Opening Keynote Presentation 

REBOUNDING WITH RESILIENCE: Why Character Is What Really Will Help the Pandemic Generation Thrive Now and Later

Data shows that today’s students are the loneliest, most stressed and risk-averse on record---and then came the Pandemic. Though well-educated, students are failing to launch in real life. So how can we teach them to be mentally strong and more successful? CHARACTER! Through her research, Dr. Michele Borba found the difference between those who struggle and those who succeed comes down to seven crucial and teachable character strengths that set Thrivers apart. She offers practical, actionable, evidence-based ways to develop these character strengths and shows you how to teach your students to cope today, so they can flourish in school and in our fast-paced, digitally-driven, uncertain world.

Michele Borba, Ed.D. is an educational psychologist, best-selling author, and regular TODAY show contributor who has spoken to over a million participants on five continents about child development issues. Dr. Borba is recognized globally for her work in bullying and youth violence prevention. She received a Doctorate in Educational Psychology and Counseling from the University of San Francisco.