For Educators

Charlie Adams has been "stoking the fire within" teachers, staff and students for over 20 years. The "Stoke" motivational messages are tailored specifically for school settings.

Charlie has a degree in Education from the University of Mississippi. As a television news journalist, Charlie reported from school locations over 1500 times. He and his wife Nancy have children in elementary, middle and high school. He knows the staff and student audience.

Charlie has delivered hundreds of motivational programs at school locations throughout America over the past twenty years. Schools trust Charlie for his experience, heart for staff and students, and understanding of their specific event needs.

Teacher/Staff Programs



Stoke the Fire Within: Teacher/Staff Appreciation

This very popular keynote is perfect for Back to School staff events in August as well as throughout the school year. Using a blend of passion and humor, Charlie drives home just how incredibly important educators are in society! Staff comes away from this program invigorated and ready for the excitement of the school year ahead!

"Charlie Adams does a masterful job of entertaining teachers and administrators. His affect on teachers and administrators here at North Montgomery was awesome and was the injection of enthusiasm we all needed to start another school year. I cannot recommend more highly a motivational/inspirational speaker than Charlie Adams."
- Dr. Robert Brower, Superintendent, North Montgomery CSC
Crawfordsville, IN
"It's important to be reminded of the significant impact that public educators have had on so many lives - and more importantly, the potential impact they will have on so many more. Charlie Adams reminded us of this in the most memorable fashion - by engaging the audience in laughing at his foibles and laughing at our own! I have received a lot of positive feedback on Charlie's 2008 keynote at our Opening Day."
- Sue Wakefield, Superintendent, Plainwell Schools
Plainwell, MI
"There were a lot of things that inspired me in Charlie's program, but one story inspired me to "take it to the next level." It was when he talked about the statue in Philadelphia and the cameraman that wouldn't settle for being mediocre. It gave me goose bumps. I want to take it to the next level this year as a teacher!!!"
- Tami Portolese, Teacher, Elm Road School

How to Build a Positive Attitude and KEEP the D a r n Thing!

This seminar is just what staff needs in February or March when the school year has taken a toll and Spring Break is still out of reach! Charlie shares realistic tools staff can use to hold onto that positive attitude! His hilarious stories of raising six children and working in TV News for 23 years hits home with educators. They relate! They also take away things they can truly use to finish the school year half sane. This keynote or seminar is ideal for In-Services, Development Days or state or regional conferences. Like all of Charlie's program, the time length is adaptable to the format of your event.

Here's what educators in Ypsilanti, MI felt about Charlie's impact on them:

"Charlie Adams' presentation was just the spark I needed at this time of year to get rejuvenated."

"The Donkey Race made me laugh hysterically!"

"Charlie Adams inspirational talk was the best part of the day. He related so many personal stories that I was able to relate to. He made a difference."

"Charlie Adams' inspirational message moved me."

Student Motivational Programs:

Stoke the Fire Within!

Charlie believes in EVERY young person. That message comes across as he stokes the fire within them to work hard, set goals, persevere, show respect, be kind and reach for their dreams! Charlie shares compelling stories of high achievers he covered as an award winning TV News and Sports Anchor. He interacts with the students. His "Talk Show" set is always a big hit with the students! Charlie also uses video clips to hold and keep the students attention. The "Stoke" message is specifically tailored to the needs of students at the elementary, middle or high school levels. Charlie is experienced at motivating the students to do their personal best and make the right choices in such important areas as:

  • Pre Testing for ISTEP, MEAP, TAKS and other important testing periods
  • SADD or Pre Prom
  • 9th Grade Orientation

Here is what they are saying about the Stoke the Fire Within student programs:

