YOUR FACILITATORS

Eric Nichols | @IamEricNichols

Teacher and Student Voice Advocate making his way as a champion for rural schools and leaders. Eric's journey has included teaching in a 2,700 student high school, teaching in a rural setting, Middle School principal, High School principal, Central Office Director of Federal Programs, Technology Director, and now Rural Principal and Virtual School Assistant Superintendent. Eric assists in Pushing Boundaries, LLC and has co-authored books in the #100StopSeries, Educational Rehab, and Recovery Mode. A gradudate of Boise State and now University of Oregon, Eric recently earned is Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership.  

George Fox Partnership

Andrew Marotta

Andrew Marotta is the Director of Academic Services & communications in Port Jervis, NY.  He was Principal & AP for the last 20 years in the great small city of Port Jervis. He took on a new challenge in the 23-24 school year moving to this director position giving him some more flexibility to travel and present nationally as an inspirational speaker.  He is a husband, father, adjunct professor of school leadership, former Division 1 men’s college basketball official, speaker, & author.  

Andrew is also the leader of the Surviving & Thriving movement.  Andrew is an energizing & impactful speaker, author, and school leader.  He lives the words on his logo & strives to positively #IMPACT all he meets.  A master storyteller, Andrew engages his audiences and fellow leaders with authentic and heartfelt stories, memorable props, and collaborative, fun, &, thought-provoking activities. 

Additionally, Andrew officiated Men’s Division 1 college basketball at the highest level for almost 20 years.  ACC, A-10, CAA, Patriot, IVY, MAAC, & the NEC were the conferences he worked all the while being a school Principal.  This was quite challenging & Andrew survived & thrived through it all.  Being relentless, showing presence, confidence, and an understanding of people & pressure in the spotlight are all things he learned and brings to his audience while speaking to them on leadership & perseverance.

He is a highly sought-after motivational speaker and the author of 5 leadership books, most recently completing a collaborative, inspirational book entitled HATS: Heartfelt Acts for Teachers, Students, & Staff.

He is married for 22 years to his high school sweetheart Jennifer & is blessed with three wonderful kids: Claire, Matthew & Tessa!

Learn more on the website & through his #ELBlog & podcast:  Education Leadership & Beyond found on facebook, linkedin, twitter @andrewmarotta21, and instagram.  #ELB #ELBlog #survivethrive