Sandy Zimmerman, Inspirational Speaker, Coach, and Author
Sandy Zimmerman is a former physical education teacher and mother of three who has competed on nine seasons of American Ninja Warrior. She is known for being the first mom to finish the course and hit the buzzer in the show’s history. Sandy has also been a motivational speaker, author, and TEDx speaker, sharing her inspiring journey and impact on others. She has appeared on various media platforms, including The Kelly Clarkson Show and CNN Entertainment. Sandy’s story is a testament to her resilience and determination, as she has overcome numerous obstacles throughout her life.
Sandy will present as a keynote speaker at the AWSP/WASA Summer Conference on Tuesday, June 30. Learn more at www.awsp.org/SC.
Be Like Selkirk: The Power of Connections in Education
I am honored to be a part of this year’s Summer Conference and the theme, Better Together: Leading with Purpose. Connecting with Heart. This event holds special significance for me, not only because of its importance in the field of education, but also due to my personal connections with some of the people who have shaped my journey.
Among those who have helped shape my path are Kim Carlson, my former high school principal, and his wife, Mrs. Carlson, who was my high school volleyball coach. They have remained important figures in my life. Just a few months ago, Mrs. Carlson sent me a text that read, “He’s retired but still kinda in education,” accompanied by a photo of Kim snuggled up with his two grandkids and his dog reading a book. This simple message reminded me of the enduring impact educators can have long after their title of principal ends.
What Do You Hope Students Remember about You?
In preparing for this keynote, I reached out to Mr. Carlson with a question:
“What are three things you hope students will remember about you?”Â
At the same time, I reflected on what three things I personally remember about having Mr. Carlson as my principal. I was curious to see if there would be any overlap between his hopes and my memories. This led me to reflect on an important question for all educators: Will what you hope students remember about you align with what they actually remember?
It’s about Hope and Student InvestmentÂ
Statistically, my life today defies the odds. Many children who grow up in poverty, are reliant on welfare, and spend time in the foster care system face overwhelming challenges in achieving a bright, healthy future. Yet hope exists when even one caring adult forms a meaningful relationship with a child. I have been incredibly blessed to have several caring adults invest in me, especially those from the community at Selkirk High School. Their love, care, and support during those formative high school years made all the difference for me.
School was my happy place growing up, the one place where I always felt safe and could simply be a kid. School brought incredible mentors and role models into my life as well as friends and teammates who gave me a sense of community and connection. School gave me so many incredible opportunities, like the opportunity to get a great college education. The full ride scholarship I received to attend Gonzaga University was my ticket out of poverty and a rough life, it literally changed my family tree. Even during tough times, like my struggles with reading and writing, school taught me valuable life lessons in grit, determination, hard work, and resilience. And school helped me develop the courage and confidence needed to chase and achieve big dreams and goals.
This Summer, Renew Your “Why”
My hope for my keynote is that every attendee leaves with a clear understanding of their purpose, feels a renewed sense of inspiration for their “why,” and gains practical tools to build a culture where all students experience the same life-changing love and connections I did. The Selkirk community helped me defy the odds, ensuring I did not become just another statistic. Instead, they helped me to thrive not just in school but in my personal life as well.
As you reflect on your own school or district, consider this: What can you do today, and throughout the coming school year, to ensure that what students remember about you aligns with what you hope they remember? The impact you have on students’ lives and the rippling effect it has for generations to come is profound. With intentional actions, you can foster a culture that values the essential relationships and connections needed to help all students succeed.