Robert Beltz

Robert has served public education for over two decades as a classroom teacher, English Language Development (ELD) specialist, and county ESL leader. A lifelong learner, he has earned certifications in Trauma-Responsiveness, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Applied Education Neuroscience, and English as a Second Language. This unique intersectionality has been the blueprint for Robert as he has provided professional learning at local, state, and national conferences. Passionate about social-emotional learning and collective care for adults in education, he understands that a culture of belonging begins with the adult nervous system. His pioneering work is focused on the nature of brain development, the importance of safety & connection, and identity affirmation for all students, including those with significant trauma. He has also worked in rural Africa, where he has confronted poverty and educational inequity. Robert lives in Southeast Michigan with his wife and three kids, where he faithfully and unapologetically disrupts systems that no longer serve today’s youth.