The Breakfast Club Effect: Empowering Storytellers from Within
Date: 7/21/2026
Time: 8:30 - 9:30 AM
Room: Grand Ballroom D (Floor 1)
Skill Session - Live lecture, panel discussion or interactive session with time for Q&A. 60-minutes.
ENGAGEMENT–Internal/external stakeholder engagement
Session Description
In every school system, the most powerful stories don’t originate from official communication channels. They come from the people who live the work each day. Yet many districts unintentionally create communication cultures where employees hesitate to share, fear making mistakes, or feel pressured to “post the right thing.” This session examines how to ethically encourage employee advocacy without crossing boundaries, blurring lines between personal and professional identities, or creating unintentional pressure.
Building on the success of last year's Beyond the Newsletter: Breaking Free from the Communications Groundhog Day, this session blends research, real-world examples, and interactive activities to explore how employees navigate vulnerability, digital privacy, and organizational expectations.
Participants will learn how to model authentic communication, create opt-in pathways for advocacy, and celebrate diverse voices without ranking or comparing them. The session provides actionable guidance for leaders and communication professionals who want to strengthen trust, elevate authentic storytelling, and transform employees from reluctant participants into confident, voluntary storytellers.
Presenter(s)
Brandon Langer
Director of Innovation and Strategic Partnership
Montgomery County Intermediate Unit (PA)
Brandon Langer is an accomplished educational leader and administrator, specializing in technology and educational program development, curriculum writing, project management, and communications. He currently leads strategic communications and educational partnerships at the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit (MCIU), aiming to enhance programs and services for students, educators, leaders, and staff. Brandon's professional journey began with a Bachelor of Music in Education from the University of Delaware, evolving through various teaching and administrative roles that leveraged his deep expertise in instructional technology and curriculum development.
Brandon also serves as a leader in statewide educational technology committees, developing vendor partnerships that enrich educational technology across Pennsylvania. His strategic vision and dedication to fostering relationship-based growth underscore his belief in the transformative power of education through innovation, technology, and human-centered programming. LinkedIn Profile
Becky Coyle
Strategic Communications Supervisor
MCIU
The Breakfast Club Effect: Empowering Storytellers from Within
Category
Skill Session - Live lecture, panel discussion or interactive session with time for Q&A. 60-minutes.