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It is my pleasure to bring you the first edition of Key Notes. Each issue we will feature a timely article from one of the International Center's highly experienced Keynote Speakers. This month's is written by Dr. Paul Nussbaum.
Paul is an international leader and spokesperson for brain health who has introduced its concept and application to the education system in the United States. He explains the miracle of the human brain in a fun, informative, and personal style that touches our personal and professional lives.
Paul is available to come to your district to share information on brain health and to help you apply these principles to your life and your school. 
Karen Wilkins, Executive Vice President
Keynote Division
International Center for Leadership in Education |
Brain Health and Our Education System
Dr. Paul D. Nussbaum
Brain health is a major area of interest for the general public and many sectors of society, including education. Recent brain research underscores the importance of an enriched environment and complex and novel stimuli to brain health.
The research on "neural plasticity" - the concept that the human brain is dynamic, constantly reorganizing, and malleable - is especially fascinating. We have learned the brain even can generate new brain cells in an area critical to learning and memory.
Neural plasticity provides a natural affinity between brain health and education and fosters an entire new field for inquiry, exploration, and application. We will come to understand basic issues such as:
- how rigor, relevance, and relationships maps onto the brain
- how curriculum shapes the brain
- how the environment can enhance learning
- how critical thinking and problem solving take place in the brain
- how integration of distinct forms of knowledge leads to higher order learning and innovation
- how gender and other brain-based factors can affect learning
- how a proactive lifestyle can promote the health of your brain
To harness the power of a human brain in its interface with education, a school system first must embrace the enormous opportunities unleashed with neural plasticity and recognize that school is really a brain health center. Second, teachers must understand the basics of the human brain and the latest research, how high levels of learning occur, and the importance of applying integrated knowledge to the real world. Third, a school system must seek ways to take advantage of the powerful positive consequences of teaching and learning within an enriched environment.
I believe learning promotes neurological and psychological health and may serve as a type of vaccination against disease. Together with the International Center, we are leading the conceptual and practical application of brain health for the education system.
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"Education is about brain health and worthy
of a new vision for our nation."
Dr. Paul Nussbaum |
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Get to Know Howard Bell
 We are pleased to introduce our newest keynoter, Howard Bell. Howard speaks to students in grades 6-12. We recently had a chance to sit down and talk to Howard about education today.
What do you think every student should know when they go out into the world?
It may sound cliche, but I believe every student must understand that there is NO finish line in life. There is always more to learn, inevitably more challenges, and thankfully more victories.
How did you become involved working with students?
I have been giving back my experiences and knowledge to students for as long as I can remember. I tutored underclassmen during my high school years. In college, I was in charge of an Academic Committee responsible for tutoring first-year engineering students. As an engineer at GTE in Boston, I coached high school basketball in Boston. During my years as a litigator on Wall Street, I ran a trial advocacy program for high school students in Brooklyn, NY. And in Detroit, I started a full scale after-school tutorial program for hundreds of middle school and high school students.
What are some questions students ask when you present?
- Would you tell me more about your family?
- Wow, were you really that poor growing up?!
- How did you stay focused in school with all the temptations and challenges of the neighborhood?
- I'm sorry, did you say that I will make MORE money than most professional athletes and entertainers? Would you go over that part again?
- What is it like in college? How did you fit in with other students?
- What was it like working in sports and entertainment as a business consultant? What did Tyra Banks look like?
Howard Bell is the Founder of Otha Ventures LLC and has dedicated his entire professional career to ensuring that future leaders are prepared academically and ethically for the tasks of tomorrow. He travels the country, inspiring and motivating students in grades 6-12.
Read more about Howard
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Key Notes
