Professional Development

Testimonials:
Love this session, I am a parent/educator so this was especially beneficial and relatable. Very impactful just before the beginning of the year.”
Lacretia Gant
CTAE Dept Chair/STEM Instructor at Chamblee Charter High School
Absolutely hit target for students of today and the impact of teaching for their future.”
Missie McKinney
Assistant Principal at Dalton High School
The session was great. Mr. Perna was engaging and informative. I look forward to reading his book!”
Stephen Woodall
College & Career Readiness Specialist at Newton County School System
Fast paced, up to date stats, so very relevant.”
Christy Norris
WBL Coordinator/TAP Teacher at Jeff Davis High
You inspired me to inspire my students.”
Ben Lowe
Construction Teacher at Jackson High School
Mark presented an amazing argument in favor of CTE nationwide and how our workforce has changed. Loved his energy and passion!”
Jennifer Hess
Hall County School District
Love the ‘creaking branch’ imagery.”
Dorothy Lamb
Fulton County Schools
The career tree was inspirational and an important visual that my students need to actualize their goal.”
April Bramble
ECE Instructor at Perry Career Academy
Thank you for your inspiring words to change our way of communicating with the younger generation.”
Amy Myers
I plan to implement the learning tree idea in my ECE classes because I believe it can help my students relate to their life and their future plans. Mark was very motivational and confident in his speaking. He was REAL!”
Denise Hamby
FACS instructor at Irwin County High School
Outstanding presentation — astute knowledge of the gap CATE students must be prepared to bridge! Fabulous approach that makes sense!”
Dr. Rebecca Pool
Cobb County Schools
Very insightful. On point with what I’m dealing with today.”
Bill Phelps
Broadcast Video Production Teacher at Harrison High School
Best keynote speaker I’ve seen.”
Whitney Stewart
Healthcare Science Teacher at Jones County High School
This information is definitely going to be integrated into my classroom purposes and expectations!”
Felicia Hodges
Family & Consumer Science at Liberty Middle School
Great speaker!”
Amanda Boone
Healthcare Science at Tift County High School
Great job! I share a similar message with as many people as I can. Can’t wait to read your book!”
Tim Schmitt
Director of CTAE & Workforce Innovation at Newton County Schools
We need to understand and embrace our audience — the younger generations — in order to guide them through the experiences which will prepare them for their future.”
Nancy Edwards
CTAE Director at Chattooga County Schools
Great presentation … love the tree model. Outstanding!!!”
Cassandra Washington
Executive Director of CTAE at Bibb County School District
Knowledge to help the youth of today.”
Tyrone Madison
Business Education Teacher at Montgomery County High School
I am ready to climb a new tree and be positively impacted when my branch cracks!!! Thank you Mark!!!”
Carol Parrish
AVTF at Lamar County HS
Incredible! Thank you for your amazing message.”
Sarah Bell
Deputy Superintendent at Gainesville City Schools
Very inspirational.”
Harmon Tison
Teacher at Hall County Schools
Great motivation. Just what I needed to hear at this point in my life.”
Josh Howard
CTAE Director at Charlton County High School
Education with a Purpose is the way!”
Andre’ Perry
Instructor at SCCPSS
Enlightening presentation! It caused me to reevaluate my teaching!!”
Sarinda Woodson
Teacher
Excellent session.”
Joe Finkelstein
Teacher at Hutchings College and Career Academy
Energetic…On point for today’s education needs!”
Jim Barbee
Peachtree Ridge High School
Motivation of learning how young people think. Excellent information.”
Anthony Brooks
Teacher at Newton County School District
I wish parents could hear Mark speak. Too many are pushing their perceptions onto their children without the knowledge of real world occupational outlook.”
Pam Armas
High School Counselor at Bremen City Schools
Reminding me how important it is to help students find purpose in what “they” and “we” are doing… thanks.”
Samantha Carter
Early Childhood Education instructor at Washington County Board of Ed
If the want To is strong enough, the how to will come. Great presentation.”
Bryan Rogers
Teacher at BHS
Awesome session! Can’t wait to read your book.”
Susan Prince
CTAE Director/WBL Coordinator/Teacher at Pelham City Schools
Great presentation.”
Connie Aplin
Teacher at Troup High FCCLA
Great presentation!”
Tracy Kay
School Counselor at Gwinnett
If the want is strong enough the how will come. Amazing and encouraging. Wish I had a recording.”
Tamantha Wofford
Athletic Trainer/Teacher at Fulton County Schools
Very interesting, informative and educational.”
Barbara Pusey
CTE – FCCLA
Loved the tree, the whole presentation was excellent and a great start to kick off the new year.”
Laura Ergle
Director at Griffin Region College & Career Academy
You achieved your goal Mark! Phenomenal session!”
Jemessyn Foster
6-12 Counselor at Twiggs County Middle High School
Content and delivery are excellent.”
Bettina Polite Tate
CTAE Program Manager at Savannah Chatham County Public Schools
I love the tree theme!”
Shenica Bridges-Mathieu
Engineering & Technology Teacher at DeKalb County Schools