We’ve all been to keynote speeches
that we wish we had not been to.
I remember sitting at a back-to-school convocation, listening to a keynote speaker who had never taught a day in his life. He had no connection to education, no understanding of our community, and no idea what it felt like to stand in front of a room full of students. He was there to inspire us—to help us be better teachers, better leaders, better humans. Instead, he alienated the entire audience within five minutes and left us counting down the seconds until it was over. Not inspiring—just irritating.That experience stuck with me. Keynote speeches should do more than fill time. They should lift, connect, entertain, and offer something real. They should leave the audience better than they found them. Because time is precious. Every minute matters.As a speaker, I understand the challenges facing teachers, administrators, parents, corporate workers, and even teenagers—because I’ve lived every one of those roles. I don’t speak from theory. I speak from experience. I’ve sat where they sit—literally—and I speak to offer value, not just volume.Formal Speaker BioTamara Hancock is a former English teacher, content creator, and speaker who brings heart, humor, and hard-earned insight to every stage. With a background that spans the corporate world, the classroom, and the chaos of raising five kids, Tamara speaks from lived experience—not just headlines and hashtags.Her talks blend storytelling, strategy, and soul, making her a powerful voice for educators, parents, faith-based communities, and anyone navigating growth and change. Whether she’s talking about classroom burnout, creative reinvention, or the messy middle of motherhood, Tamara’s approach is always real, relatable, and rooted in a deep desire to uplift and inspire.She is known for her ability to make people laugh, think, and feel seen—all in the same sentence. When she’s not speaking or creating content for her platform, Teaching Mrs. H, Tamara can be found planning her next travel adventure, studying British history for fun, or reminding her adult children that she is still, in fact, the Wi-Fi boss.
Speaking Topics
All talks are customizable for educator groups, parent nights, faith-based events, student assemblies, leadership teams, and corporate retreats.
1. Teaching Beyond the Textbook
How authentic connection, storytelling, and curiosity can reignite purpose in the classroom.
2. From Burnout to Breakthrough
Lessons from leaving full-time teaching—and what educators can learn about boundaries, balance, and rediscovering their “why.”
3. Real Talk for Real Teens
An honest, engaging conversation about identity, resilience, and what it really means to show up in a world full of filters.
4. Leadership with Heart
For administrators and aspiring leaders: Building school culture through connection, clarity, and (a little) creativity.
5. What Educators Wish You Knew
A powerful message for parents and community partners about how to support—not just expect—the best from today’s teachers.
6. When the Lesson Plan Changes
Navigating personal and professional pivots with grace, grit, and a sense of humor.
7. Faith, Failure, and Finding Your Voice
For LDS or faith-based audiences: A reflective and hopeful message about purpose, personal growth, and embracing the unexpected turns in your story.
8. I was NOT teacher of the year
Tamara Hancock never won Teacher of the Year. In fact, she was never even nominated—and that’s exactly the point. In this honest, funny, and inspiring talk, Tamara explores the often-invisible work of educators: the hallway pep talks, the silent check-ins, the lessons that never make it to Instagram.
8. Custom to your group!
Let’s chat about the needs of your group and how I can tailor a message meant just for them.
Have Mrs. H speak at your event
Convocations for adults or students, professional development, faith based events - I have a topic I can tailor for your group. Let’s chat about how I can support your event!