Grammy Music Educator Award Recipient, Mickey Smith Jr. hails from a forgotten community deep in the Bayou State of Louisiana but now stands on phenomenal stages as an EDUCATOR-ENCOURAGER. In addition to his work in the classroom Mickey is an international speaker, saxophonist, author, and master development coach for elementary and middle school band directors. Mickey is committed to encouraging and equipping all educators with the tools to SEE THE SOUND of significance and KEEP ON GOING with resilience to ultimately create a SOUND ONE HUNDRED & EIGHTY days of school. Smith provides specialized speaking services to educational as well as corporate clients who are ready to engage, educate, and elevate every audience member to excellence. Whether the message is being shared in a School District, a Conference, In-Person, or Virtually, Mickey shares the belief that every child is simply one Sound-Adult away from discovering their own sound of success and that educators still have the power to create a positive shift in the thoughts and perspectives of our next, best, and brightest. Mickey’s motivational mixture of music & message teaches people how to reach people with consistency, intention, and strategy and a philosophy that is simple: “Teach By Design, Not By Default.”

Mickey, his wife and fellow educator Eugenia and their two children reside in West Palm Beach, FL where Mickey teaches at The Greene School as the Director of Instrumental Music.