"Charlie Adams was a great speaker for our juniors during Michigan testing week. His inspirational stories of people persevering and succeeding in life despite the odds really was encouraging to our students who felt overwhelmed with the high-stress testing situation they were experiencing in the morning hours. The students were thankful to have the opportunity to hear Charlie speak."
- Lisa Emenaker, Edwardsburg High School teacher
"Charlie's message on Choices hit home with many of our students and their personal lives. Rarely do our students approach a speaker after assemblies but there were half a dozen standing around to talk with Charlie. In a high school assembly, that's a huge number! You have a great message to bring into the schools and the way you incorporated people with difficulties is awesome!"
- Rebecca Moppin, Pleasant Hope HS, Missouri
"Charlie was invited by our SADD Chapter to give an all-school presentation at our Pre Prom Assembly. His personal experiences and humor played a key role in connecting with the students. His message was sincere and our students listened...make positive choices and appreciate the people in your life. Well done, Charlie!"
- Linda Janick, Thomas More High School, SADD Advisor, Wisconsin
"I had the opportunity to hear Charlie speak at the 2007 Alabama SADD State Conference and thoroughly enjoyed his presentation. He is an excellent motivational speaker for students of all ages as well as adults. The stories he shares from his personal experiences as a sportscaster are touching and up lifting. The impact to his listeners is immediate and causes them to stop and think about their own potential and self-worth. He excites and inspires his listeners to believe in themselves and helps them to realize that their dreams are within reach."
- Judy Jones, Alabama SADD Parent
"I just wanted to let you know how much of an impact you left in me that day you came to my school. I was really fighting a lot of things. It seemed everyone made a sport of telling me I wouldn't amount to anything. But then I heard you and realized what I was going to do with my life. I left that room feeling like I could take on the world. I thank God that He guided the staff to pick me for your presentation because it was just what I needed to stop me from going down a suicidal trail."
- Elkhart County (IN) student
"Charlie Adams renewed the energy and motivational mind set for Texas Elementary students and teachers as they prepared for the TAKS test. With high stakes testing becoming part of the culture of public schools, Charlie's humorous and motivational message was refreshing. Teachers liked that he was able to entertain the students without turning the event into a screaming contest. What was most appreciated was Charlie's ability to tailor the message to our needs. I found his charm and uplifting spirit inspiring for those in attendance."
- Heather Hussong. LBSW, Burleson, TX
"One sophomore, who was close to dropping out, came to me after Charlie's program and said, "I know what I want to do now! I want to be a lawyer." Charlie's TV background helps. Students want to hear from people who have been there and done it."
- Francois Bayingana, Asst. Principal, Riley High School

Here are examples of how Charlie's educational programs have been utilized by schools and conferences across America:

Teacher Staff Programs that Charlie has delivered include...

Opening Day Speaker:

  • Tippecanoe Valley Schools
  • Mt. Morris Schools
  • North Montgomery Schools
  • Plainwell Schools
  • Blissfield Schools
  • Adrian Schools
  • Edison Intermediate School
  • Leona Group Schools (Ypsilanti, MI and Toledo, OH)
  • Elm Road Elementary School
  • Lenawee Intermediate Schools
  • Edwardsburg Schools
  • Clay High School

Mid Year Program:

  • Michigan Transition Services Association keynote at annual conference (Frankenmuth, MI)
  • Washington High School (Stress Management seminar for staff)
  • Barr Reeve Schools
  • Warren High School (PA)

Student Motivational Programs that Charlie has delivered include...

(note - Charlie's student programs are tailored to the event)

  • Alabama SADD Conference keynotes (2007, 2008)
  • Reese High School SADD keynote
  • Thomas More High School (Milwaukee) pre prom
  • Warren County (PA) SADD keynote
  • Tidioute (PA) SADD keynote
  • Indiana SADD keynote
  • Culver Middle School
  • Lincoln Elementary School
  • Warren Primary School
  • Walt Disney Elementary School
  • West Side Elementary School
  • ..and hundreds of other schools since 1985

Pre Testing presentation:

  • TAKS pre Testing (Burleson, TX)
  • MEAP pre Testing (Plainwell, MI)
  • ISTEP pre Testing (Mishawaka, IN)

Contact the office today for Charlie's schedule availability, pricing, and other information you may need.