Dr. Debbie Silver, keynote speaker for the first general session at the 32nd Annual COSA Seaside Conference, is an award-winning educator with 30 years experience as a classroom teacher, staff development instructor and university professor.  Her numerous recognitions include being named the Louisiana State Teacher of the Year.  Along the way she has taught almost every grade level and most every kind of student.

Silver, who speaks at 8 a.m. Thursday in the Seaside Convention Center, is one of the most popular keynoters and in-service presenters in the United States.  Audiences everywhere respond to her use of humor and sensitivity to remind them of how important teachers are in the lives of children.  Through research-based theory, poignant stories, and hilarious characterizations she connects with the souls of all who are involved in education.

Silver's book, Drumming to the Beat of Different Marchers: Finding the Rhythm for Teaching Differentiated Learning, has just been updated and re-released by Incentive Publications. It is available from Silver's website, Barnes & Nobel, or Amazon.com.

Prior to Silver's remarks Thursday morning, COSA will honor Oregon Superintendent of the Year Deborah Sommer of Canby, and OACOA Achievement of Excellence Award winner Ed Smith of Reynolds.  The awards are sponsored by Comotiv and Allied Video, respectively.