C.J. Huff is a speaker working with Kirkland Productions through Safe & Sound Schools.

About

Dr. C.J Huff is an educator with over 20 years of experience as a classroom teacher, building principal, and superintendent of schools. Originally a farmer from McCune, KS, Dr. Huff earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Pittsburg State University, his Master's and Specialist degree in Education from Missouri State University, and his Doctorate in Education with a focus in Educational Leadership from the University of Arkansas in 2003. 

On May 22, 2011, at 5:41 PM, the costliest tornado in US history hit Joplin, Missouri. This EF-5 tornado with winds in excess of 200 mph devastated the community, killing 161 community members, including 7 students and a staff member, in just 32 minutes. As a school system, 10 of the 19 schools in his district were damaged or destroyed. Dr. Huff was responsible for successfully leading his district of 1,100 employees and 7,700 students through the community response and recovery effort that followed. His declaration that "We will start school on time" is credited with being a key factor that drew the community of Joplin together just days after the tornado and provided a positive light for the country to rally around in the midst of such tragedy and destruction. As a result of his leadership, Dr. Huff's resolve was recognized by leaders across the nation. 

Retiring from Joplin Schools in 2015, Dr. Huff serves as a subject matter expert to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Education, supporting response and recovery efforts following some of the nation's most devastating natural disasters in recent history. This includes extensive response and recovery support following Hurricanes Harvey, Maria, and Michael, California wildfires (Paradise, CA), and the 2023 tornadoes in both Arkansas and Mississippi. In addition, he serves as the Senior Advisor to Safe and Sound Schools, which was born out of the Sandy Hook tragedy in Newt

popular programs

Community Engagement 2.0: A Whole Community Approach to Educating Our Children
In this 1-hour keynote, Dr. Huff will share an inspirational message of hope and provide proven strategies to engage your school community's "time, talent and treasure" to:
  • Create integrated systems of community support to meet any child's needs within 24 hours
  • Grow circles of influence to build community leadership and resource capacity
  • Give kids a chance to give back to their community in an intentional effort to grow a generation of children who clearly understand the ideal of service above self.
Our noble purpose as educators is not about test scores and should not be impacted by the politics of our time. Our noble purpose begins with good people coming together, finding common ground in our children, and working together to create new opportunities for children today that didn't exist yesterday. (Audience: All)

*This presentation can also be a 3-hour interactive workshop.
School Safety: Students First
This presentation, offered by several of our speakers and educators, is designed with students in mind. On our website, we offer a complimentary download of our Safe and Sound Youth Council Kit. This guide is designed to help 6th – 12th grade students, their parents, and their advisors take the first steps toward being a proactive part of the their school’s safety plan. For those schools and school districts who want to take the extra step, Safe and Sound Schools offers speakers who can assist in guidance and implementation, help launch the program, lead site walk-throughs, and ensure that you have all of the tools you need to institute safe school principles for all students. Each program is customized to the unique needs of that school’s community. Our presenters share their personal stories followed by a powerful call to action directing the youth of our nation to step up for school safety. As leaders and problem-solvers in their own right, our next generation is essential to our mission: safe and sound schools for all.
 
This program is offered by these Safe and Sound speakers: Michele Gay, Alissa Parker, Frank DeAngelis, CJ Huff, Lisa Hamp, and Dr. Amanda Nickerson.
From Tragedy to Triumph: The Joplin Schools Story
May 22, 2011—it was graduation day for over 400 seniors at Joplin High School. A day of great celebration. But Mother Nature had other plans. At 5:41pm a deadly EF-5 tornado touched down on the west side of Joplin destroying everything in its path. In times of crisis, real leaders step up. In this keynote Dr. Huff will provide a detailed accounting of the response and recovery of Joplin Schools following the most costly tornado in US History. His emotional and inspirational message highlights the importance of community-wide leadership, teamwork and a consistent focus on what’s best for children - no matter what. (Audience: All)
Crisis Happens: Lessons Learned the Hard Way
Crisis happens. In this 1 hr. keynote, Dr. Huff highlights lessons learned that are applicable to not just natural disasters, but also day-to-day crisis that often have devastating impacts on organizations. His key points highlight leadership examples and provide clear strategies around lessons learned regarding internal/external communications, development of pre-need relationships as well as effective leadership behaviors and leader self-care that are applicable to any challenge. This keynote is designed for today’s modern leader interested in creating a better prepared and more resilient leadership team and organization. (Audience: Leaders and Aspiring Leaders)

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After all, a lot of you could’ve spent your senior year scattered throughout different schools, far from home. But Dr. Huff asked everyone to pitch in so that school started on time, right here in Joplin. He understood the power of this community, and the power of place.

Former President Barack Obama

MORE REVIEWS

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Bestselling Author of Permanent Midnight and I, Fatty

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