About Our Keynote

Ruby K. Payne, Ph.D., is an American educator, author, consultant, and founder of aha! Process, known for helping schools better understand the ways students’ life experiences can affect learning, behavior, relationships, and readiness to engage. At this year’s Student Support Conference, Dr. Payne will guide participants through three continuing keynote segments across the day focused on her work, Emotional Poverty in All Demographics.

Rather than a single keynote moment, her presentation will unfold in connected segments that build on one another, giving participants time to explore practical strategies, reflect on real school challenges, and return to the work with fresh insight throughout the conference day. Her message will help educators and student support professionals better recognize the emotional barriers that can affect students and adults alike, while offering tools for creating calmer, more connected, and more responsive school environments.