CJ's most important endeavors, however, are to be the most loving husband his wife Jen could ever dream of and the most supportive dad Brody and Marley could ever want or need. He also endeavors to retain the coveted title of best friend to his dog, Bentley Chewbacca Sam Elliott Reynolds. In his spare time, CJ enjoys gardening in his very cozy backyard and woodworking in his equally tiny shed. When he has the opportunity, he also enjoys drumming and surfing (but not at the same time). CJ's favorite place is the beach.

CJ's work and effort are aimed at creating pathways and pipelines for all educators to become the teachers they're called to be. Along the way, he also works to provide an authentic glimpse into the lives of urban male high school students. His bare-bones teaching philosophy is simple: In the classroom, relationships are king, and education is only ever about the students.

Keynote Sessions – CJ Reynolds-Style

Teach Your Class Off

Keynote and/or Workshop | Virtual or In-Person

CJ Reynolds brings nearly 20 years of classroom experience to this energizing keynote that helps educators shift from simply surviving the school year to truly thriving in their work. Through engaging stories, practical strategies, and his trademark humor and heart, CJ tackles what it really takes to reignite passion, boost student engagement, and manage classrooms with authenticity and effectiveness.

This session is built to meet teachers where they are—stressed, exhausted, but still full of heart—and help them walk away with a renewed sense of purpose and actionable steps to start using the next day. Whether for a back-to-school kick-off or mid-year recharge, this session delivers lasting impact.

Session Length: 60 minutes (Keynote), 90 minutes (Workshop)Key Takeaways:

• Boost student engagement without burnout
• Build strong, authentic relationships
• Implement real-world classroom management strategies
• Reignite your sense of purpose

Rediscovering Your Why: Reignite the Joy of Teaching

Keynote and/or Workshop | Virtual or In-Person

Teaching is hard—but losing your sense of purpose makes it even harder. In this refreshingly honest and deeply encouraging session, CJ Reynolds helps educators reconnect with the reason they started teaching in the first place.

Drawing from years of personal experience and conversations with thousands of teachers, CJ dives into the root causes of burnout and offers a mix of mindset shifts, routines, and reflections that help educators protect their energy, embrace their value, and reengage with joy.

This session isn't just inspiration—it’s a toolkit for teachers who want to stay in education without losing themselves in the process.

Session Length: 60 minutes (Keynote), 90 minutes (Workshop)Key Takeaways:

• Identify burnout and how to push back
• Build realistic self-care into your routine
• Reconnect with your passion for teaching
• Find support, balance, and energy again

The Classroom Management Blueprint

Optional Add-On or Focus Area | Virtual or In-Person

Classroom management doesn't have to be about control—it’s about clarity, consistency, and connection. In this highly practical focus area, CJ shares the systems and structures that help teachers create classrooms where learning is smooth, expectations are clear, and joy is still in the mix. Whether as a standalone workshop or woven into a broader PD experience, this session delivers classroom-tested tools to help teachers feel confident, not just compliant.

Session Length: Flexible (Add-on, Breakout, or Full Workshop)Key Takeaways:

• Build consistent routines that reduce daily friction
• Set clear expectations that support student autonomy
• Learn day-one strategies for smoother transitions and fewer disruptions
• Understand how structure creates space for joy, creativity, and connection

Breakout Sessions – Real Tools for Real Classrooms

Teach Your Class Off... with AI?

Breakout or Workshop | Virtual or In-Person

AI tools like ChatGPT are everywhere—but most teachers haven’t been shown how to use them in a way that’s authentic, ethical, and empowering. This session helps educators shift from fear to confidence when it comes to AI in the classroom.

CJ blends practical demos with real talk, showing how to use AI to enhance engagement, streamline planning, and maintain academic integrity without losing the human connection that makes teaching magical. Whether you're a tech skeptic or an AI early adopter, this session gives teachers a clear framework for embracing new tools while staying grounded in what matters most.

Session Length: 45–60 minutes

Key Takeaways:

• Understand AI’s role in education
• Address plagiarism with clarity and confidence
• Use AI to support lesson planning and differentiation
• Keep teaching human, authentic, and heart-centered

For School & District Leaders

Sessions are designed to support instructional leadership, teacher retention, and innovation at scale.

What Teachers Wish You Knew (But Don’t Say Out Loud)

Leadership Session | Virtual or In-Person

Teachers are often full of insights, ideas, and honest feedback, but they don’t always feel safe or supported enough to share them. This session lifts the curtain for school leaders and district teams by surfacing the things educators wish they could say.

Based on years of frontline experience and wide-scale teacher conversations, CJ explores common disconnects between admin intentions and teacher realities. The session offers practical suggestions to build trust, invite feedback, and lead in a way that honors what teachers need to thrive.

It’s not about blame—it’s about better bridges between the people who lead schools and the people who make learning happen every day.

Session Length: 45–60 minutesKey Takeaways:

• Concrete ways to build trust and morale
• Leadership habits that inspire teacher buy-in
• Systems that make teachers feel seen and supported

Leading Your Staff Through the AI Shift (Without Panic)

Admin-Focused Workshop | Virtual or In-Person

AI is rapidly changing the landscape of education—but many school leaders feel unprepared to guide their staff through it. This session is designed specifically for principals, instructional coaches, and district leaders looking to support teachers with clarity and care.

CJ breaks down the key concerns teachers have, shares what’s working in classrooms, and gives leaders a roadmap to roll out AI tools in a way that supports, not overwhelms. The session also addresses academic integrity, staff training, and how to build a future-ready culture without losing sight of teacher well-being.

If you’re hearing “we should be doing something with AI” but don’t know where to start, this is the place.

Session Length: 45–60 minutes

Key Takeaways:

• Roll out AI in a teacher-supportive way
• Address staff fears with empathy and strategy
• Create a culture of experimentation and growth

Delivery Options:

• Keynote only
• Keynote + 2 breakout sessions
• Full-day or multi-day PD experiences
• Virtual or in-person formats are available