NAMSS Conference 2011

Frank Coffield, Institute of Education, University of London

Frank Coffield is Professor of Education at the Institute of Education, University of London, having previously worked in the Universities of Newcastle, Durham and Keele. Earlier he taught in a comprehensive school, an approved school and Jordanhill College of Education in Scotland. He was Director of the ESRCs research programme into The Learning Society. For a full Biography including details of free downloads please click on the documentation below.

Richard McCann

Richard McCann is a Sunday Times No1 Bestselling author. His first book, "Just a Boy", has sold close to 400,000 copies and has been translated around the world. The BBC has made a film about him and he has an extraordinary life story. Brought up on the At Risk register until his mother died tragically when he was aged five, Richard then went on a downward spiral. Foster homes, children's home and then a violent upbringing by his estranged father took away any self esteem that he had. He left school with no qualifications and was kicked out of the army for psychological reasons before he turned to drugs to ease his depression. After a prison sentence for a drugs offence, and with his home about to be possessed, Richard hit rock bottom where he considered taking his life. It was at this point that he found the gut wrenching determination to turn his life around and fight for a better future. That turn around has been remarkable. Now married with a family of his own, two books about his life being published, and a much sought after inspirational speaker, Richard puts a lot of his success down to his attitude, his 'iCan' attitude. His presentation centres on the way in which he has turned, what can only be described as insurmountable odds, to his favour and has shaped a more positive life for himself. It's one that most people don't forget in a hurry.