OTIS Professional Development for Educators

Presenter

Dr. Mervin Jenkins

Specialty Areas:
edtech, education, music

About:
Dr. Mervin Jenkins, also known as Spectac, is an author, entertainer, and lifelong educator whose work has landed him an NPR interview and a visit to The White House under President Barack Obama, as a participant in the 2014 My Brother’s Keeper Initiative. For almost three decades, he has served as a teacher, school administrator, assistant director for a national nonprofit, and senior manager in the edtech arena. Dr. Jenkins’ love for music has afforded him the opportunity to work with Grammy-nominated hip-hop artists and producers. Dr. Jenkins is the author of two books: Before They Leave Here, While They Are with Us, and most recently, To the Beat of Leadership: A Story of High and Low Notes. Dr. Jenkins currently serves as the Director of Customer Solutions for Nearpod by Renaissance, where he focuses on sharing how hip-hop can bring pedagogical practices to the classroom. He lives on Johns Island, in his native state of South Carolina, with his wife, Chiffon.

Top Courses

00min

Literacy Unleashed: Connecting Students to the Power of Words

Thursday, July 17th, 02:00pm - 03:00pm

This session will explore the challenges educators face today with student engagement, academic vocabulary, and Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS). Learn how you can empower students through vocabulary acquisition and comprehension by connecting them to diverse texts, fostering critical thinking, and encouraging authentic expression. We’ll also discuss practical strategies and actionable approaches to help students overcome these challenges and inspire them to become confident, engaged learners.

Dr. Mervin Jenkins, also known as Spectac, is an author, entertainer, and lifelong educator whose work has landed him an NPR interview and a visit to The White House under President Barack Obama, as a participant in the 2014 My Brother’s Keeper Initiative. For almost three decades, he has served as a teacher, school administrator, assistant director for a national nonprofit, and senior manager in the edtech arena. Dr. Jenkins’ love for music has afforded him the opportunity to work with Grammy-nominated hip-hop artists and producers. Dr. Jenkins is the author of two books: Before They Leave Here, While They Are with Us, and most recently, To the Beat of Leadership: A Story of High and Low Notes.

Dr. Jenkins currently serves as the Director of Customer Solutions for Nearpod by Renaissance, where he focuses on sharing how hip-hop can bring pedagogical practices to the classroom. He lives on Johns Island, in his native state of South Carolina, with his wife, Chiffon.

Adam Fragale
Adam Herman
Alex DiStasi
Alexandra Kummernes
Alice Keeler
Allison Hardy
Ashley LaGrow
Ben Smith
Bonnie Nieves
Brittany Handler
Carrie Morrison
Caylie Gaccione
Cheryl Crawford
Christine Bell
Christine Ravesi-Weinstein
Christopher Lozzi
Cori Frede
David Hotler
Dene Gainey
Diomedes Gonzalez
Dr. Joy
Dr. Mervin Jenkins
Dr. Monica Burns
Emma Foley
Greg DaSilva
Heather Baker
James Sanders
Jana Vanya
Jed Stefanowicz
Jessica Lane
Jessica Wenke
Joseph Quadrino
Joseph Reyes
Julia Fallon
Kelly Mancuso
Kenna Torp
Laura Jakubowski
Laurie Guyon
Lindsey Merrow
Mandy Froehlich
Matt Joseph
Matt Thaxter
Meghan Magone
Michael Cohen
Michele Haiken
Michelle Blanchet
Michelle Conway
Michelle Hollander
Natalie McGee
Natalie Vardabasso
Nicole Mathew
Nicolette Valenti
Patrik Nilsson
Peter Katcher
Rachelle Dené Poth
Rebekah Corace
Robert Abraham
Robert Wayne Harris
Skyla Lilly
Stephanie Barragan
Terry VanNoy
Tisha Poncio
Tricia Umhafer
Yaritza Villalba

Additional Presenters Jennifer George

Presenter

Top Courses

Digital Online Certifications