Unlocking Empathy in Action: John Broussard at Salem-Keizer School District
John Broussard joined the Salem-Keizer School District’s Summer Summit: “Uniting All Learners”, an event hosted by the Student Services, SPED, and Behavioral Health/SEL departments. With a focus on educator wellness and empathy, John led his powerful workshop, “Unlocking Empathy in Action: Practical Strategies to Build Emotionally Intelligent School Culture.”
Educators from across the district gathered to participate in this hands-on session that expanded on John’s keynote message—bringing emotional intelligence, connection, and well-being to life in practical and meaningful ways.
A Journey Rooted in Purpose
John Broussard’s approach is deeply shaped by his personal journey and two decades of experience as an educator, coach, and school leader. Having grown up in the foster care system and faced the loss of a sibling, John knows what it means to overcome adversity with empathy and resilience. His background as an assistant principal, athletic director, and former college athlete fuels his mission to help both students and educators build environments rooted in connection and compassion.
“I believe empathy isn’t just a feeling—it’s an action,” John shared with the audience. “When we understand ourselves and each other, we create the foundation for real change.”
An Engaging and Empowering Experience
Far from a lecture, John’s session was an interactive and high-energy experience. Educators engaged in collaborative activities that built emotional self-efficacy and strengthened their ability to connect with students on a deeper level. The atmosphere in the room reflected laughter, reflection, and genuine connection as participants learned actionable tools to foster empathy and emotional wellness within their schools.
His message resonated strongly with teachers, counselors, and administrators alike—reminding them that emotional intelligence is not a soft skill, but a vital part of creating supportive and successful learning environments.
A Message That Lasts
For the Salem-Keizer educators, this session was more than professional development—it was a reminder of the heart behind education. John’s blend of personal storytelling and practical strategies inspired attendees to continue cultivating empathy in action every day.
At Connected3030, we believe that when educators are empowered, students thrive. We are proud to partner with districts like Salem-Keizer to bring transformative wellness and SEL experiences to schools across the country.
Would you like to bring a powerful, life-changing SEL experience to your district?
Contact Connected3030 to learn more about our dynamic keynotes and workshops with John Broussard.
