A nationally recognized presenter, author, and humorist, Jack, began his career as a middle school teacher in Denver, Colorado. After two years of teaching he was named an outstanding educator at this school, and shortly thereafter he was identified as one of the outstanding educators in the district. In 2003, he received the Outstanding Alumni Award from the Falcon School District. Jack brings his energy, humor, and expertise to all staff development as he helps teachers and administrators remember why this job makes a difference. Jack has presented in conference and school district settings both nationally and internationally. He has also served as a judge for the Disney American Teacher Awards and was on the selection committee for the USA TODAY All Teacher Team. Jack Berckemeyer is known for his motivating, practical ideas communicating a message of hope, laughter, and insight into education. Jack was the Assistant Executive Director for the National Middle School Association for 13 years and is the author of Managing the Madness - A Practical Guide to Middle Grades Classrooms, Taming of the Team - How Great Teams Work Together. He is also the co-author of H.E.L.P. for Teachers; and Deliberate Optimism - Reclaiming the Joy in Education, co-authored with Dr. Debbie Silver and Judith Baenen. Jack is the owner of the Nuts and Bolts Symposiums, a highly acclaimed, never boring conference for educators.