When I was growing up I was taught that we human beings are limited to using three percent of our brain. I say that just can't be. I say we are more than capable of dropping down to two percent at any time.

When it came to Math class, it was Algebra II, Brett 0.

All my teachers dreamed of one day teaching a genius and it was my job to keep that dream alive.

Objectives:

Working Toward the Four Percent Brain will
• Energize educators for the school year ahead
• Reaffirm the goal of critical thinking

Perfect for:

Pre-term, mid-term teacher convocations

Length:

30 to 50 minutes

Makeup

80% comedy + 20% stories

Description

A high school teacher during a workshop on the use of humor in the classroom shared her biggest fear: one day around 2:30pm when the class's attention was hardest to hold -- when the buses were lining up outside the window - these words would slip out of her mouth." I can't assure any of you in this classroom that you'll ever need to know any of this."

If scientists are right and we use just three percent of the brain, no wonder it's so hard to remember any of this stuff much less learn it in the first place. There's hardly any margin for error. One misstep and we're one percent low. Through stories and jokes about these 'two percent moments' - not remembering that capital cursive Q is supposed to look like a 2 and forgetting how to 'borrow numbers' -- Brett shares the real value of his education: discovering what it takes to learn. Understanding that the moments when we don't 'get it' are inescapable and essential, whether it's memorizing pi* or recognizing the capabilities in one's own life, "Working Towards the Four Percent Brain" provides an opportunity to laugh and learn about that part of the learning process. Becoming aware of the challenges and rewards of learning more than grades and test scores is the mark of a full and complete education. Educators able to instill this gift do the work and afford their students the potential of a four percent brain.

*Brett can carry pi out to five places. So there.

Client List

National Science Foundation
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Virginia
Virginia Association of School Superintendents
Western Region Education Service Alliance (WRESA) North Carolina
Virginia Regional, Divisional, and local convocations in the cities of Roanoke, Manassas Park City, Virginia Beach and the counties of Prince William, Spotsylvania, Mathews, Mecklenburg, Hanover, Louisa, Orange, Madison, and Franklin.

Letters recommending '...Four Percent Brain' as a way to...
...bring together

For our particularly diverse group of educators, researchers, and university administrators, your presentation was well received on a number of levels. Your command of wit, wisdom, humanity, and your innate ability to connect the disparate pieces of life's puzzlements is truly an inspiration to us all. Moreover, your obvious ability to succeed--and succeed well--in spite of strong expectations to the contrary is something each of us must innately share.

In moments of doubt or hesitation, know that what you do matters in this world.

James J. Powlik, Ph.D Assistant Program Officer National Science Foundation EHR/HRD

As a member of a central office committee who plans beginning of the year activities, this year we decided to start the new school year off in a different way. After some discussion, we elected to invite Brett Leake, a comedian, to deliver the keynote address for our division's convocation.

Mr. Leake's presentation was a wonderful combination of philosophic musings on life and realistic "in the trenches" teacher experiences. He connected with all teachers at all grade levels and the result was ongoing, cacophonous laughter mixed with spontaneous thunderous applause."

Jackie A. Giorgi Director of 6-12 Curriculum and Instruction Franklin County Public Schools

...re-energize

"The positive energy and sincerity that you bring reminds us why we chose education. To quote one participant, "It felt good to laugh and learn ".

...Our conference participants found you an inspiring, make-a-difference sort of fellow. Thank you for sharing your insight and wisdom with us as our featured speaker.... Your evaluations were outstanding with participants using words such as "sensational," "inspirational," and "motivational". It was a pleasure to work with you and I hope that we can invite you back again soon."

Sandra Critchfield Director of Program Development and Evaluation Rappahannock (VA) Region Professional Development Conference Spotsylvania County Schools

"The superintendents appreciated the levity after a long day with 1%'s. Seinfeld was right. You are funny."

Alfred R. Butler, IV Executive Director Virginia Association of School Superintendent

You were a smash...your humor was just what we needed to energize us and to set the tone for a successful school year. While your wit and humor are exceptional, what you model through your own life story also sends volumes to our teachers and staff. I would recommend you to any educational group that helps shape young people's lives and endorse you as a speaker for their kickoff event."

Lissy Merenda Supervisor, School/Community Relations Marketing and Partnerships Roanoke City Public Schools

...and lift the morale of

"You gave everyone such a positive experience.... Without a doubt you gave us all some wonderful positive memories and lifted our morale. I must have received at least a dozen, personal 'thank you's' for having you as our special guest presenter. I attended your Manassas City presentation as well, and their standing ovation certainly is a testimony to their positive reception."

Dr.Thomas H. DeBolt Division Superintendent Manassas Park (VA) City Schools

...teachers, and to remind them of how important they are.

... and just when you thought you couldn't laugh any harder, he ties in his jokes to some particularly moving insights of the importance of teaching. Our teachers loved Brett...the highlight of our teachers' first week back.

Richard Trumble Assistant Principal Ocean Lakes High School

To be perfectly honest, I was unsure exactly how this relatively non-traditional approach at division wide "staff development" would be received but having seen you myself I was prepared to take a chance. Some of the comments overheard included: "That was the best training I've heard in 16 years of education"..."I've been teaching for 30 years and this was the best staff development we have ever had"..."No one has ever started the year off with having fun - thank you".

(You)...are gifted in your ability to use humor to connect with educators in a way that motivates and inspires them to rethink some of the profession's (and life's!) challenges in a more positive and constructive way."

Melody D. Hackney Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Mecklenburg County Public Schools

Brett Leake signs autographs for students at North Pole High School in North Pole, Alaska

'Brain' has even found itself before future teachers and life-long learners at, where else, but a high school graduation.

I have heard only great things about you! The parents, students, and guests loved you!

Sandra Colvin 2002 Class Sponsor Liberty High School, Bealeton, Virginia

"I truly believe there's not a speaker out there that is more motivational or inspirational for teachers and school administrators than Brett Leake."

Cathy Benner Assistant Superintendent Orange County Public Schools

View Cathy's complete "Dear Educator" letter

Proceed to Checkout...Brett's opening keynote address at the HUMOR Project's 25th anniversary: One Percent More