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What if student engagement isn't magic—but a skill you can learn?
For more than 26 years, youth development expert, educator, and dynamic speaker Carlos Ojeda Jr. has inspired students, parents, and education professionals. As the founder of CoolSpeak: The Youth Engagement Company, he has dedicated his career to keeping students inspired, parents involved, and teachers engaged.
In An Educator’s Guide to Being COOL and Making It HIP, Carlos shares the practical philosophy behind meaningful connection and high-impact educational experiences.
First, you have to be COOL. Then, you have to make it HIP.
COOL is about connection. Learn how mindset, authenticity, respect, relationships, and consistent care help you build trust with young people.
HIP stands for High Impact Programming. Discover how purpose, audience awareness, content, emotion, storytelling, cultural relevance, preparation, and evaluation help you design engaging lessons, workshops, assemblies, and educational programs.
More than a book of ideas, this is a practical guide you can put to work. Scan QR codes throughout the book to access accompanying worksheets and resources, and use the included activities to reflect on your experiences, evaluate your programs, and identify opportunities to improve.
Written for teachers, school leaders, counselors, coaches, mentors, youth workers, and anyone who works with young people, this research-informed guide makes meaningful engagement approachable and actionable.
You don’t have to be naturally charismatic to make a difference. You can learn to connect, create meaningful experiences, and make an impact.
It was never magic.
It’s work you can learn.
And it starts with you.