San Angelo ISD Students Inspired to Become Future Educators at Rise & Teach Conference

High school students from across Education Region 15 gathered on January 29 for the 7th Annual Rise & Teach Conference, an event designed to empower, inspire, and support the next generation of Texas educators.

Held at Angelo State University, the conference provided students with essential resources to help them successfully transition from high school to higher education. The event was made possible through collaboration with Education Service Center Region 15, Angelo State University, Howard College, and local community businesses and organizations committed to strengthening the educator pipeline.

A group of 52 students from Central High School and Lake View High School attended the conference, joining peers from school districts across the region for a day of learning, encouragement and connection.

A Keynote That Captured Student Attention

A conference room packed with high school students from across Region 15 stayed fully engaged as Dr. Adolph “Doc” Brown III took the stage and delivered what he called “the Doc Brown Experience,” filling the room with laughter while holding students’ attention from start to finish.

Known for mixing comedy, music, and “real talk,” Doc Brown delivered an energetic, interactive keynote that kept students watching closely and listening intently throughout the session. His message was equal parts emotional, motivational, and practical — built around the idea that fun is an authentic part of learning, and that students learn best when they feel seen, supported, and challenged.

Early in his talk, Doc Brown introduced the concept of MBWA — “management by walking around,” encouraging future educators to stay connected to the students they serve, not from behind a desk, but through presence and relationship.

“You want to let them know that you see them,” he told the audience.

As the keynote continued, Doc Brown shared personal stories about the challenges he experienced growing up and how those hardships shaped his behavior as a student — helping students understand that academic struggles often have deeper roots. He also spoke candidly about the labels students carry and the harm caused when adults assume there is a single “type” of student who needs support.

“There’s no pattern, there’s no type,” he said. “So no one should be excluded … In the schoolhouse, education is for everyone.”

Real Talk About Labels and Self-Worth

Through student participation, Doc Brown called attention to the names and stereotypes students are often given — “teacher’s pet,” “know-it-all,” “loser,” “nerd,” “brainiac,” “geek,” “weirdo,” and “bookworm” — and challenged students to “shake it off” and reject labels that limit their confidence and identity.

He reminded students that while thoughts and emotions are real, they don’t always need to be spoken in the moment.

“It’s really important to protect your mouth from your brain,” he said.

His message emphasized resilience, self-awareness, and the importance of believing in one’s potential — especially when faced with challenges.

“Remember that when life hits you hard, you have choices, folks,” Doc Brown said. “You can say, ‘Why me?’ or you can say, ‘Try me.’”

The Lasting Impact of Great Educators

Through personal experiences from his own life — blended with humor, honesty, and emotion — Doc Brown reinforced the impact educators can have on a student’s future.

“If that student doesn’t blossom right in front of you, it doesn’t mean that student isn’t going to blossom,” he said.

His message reinforced the idea that meaningful impact in education often happens over time, and that both students and educators play a role in creating environments where growth is possible.

“For every educator in here today, I want to thank you for seeing the tree in the seed,” he said. “Thank you for creating the environment where each student can be challenged, healthy, engaged, safe, supported, and know they belong … I’m thanking you for choosing the best profession ever.”

For many in attendance, the message reached beyond inspiration and connected on a personal level, helping students envision themselves as future educators. SAISD CTE Business, Marketing & Finance Department Head Scarlet Rodriguez said she saw that connection unfold firsthand.

“One of the most impactful moments for me was having students come up and share affirmations that teaching is truly what they are meant to do,” she said. “In particular, one student who is typically very reserved and quiet completely lit up. She was genuinely excited about becoming a teacher, and you could tell her passion had been sparked for the first time. Seeing that confidence and excitement emerge was incredibly powerful and rewarding.”

About Dr. Adolph "Doc" Brown 

Dr. Adolph Brown III – often referred to as “Doc Brown” – is a clinical psychologist, author, and nationally recognized speaker whose work centers on mental wellness, education, family engagement, and healthy relationships. A former tenured professor, he is widely regarded for his expertise in these areas and is known for blending research-based insights with humor to deliver powerful, relatable messages.

Exploring pathways to the future

In addition to the keynote address, conference attendees participated in campus tours of Angelo State University, professional development opportunities for sponsors and advisors, breakout sessions, and door prize drawings.

Breakout sessions were tailored by grade level to meet students where they are in their journey:

• 10th grade – Awareness
• 11th grade – Exploration
• 12th grade – Engagement

These sessions helped students better understand career pathways in education and the steps needed to pursue postsecondary opportunities.

San Angelo ISD extends its heartfelt gratitude to the event organizers and partners, including Education Service Center Region 15, Angelo State University, Howard College, H-E-B, and all Rise & Teach Conference sponsors. Your commitment to supporting students and investing in the next generation of Texas educators makes a lasting impact on their hopes, dreams, and futures.

To stay up-to-date on San Angelo ISD, please visit the SAISD website at www.saisd.org and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.