Carl Hobert

Author & Expert in International Education, Conflict Resolution & Global Literacy

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Biography

Author of Raising Global IQ: Preparing Our Students for a Shrinking Planet, and a globally recognized expert on the importance of K12 global competency, Carl has been a K12 public and private school educator and administrator in the US and overseas for over 30 years. Read More >

Most recently, he was the Director of Boston University's Global Literacy Institute, before co-founding Boston-based Athena Security Group (ASG), which assists K12 schools around the world with crucial security threat assessments and recommendations. Fluent in English, Spanish and French, Hobert helps his audiences to build more secure "Communities of Trust", where prevention of violence, rather than the reaction to it, becomes the norm. Carl provides audiences with convincing examples of his successes in conflict resolution and counterterrorism work with youth, adolescents and adults on 5 continents, and his near-death experience in Africa in 2018. With an exceptional stage presence, this passionate life-long educator offers understandable, ready-to-institute, step-by-step solutions to today's growing school community threats, that leave listeners uplifted and prepared to confront challenging issues in their personal and professional lives at once.

Carl has a BA in French and Political Science, and an MA in Spanish, both from Middlebury College, and an MA in International Security Studies from the Tufts University Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. Read Less ^

Speaker Videos

International Students & Global IQ

Speech Topics

Creating Safer, More Secure K12 School 'Communities of Trust'

Threats to the safety of K12 school communities are on the rise, around the US and abroad. From bullying and cyberbullying, to unknown student and adult mental health issues and targeted violence, K12 teachers, administrators, staff members, parents and students face a host of risks inside and outside of school today. Carl teaches K12 communities how to perform crucial threat assessments, develop rapid reporting techniques, complete emergency planning, and develop immediate action plans in order to improve school climates, creating what he calls safer, more secure K12 school 'Communities of Trust'.

How to Prevent Gun Violence in US K12 Schools

The latest mass shootings in Uvalde, TX, Buffalo, NY and Highland Park, IL, have revived concerns about domestic terrorism in the US. Unfortunately, many "solutions" in dealing with active shooter threats are reactive - hardened targets, lockdown protocols, police officers on site, armed teachers and staff. But the key to reducing mass shootings is to promote prevention over interruption. Carl offers valuable, easy-to-implement ways for K12 school communities to focus their efforts on preventing, rather than simply reacting to mass shootings.

How to Deal with the Rising Domestic Terror Threat in US K12 Schools

K12 school communities face an evolving and unique set of threats, hazards, and security challenges, ranging from active shooters to bombing threats to cyberattacks. And these school violence issues remain a persistent problem across the US, with tragedies spanning decades, states, and communities, and impacting the health and well-being of our nation’s K12 school communities. Carl provides proven ways in which school communities can enhance school safety and security, including time-tested violence assessment techniques, regular community action drills, and cybersecurity protocol exercises.

Why We Need Better K12 Cybersecurity Education Programs

Each day, DarkSide, REvil, and other cybercriminal hacking groups threaten schools, corporations and government agencies around the world with ransomware attacks. K12 schools worldwide must invest in improved cybersecurity education programs in order to tap a precious national resource - Gen Z child prodigies in the field of cybersecurity - now and for decades to come.

Testimonials

"You made a huge impression on everyone here. There is one man who has come up to me several times and commented ‘I still haven’t gotten over that talk.’ You rocked our world here."

- Concord Free Public Library

"Carl Hobert offers a unique and refreshing approach to studying global conflicts. I attended his two-day workshop at Boston University to gather ideas for teaching a senior elective on resolving global conflicts. Hobert transformed my classroom into a dynamic space for active negotiations. He demonstrated a warm spirit and enthusiasm for working with young people and equipping them with critical skills."

- History Teacher, Thayer Academy

"Carl is an extraordinary communicator. He has an ability to connect with young people from various backgrounds and get them to work together towards a common goal. He is diligent in preparing young people and, like a great teacher and coach, he pushes them to perform at a higher level than they are used to. Negotiation, debate, and compromise are integral skills which Carl both possesses and draws out in students."

- Director, Center for Entrepreneurial & Global Studies

"A lot of schools give talk to “global education” but often without the substance, resources, and skills you are able to bring to the table. I love how you helped our students (and faculty) realize the importance of developing and awareness of their place in an ever-shrinking world, the knowledge and skills to be effective participants in a global community, and the insight and sensitivity to craft sustainable solutions to the challenges of our/their time. As you state so eloquently and powerfully, these students will be the ones conducting international diplomacy very shortly."

- Director of Community Connections, Marin Country Day School

"Over the past three years, The Out-of-Door Academy (ODA) has had the privilege of hosting four conflict resolution workshops led by Carl Hobert. Without exception, each workshop had a lasting impact on students and faculty. Mr. Hobert’s greatest attribute is his belief in the intellect and empathy of youth…[his] ice-breakers and body language illustrated the importance of connecting with students beyond subject matter. I highly recommend [Mr. Hobert’s] workshops as an experience that will have positive ripple effects on numerous levels throughout a school community."

- The Out-of-Door Academy

"I am so happy and so thrilled at how much I learned; I now know that even kids at our age can do things to help save and improve the world. Now I know that I shouldn't be afraid to speak my opinion because America is a free country and everyone has the freedom to speak. I also know that one day, through my actions, I will possibly be able to change the world even if it does take work and time."

- Student, James Giles Elementary School