Jesse Hagopian is a nationally recognized educator, speaker, and writer known for his clear vision, inspiring storytelling, and unwavering commitment to truth in education. For over two decades, Jesse has been on the front lines of public education—as a classroom teacher, curriculum builder, mentor, and organizer working to center student voices and reimagine what schools can be.
He teaches Ethnic Studies at Seattle’s Garfield High School—his alma mater and the site of the historic 2013 MAP test boycott—and serves as an editor for Rethinking Schools magazine. Jesse is the co-editor of Black Lives Matter at School and Teaching for Black Lives, and the author of More Than a Score: The New Uprising Against High-Stakes Testing. His writings have also appeared in The Seattle Times, Salon, The Progressive, Truthout, and more.
In addition to his work in education, Jesse organizes at the intersection of sports and social change, working with student-athletes and professional athletes through groups like Athletes for Impact to advance activism, leadership, and community engagement through sports.
His leadership has been recognized with numerous awards, including the national Secondary School Teacher of the Year award, the Courageous Leadership Award from the Academy of Education Arts and Sciences, the Seattle NAACP Service to Community Award, and the Cultural Freedom Fellowship from the Lannan Foundation.
Through every talk, workshop, and conversation, Jesse offers a steady presence, real-world perspective, and a deep belief in education’s power to transform lives and communities. He helps audiences reconnect with their purpose, sharpen their leadership, and stay focused on building schools—and futures—rooted in truth, care, and possibility.
Teaching in Truthful Times: Staying Focused in a Shifting Landscape
As education faces political pressure, shifting policies, and rising public debate, how do educators stay true to their mission? Jesse shares real-world strategies for navigating uncertainty, protecting the heart of teaching, and keeping students' growth and critical thinking at the center of the work.
Reimagining Schools: Centering Student Voice and Leadership
Building strong, inclusive school communities means moving beyond top-down models. Jesse shares practical insights and stories from the classroom on how centering student voice—not just hearing students, but partnering with them—transforms culture, learning, and engagement.
The Power of Context: Why Representation and Curriculum Matter
Students need to see their histories, cultures, and experiences reflected in what they learn. In this session, Jesse explores how Ethnic Studies and inclusive curriculum deepen critical thinking, build stronger academic outcomes, and create a school culture where every student feels seen, valued, and prepared to lead.
Building Belonging: How Schools Can Create True Community
Students thrive when they feel seen, heard, and valued. Jesse shares stories and strategies for creating learning environments where every student and every educator can show up fully. This talk focuses on how belonging impacts engagement, academic outcomes, and school culture, and offers practical tools for making it real across classrooms and campuses.
Leading from Where You Are: Organizing for Positive Change in Schools
You don't have to have a title to be a leader. Drawing from decades of organizing, Jesse shares how educators, students, and staff can build collective momentum for positive change—from policy shifts to cultural transformation—by leading with integrity, persistence, and community.
Leadership On and Off the Field: Lessons from Athlete Activism
Sports are one of the most powerful arenas for leadership, teamwork, and building community. In this session, Jesse Hagopian shares lessons from his work mentoring student-athletes and organizing alongside professional athletes around social impact. He explores how sports can teach courage, communication, and collective action and how young athletes can use their platforms to lead with integrity, both on the field and in their communities.
