Mark Johnson speaks with Sam Stecher.
Mark Johnson has been in education for over 30 years. He was an elementary school teacher for 12 years and then an elementary principal for 15 years. He decided life wasn’t exciting enough, so he decided to become a middle school principal. He received the Milken National Educator Award in 2004 as a teacher, and as a principal, he was a National Blue Ribbon Award winner in 2010. He was also named Outstanding New Principal of the Year for the state of Nebraska in 2011, and has served as the President for the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) in Nebraska. He recently was awarded the Middle School Principal of the Year for his region in 2022. Besides his passion for education, he is a very avid Elvis Presley fan.
In addition to his formal roles, Mark has been instrumental in providing instruction, training, and leadership at various educational levels, from elementary schools to universities. Through MissionMonday.com, as well as the opportunity to speak at conferences and schools, Mark and Sam Stecher have been able to connect with thousands of educators nationwide. Additionally, they are co-authors of “It Happens in the Hallway,” a dynamic account of their experiences in the classroom. Logically, it grew beyond the classroom to changing the world. This is your invitation to join them in their ongoing dialogue and mission as we all walk through the hallways of life.
“What If Random Acts of Kindness Weren’t So Random?”
These positive interactions can be part of how we do business every day. Mark Johnson and Sam Stecher will tell you the stories behind the choices they use to create a positive culture where kindness and validation are not random but the norm. Every choice is an investment in the quality of our lives and the lives around us. Mark and Sam will laugh with you through the learning and leave you with a plan to choose to make your organization great.
It Happens in the Hallway (2015)
Mark Johnson and Sam Stecher have served as teachers, coaches, and administrators. They have provided instruction, training, and leadership at every level from elementary school to university institutions. Through speaking at conferences and schools, Mark and Sam have been able to connect with thousands of educators nationwide. This book is an extension of those conversations. Buy Here
“Working with the MidAmerica Speakers Bureau was very easy and they helped us every step of the way. They asked what type of message and presentation we would like to have and they knew exactly who to send…the MissionMonday guys…Sam Stecher and Mark Johnson!! They were great speakers and presenters and our staff loved them!! We are now finding ways to incorporate their message into our school community to better our school culture!!” Thanks, Sam and Mark, and Barry and Tyler!”
Mike Brockhaus, Superintendent, Elgin Public Schools
“Sam and Mark are high-energy, entertaining, and relevant. Their varied experiences in the world of education provide them with true anecdotes that demonstrate the philosophy they share in a humorous, sometimes heartbreaking, always enlightening, way. The teacher candidates at our university who hear their presentations have picked up strategies for developing relationships with their students that they can implement the next day in their own classrooms and hallways. A person can’t help but leave their presentations inspired to make a difference with students of all ages.”
Ann Knipping, Director of Field Experiences, University of Nebraska-Kearney – College of Education
“Sam Stecher & Mark Johnson of Mission Monday (dubbed “The Shoe Guys” in our office) have brought valuable insight to our conferences for many years. They place the needs of their students at the heart of each witty presentation. Attendees walk away with a mindset to shift their school climate and culture to one of mutual respect and encouragement with easy to implement steps that actually work to improve the lives of students.”
Keli Wickersham, Director of Conferences & e-Learning Events, Developmental Resources, a division of AccuTrain, Corp.
“Barry and Tyler, thanks so much for booking Sam and Mark to speak at our 2017-18 Staff Kick-Off. Their presentation was awesome! It was exactly what I wanted the staff to hear. I am already observing the impact their words had on our people. I think this will be one of the rare presentations that will actually have a long-term impact on our district and I can’t ask for more than that! Please thank Sam and Mark again for an impactful presentation!”
Jason Dolliver, Superintendent, Pender Public Schools
“What can I say…with heartfelt appreciation, Sam and Mark have given our Ka’u-Kea’au-Pahoa Complex Area Staff a POSITIVE boost to start the year! Being part of our first-ever Complex-wide day was an essential ingredient for a successful day! Sam and Mark’s breakout sessions were full! Some teachers even ate their lunches in Sam & Mark’s room prior to the start of their last session, just to make sure they would have a seat! Tailgating at an educational event…Amazing!”
Iwalani Harris, Teacher, Kea’au, Hawaii
“Sam and Mark did an excellent job! Very funny and entertaining…with a message! My staff gave them an A+!”
Dr. Jami Jo Thompson, Superintendent, Norfolk Public Schools
“We absolutely loved having Sam and Mark with us to kick off our 2017-18 school year. They were definitely a huge hit with our staff!! We have a huge focus on building strong relationships with our students and the conversation that Sam and Mark sparked fit the bill. We continue to use their Mission Monday messages with our parents/staff/students. We would highly recommend them to other school districts and look forward to having them with us again. Thank you again for your efforts…they are sincerely appreciated!”
Kelly Ballinger, P-6 Principal, Pender Public Schools
“Sam and Mark are entertaining and energizing presenters. They provide great strategies for building a culture of respect in a way that makes it realistically possible for administrators to implement. Attendees walk away remembering why it’s important to build positive relationships with students, staff, and the community and the tools to do just that.”
Megan Hillabrand, Professional Development Manager, Nebraska Council of School Administrators
“Mark and Sam are presenters with real-world experience gained from their work with students in the classroom, principal’s office, and the hallways. They bring humor, compassion and common sense to their workshops which both entertain and enlighten those educators lucky enough to attend. We have worked with them for over 10 years and have seen them grow in their ability to motivate and inspire those who work with students and their parents. They are both very reliable and professional in their work and are also personable and extremely likable. Our participants have always given them extremely positive reviews!”
Sarah Knapp, Class Coordinator, Advantage Discipline Conferences
Kearney, Nebraska
