Track Plenary Speaker
Shaping Culture: Conflict Resolution and Identity Formation with Consumer to Contributor*
There are many components that shape school and family culture. Two practical components that are often overlooked are – (1) how we deal with conflict and (2) moving from a consumer to contributor culture. C.S Lewis stated, “Surely what a man does when he is taken off his guard is the best indicator of what sort of man he is.” How we as a school community engage parents when they are frustrated or students when struggling communicates a great deal about who we are. When we have a unified approach across all grades it provides a wonderful context for clarity in our community: you learn a lot about a person or organization by how they respond to conflict. When it comes to identity formation, healthy struggle is the engine to growth and maturity. When we onboard our students to responsibility early and along the way in life, we ignite this growth mindset and raise sturdier kids.
*This workshop is required for the Foundation Track.
Keith McCurdy is a Family and Parenting Educator and Consultant, as well as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Virginia. He has worked with families, children, parents, and individuals for over 30 years in the field of mental health.
Keith received Master of Arts and Education Specialist degrees from James Madison University. He is currently the President and Founder of Live Sturdy, LLC, and President and CEO of Total Life Counseling, Inc. For many years he has been a consultant and speaker nationally to businesses, churches, and schools (public, private, faith based and within the world of Classical Education.)
Previously, he served as Chairman of the Board at Faith Christian School, a Christian classical school in Roanoke, VA. He is a regular contributor on the BaseCamp Live podcast, with multiple interviews, and the “McCurdy Moment” segments, as well as being featured on the Circe Institute’s podcast “The Commons” and “Crosspolitic.”
Keith is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys living in the beautiful Roanoke Valley in the Blue Ridge Mountains with his wife.