Dr. Spencer Kagan

Dr. Spencer Kagan is an internationally acclaimed researcher, presenter, and author. He has published over 20 books which have now sold over 1 million copies. His books are translated into many languages. Dr. Kagan received his doctorate in clinical psychology from UCLA, was a clinical psychologist, and a full professor of psychology and education at the University of California. He has received two honorary doctorates. Dr. Kagan is the principal author of the single most comprehensive book for educators in each of six fields: cooperative learning, brain-friendly teaching, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), multiple intelligences, classroom discipline, and classroom energizers. Dr. Kagan developed the structural approach to instruction based on hundreds of popular brain-based, cooperative learning, and multiple intelligences structures like Numbered Heads Together, Timed Pair Share, and Number Group Mania! Dr. Kagan is the founder and co-director of Kagan Publishing and Professional Development, one of the largest educational training companies in the world with franchises in over a dozen countries. Dr. Kagan has provided workshops and keynotes in over 40 countries. His hobby is photography; his photos are featured in galleries.

Download Dr. Kagan's Vita (pdf)

Excellent presentation! Dr. Kagan exemplifies what an effective instructor/teacher can do to make learning not only fun but enduring. – Jeweline Hill, Junior High School Assistant Principal

Fabulous! Dr. Kagan was engaging, funny and intelligent. He is one of the best public speakers I have ever had the pleasure to hear – Mary M Sullivan, High School Teacher

Superb! Great analytic abilities in addition to seeing the big picture in education. Strong theory-practice connections. Always learning, growing, and making it available to teachers. – Neil Davidson, Professor

Laurie Kagan

Laurie Kagan is in high demand as a presenter worldwide. Her presentations are dynamic events—participants discover the power of simple instructional strategies to use as part of any lesson. Laurie is the author of twelve popular books for teachers and trainers including Multiple Intelligences: Structures and Activities, Teambuilding, and Classbuilding. Her book, Dynamic Trainer, is the single most comprehensive trainer resource and is the basis for her much sought workshop: The Dynamic Trainer. Laurie has developed popular learning games and structures that are used around the globe. As the former Director of Elementary Education for the State of Nevada, Laurie is presently Director of Kagan Professional Development. She develops Kagan workshops and institutes and selects and trains all Kagan consultants. Laurie translates a deep understanding of theory and methods into practical, teacher-friendly strategies and presentations.

Laurie Kagan was superb! She was full of energy — a strong motivator! She displayed a sincere faith and belief in her content. She — hands down — is the best presenter I've heard. The information will be extremely helpful, as it is a fresh and exciting way to drive instruction. – Mary Dees, Secondary English Teacher

Laurie was very energetic and easy to listen to. Her desire to see students receive the best education, beyond just academic, was very evident. I hope to Brudery that enthusiasm back to my school! – Trina Michelle Maner, K-6 Music & Art teacher

Great motivational and charismatic speaker. She's been there, she cares and she knows what she's talking about! – Debbie Schuerer, 8th grade Language Arts teacher

Dr. Vern Minor

Director of Educational Leadership
Dr. Vern Minor served in the public school setting for 30 years before joining the Kagan team on a full time basis. During those three decades of work, he was employed in an administrative capacity for 23 years, having served at both the building and central levels. He spent 16 years as a superintendent of schools during which time he led K-12 implementation efforts of cooperative learning in two districts. As the current Director of Educational Leadership for Kagan, his duties include developing district leadership capacity, helping schools address systemic issues which impact teaching and learning, and assisting district leaders with implementation efforts. Dr. Minor brings two decades worth of leadership experience to the table as a background for helping educators as they strive to ensure that all students are successfully engaged in learning. Dr. Minor has conducted professional development on various reform issues, including the following: leadership, educational change, cooperative learning, cooperative meetings, peer coaching, new teacher induction, inclusion of special needs children, site based management, and the school improvement process.

BEST workshop I have been to in many years. Vern was outstanding! Lots of practical help in using the structures. The content was extremely relevant to what I need to do in my school. – Joanne Goodwin, Principal

Vern Minor is a dynamic trainer and professional. He has the ability to share himself on a number of levels, personal and professional. He has the experience needed to share from a teacher's, administrator's, and supervisor's point of view. – Sandra Dunbar, Principal