Mickey Smith, Jr.

GRAMMY® Winner Reigniting Passion & Purpose in Your Educators

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4.97

322 bookings

Educators & Staff

01:36

GRAMMY® Award

05:17

Audiences Include:
Adult, Educator PD Speakers, Educators & Staff Speakers, Support Staff Speakers, Youth Services Speakers

Topics Include:
Belonging, Conference Keynote Speakers, Engaging, Funny Speakers, High-Energy Speakers, Inspirational Speakers, Motivational, Professional Learning Sessions, Relatable, Staff Training Speakers

Typical Fee: $12K

  • GRAMMY® Award Winner for Music Education & 7-Time Teacher of the Year
  • Full-Time Music Teacher at a K–12 College Preparatory School
  • Combines Music, Humor, and Motivation to Uplift Educators & Staff

Mickey Smith Jr. is a Grammy Music Educator Award winner, 7-time Teacher of the Year, and full-time educator who helps staff reconnect with the purpose behind their profession.

With a one-of-a-kind blend of music, storytelling, and soul-stirring motivation, Mickey creates an unforgettable experience that restores passion, sparks joy, and brings teams back to their “why.”

As both a classroom teacher and international keynote speaker, Mickey knows how to speak to educators—not at them. His message meets people where they are and moves them toward where they’re meant to be.

Whether your staff is navigating burnout, culture change, or simply needs a lift, Mickey’s powerful message to “Keep On Going” delivers the inspiration and renewal they need.

Speaking Topics

Mickey will customize any presentation to align with your event goals.

This flagship keynote helps educators shift from overwhelmed to empowered, from surviving to showing up strong.

Mickey shares his inspiring journey and introduces three foundational “rhythms” for sustainable motivation, connection, and courage in the classroom. Through music, humor, and heartfelt storytelling, Mickey leaves staff feeling refueled and ready to keep going—even when the work gets hard.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Learn the 3 “Keep On Going” rhythms to reignite motivation
  • Shift from burnout to belief with simple, sustainable tools
  • Reconnect with your deeper “why” as an educator
  • Adopt new mental frameworks for resilience and impact
  • Experience professional development that moves hearts
  • Leave with a clear plan for meaningful action

What does your leadership “sound” like—and how does it feel to others?

In this powerful session, Mickey equips educators and leaders to become “sound adults” who mentor, not manage. Using music as metaphor and his S.O.U.N.D. check framework, Mickey helps teams foster cultures of belonging, visibility, and emotional safety.

Ideal for schools working to retain staff, improve team dynamics, or deepen adult-student connection.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Understand your relational impact as a leader or educator
  • Improve cross-generational communication and collaboration
  • Apply Mickey’s 5-part S.O.U.N.D. check for daily awareness
  • Create classroom and workplace cultures of belonging
  • Embrace mentorship over management
  • Build a team where every voice matters

When the “what” of work gets tough, reconnect to the “why.”

In this hands-on workshop, Mickey uses interactive music, real stories, and practical tools to help educators reframe burnout, rediscover joy, and take ownership of the impact they create. Great for teams seeking energy, clarity, and greater collaboration.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Build clarity around your personal and professional “stage”
  • Use intentional framing to improve student relationships
  • Make routines, feedback, and communication more sound
  • Strengthen commitment, motivation, and teamwork
  • Apply classroom-ready strategies to boost engagement
  • Feel more aligned, confident, and fulfilled in your role

In this experiential session, Mickey helps teams understand how their energy, tone, and intention impact others—and how to lead with “sound quality.”

Whether you’re a new educator or a seasoned leader, this program reveals what it means to show up with authenticity, clarity, and care in every interaction.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Recognize your personal “sound” and its impact on others
  • Shift culture through rhythm, reflection, and consistency
  • Lead with significance, not just authority
  • Build daily habits that boost morale and motivation
  • Practice tools to turn profession into passion
  • Walk away with rhythms that reinforce well-being

Mickey is phenomenal. He's in the classroom. He shares his sound and he tells others how to share their sound as teachers. He understands as a music teacher that one band, one sound is the result of togetherness. I love how he says 'life is better when we band together'.

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Eric D. Thomas, PhD - Author & Educator • Educators & Staff

Decision-Maker Reviews

What other clients say about booking Mickey.

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4.97

322 bookings

inspiring
energetic
soulful
relatable
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Mr. Mickey brought it all and he left everybody with smiles on their faces, feeling the energy and feeling excited. I highly recommend Mickey for absolutely anything a school district could possibly need to motivate their teachers and get their spirits up.

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Calcasieu Parish School District • Educators & Staff

Mickey Smith Jr. is one wise man and the testimony of all those kids tells you everything you want to know.

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CBS This Morning • Media & Press

Mickey's keynote speech had the audience laughing, dancing, and crying, and it reminded us all why we became educators.

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Mickey will reignite your passion for pursuing a life of significance.

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