New York Times bestselling author, award-winning journalist, and internationally recognized speaker on gender issues, Peggy Orenstein dives into the lives of young people to unravel the hidden truths, hard lessons, and important realities of their lives. Author of several books about young people and their relationships, Orenstein, as one reviewer puts it, “dares to do what so many of us are afraid of: actually asking boys about sex and then listening to what they have to say. Their answers are illuminating, oftentimes surprising–and essential.” Another reviewer says Orenstein’s latest book is “required reading for anyone who has ever loved, raised, been, or will become a boy.” SPEAK (Series for Parent Education About Kids) is a robust, free, educational lecture series produced by CA in collaboration with the Parent Association to host national and local experts who speak on topics of interest. CA also provides Spanish-to-English language interpretation for these events.

Dr. Tom Hoerr, a nearly 40-year leader of schools and professor of educational leadership, shares tips from his latest book, The Formative Five: Fostering Grit, Empathy, and Other Success Skills Every Student Needs. He will talk about the need to prepare children to succeed in life, not simply to do well in school. Hoerr is also author of "FosteringGrit; The Art of School Leadership; Becoming a Multiple Intelligences School; and School Leadership for the Future " SPEAK (Series for Parent Education About Kids) is a robust, free, educational lecture series produced by CA in collaboration with the Parent Association to host national and local experts who speak on topics of interest. CA also provides Spanish-to-English language interpretation for these events.

Hailed as “the new Toni Morrison” by the American Booksellers Association, MacArthur Genius and two-time National Book Award winner Jesmyn Ward is the author of fiction, nonfiction, and memoir that the New York Times Book Review called “raw, beautiful and dangerous.” In 2017, she became the first woman and first person of color to win the National Book Award for Fiction twice, joining the ranks of William Faulkner, Saul Bellow, and John Updike. Ward’s novels, primarily set on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, are deeply informed by the trauma of Hurricane Katrina. Her newest novel, the critically acclaimed Sing, Unburied, Sing, won the 2017 National Book Award. SPEAK (Series for Parent Education About Kids) is a robust, free, educational lecture series produced by CA in collaboration with the Parent Association to host national and local experts who speak on topics of interest. CA also provides Spanish-to-English language interpretation for these events.

Screenwise author and previous SPEAK lecturer, Devorah Heitner, PhD, offers a webinar focused on the social-emotional components of balancing screen time with unplugged time in family life. What should the “screen time” rules be for both recreational and learning tech use during this unusual time? She will also talk about parenting kids when it comes to social media, texting, and gaming, as well as how to keep up with news without getting overwhelmed (and being cautious with what news kids are consuming.) SPEAK (Series for Parent Education About Kids) is a robust, free, educational lecture series produced by CA in collaboration with the Parent Association to host national and local experts who speak on topics of interest. CA also provides Spanish-to-English language interpretation for these events.