Innovative Education Leader & Assessment Reform Advocate; COO of Mastery Portfolio; Author of "Hacking Assessment"
Starr Sackstein Biography
Starr Sackstein is a nationally recognized educator, author, and assessment reform advocate whose career focuses on transforming how schools measure and communicate student learning. With 16 years of experience as a high school English and journalism teacher, as well as roles as a lead humanities learner, publisher, and developmental editor, Sackstein brings extensive classroom experience to her work. She is a National Board–Certified educator and a Master Journalism Educator certified by the Journalism Education Association, where she served as New York State director. The Dow Jones News Fund honored Sackstein as a Special Recognition Adviser, and Education Update recognized her as an outstanding educator.
Sackstein is known for challenging traditional grading systems in education. In the book "Hacking Assessment: 10 Ways to Go Gradeless in a Traditional Grades School," she explores how to assess learning without grades, even in schools that use numbers, letters, GPAs, and report cards. In her school-based roles, Sackstein implemented gradeless teaching, focusing on skill development and growth. Her publications include "From Teacher to Leader: Finding Your Way as a First-Time Leader Without Losing Your Mind," "Teaching Mythology Exposed: Helping Teachers Create Visionary Classroom Perspective," and "Peer Feedback in the Classroom: Empowering Students to Be the Experts." The book "Student-Led Assessment" provides tools for students to compile and present evidence of learning through portfolios and student-led conferences, offering templates, rubrics, reflection questions, and activities.
Sackstein has been recognized as one of ASCD's Emerging Leaders and included in the inaugural class of ASCD's Champions in Education. She is a frequent speaker on topics such as blogging, journalism education, bring your own device policies, and assessment reform, which she also addressed in a TEDx talk titled "A Recovering Perfectionist's Journey to Give Up Grades." Sackstein has presented internationally on assessment reform and technology-enhanced language instruction.
As COO of Mastery Portfolio, Sackstein champions standards-based and competency-based learning, emphasizing metacognition and feedback throughout the formative assessment process. As the Massachusetts State Coordinator for Educators Rising, she advocates for bringing young people into the education profession. Sackstein also hosts the podcast "Learner-Centered Spaces," which focuses on empowering students and creating meaningful educational experiences. Through her consultancy work, she collaborates with educational institutions to design innovative curricula, revamp assessment practices, and foster dynamic learning environments that support creativity and critical thinking. Sackstein's work continues to influence how educators approach learning, feedback, and the purpose of education.
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Starr Sackstein Speaking Topics
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Hacking Assessment: Empowering Educators for Student Success
Keynote Description:
Join us for an inspiring journey into the heart of assessment innovation with Starr Sackstein, a renowned educator and author who is redefining the way we measure student learning. In this thought-provoking keynote, Starr will share practical strategies and insights from her bestselling book, "Hacking Assessment". Get ready to challenge your perspective on assessment and discover how to empower both educators and students in the process.
Learning Outcomes:
Reimagine Assessment: Explore fresh approaches to assessment that move beyond traditional testing, and learn how to create assessment methods that capture a more comprehensive understanding of student learning.
Promote Student Ownership Discover techniques to shift the assessment process from something done to students to something they actively engage in. Learn how to foster a sense of responsibility for their own learning journeys.
Foster Growth Mindset: Gain insights into how assessment can encourage a growth mindset in students. Understand how to create a culture where mistakes are seen as opportunities for learning.
Effective Feedback Strategies: Learn to provide actionable and timely feedback that drives student improvement. Explore the power of feedback in the assessment process and how it can be a catalyst for growth.
Assessment for All: Discuss inclusive assessment practices that address the diverse needs and abilities of all students. Learn how to adapt assessment methods to create equitable learning opportunities.
Technology and Assessment: Explore the role of technology in modern assessment. Understand how digital tools can enhance assessment and support a more data-informed, personalized learning approach.
Practical Implementation: Leave with a toolbox of practical strategies that you can immediately apply in your classroom. Gain the confidence to start hacking your assessment practices to better serve your students.
Starr Sackstein's "Hacking Assessment" keynote is a call to action for educators who want to engage, inspire, and empower their students through innovative assessment practices. Join us and be part of the assessment revolution that is shaping the future of education.
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You have Impact!: Affecting Change Through Personal Goals
Brief Description
Every educator has the power to impact the lives of those around them truly
• in the classroom, their school community, and the world. When we intentionally take steps to foster our impact, we can create incredible change that transforms the spaces we exist in together and the lives around us. Teachers, leaders, and staff will be inspired to connect to what makes each of them truly unique and then will be encouraged to nurture and reflect on goals set in the coming year.
Learning Objectives:
- Define what impact is and what it looks like.
- Determine what your impact is.
- Set goals to nurture and track personal impact throughout the year.
Starr Sackstein Videos
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How do I book Starr Sackstein to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Starr Sackstein for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Starr Sackstein, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Starr Sackstein or any other speaker of your choice. -
What are the speaker fees for Starr Sackstein
Speaking fees for Starr Sackstein, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Starr Sackstein are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and under $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Starr Sackstein, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Starr Sackstein speak about?
Starr Sackstein is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Author, Disruptive Thinking, Education, Education Reform, Educational Motivational, Empowerment, Female Leadership, Influential Women, Inspirational, Marketing, Personal Growth, Professional Development, Social Media, Technology, Thought Leadership, Women, Youth -
Where does Starr Sackstein travel from?
Starr Sackstein generally travels from Seminole, FL, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent. -
Who is Starr Sackstein’s agent?
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Starr Sackstein is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Hacking Assessment: Empowering Educators for Student Success, You have Impact!: Affecting Change Through Personal Goals, All Kids Can Learn, and We Can Teach Them and We Are All Learners: Putting the Focus Back on the Teacher. The estimated speaking fee range to book Starr Sackstein for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Starr Sackstein generally travels from Seminole, FL, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Ann Fradkin-Hayslip Ed.D., Jon Bergmann, Kristie Kennedy, Adora Svitak and Trish Millines Dziko. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Starr Sackstein for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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