...When you finish, you will want your students to read it, too. Its lessons are immensely teachable."
Amy Ziperstein, elementary school teacher, Illinois: "Every educator and future educator in America should read this story. It reminds me why I became one in the first place."
Denise Hopkins, Dean, St. John's University: "Thank
you [to Greg] for sharing with us today! His messages to both
students and faculty/administrators were both on-point and refreshing."
Amanda, Boston College student: "I listened to his
speech and loved every minute of it!...I want to be an elementary
school teacher and hope to make a difference in children's lives. I
like to keep a notebook of all of the things that I want to do in my
classroom and I added a bunch of stuff after his speech."
Kathi, Regional Office of Education #40: "Thank you to Greg for
his presentation at our Teacher Institute. We heard many good comments
on how inspiring he was...[and] we especially enjoyed your website's
pictures of your visit to Godfrey. Thanks again for the difference he
continues to make in peoples' lives. He is a mover and a shaker!!!!
If we can ever be of assistance to him or give a reference for him,
please do not hesitate to let us know. Thanks to him for making a
difference!"
Rosette Allegretti, The School of Education, St. John's University : "Thank you so much to Greg for coming to
our campus....I really enjoyed meeting him in person...My class still
has not stopped talking about the lecture, and how amazing it was to
meet Greg in person. His talks were very informative and engaging...I
have really enjoyed using The First Thirty in my course..."
Lindsay Green, Student Teacher (and future full-time educator): "I loved The First Thirty. It has a wonderful structure to it, especially how it maps out the 'hero's journey.' I think this would be a great supplement to the Odyssey, Catcher in the Rye, or even Beowulf. Certainly, when I establish my own class curriculum, I intend to implement the First Thirty in some way."
Anna Marie Johnson Teague, DAWSON + MURRAY + TEAGUE Communications: "The First Thirty is a tribute to teachers - those found in classrooms, and those who impart their wisdom in the course of everyday life."
Sam Geil, President of company and parent, California: "The First Thirty illustrates the responsibilities we have as parents, grandparents, teachers and business leaders to influence the people around us...Every teacher should make The First Thirty required reading. It's William Saroyan for the next generation."
Alphonsa, teacher, Confederation College: "...Sometimes as teachers, we get caught up in everything that goes on outside the class, and we need to be brought back to what we do everyday. Greg touched upon many things that I truly believe in and validated that I am on the right track. I would love to see him back here..."
Barry, teacher, Confederation College: "Greg gave a grounded and realistic profile of some of the “human” attributes that make great teachers. He inherited his grandmother’s wisdom. A nice boost in mid-semester."
Bari Levin, Middle School educator, Illinois: "I am a special educator and I am using "The First Thirty" book with my students in my reading class. I teach Middle School. I love the book and its life lessons. I am using the workbook with them, too (A Place To Sit). Wow! What a great way to teach these kids about life...I have been teaching special education for 19 years and I still love what I do...The book definitely makes you think about your life and I realized that I am happy with my life and what I do...."
Joseph Trivers, Professor, Confederation College (Canada): "I've [already] used some of Greg's suggestions in the classroom. I was very excited by some of the ideas he shared in his presentation for the teachers...[The first idea]...right away...it made the entire class more interactive and a different energy was created in the room..."
