SIGNing the Song: Power of Belonging

What is everyone talking about?

The Story

Through American Sign Language paired with singing, SIGNING THE SONG: POWER OF BELONGING shares the true story of a boy who grew up in a deaf household with little exposure to TV, radio, or movies. Because of his incredible 8th-grade music teacher, Mrs. Norma Freeman, William came out of his silent world and discovered his voice through music. Watch how ASL (American Sign Language) and song lyrics meld together into a beautifully unique art form. This presentation is a heartwarming celebration of the incredible impact teachers have on each child’s life… regardless of their struggles.

All the Details

About

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Educators Inspired


In the past seven years, William has spoken for state, regional, and national conferences as well as visited countless school districts…all to inspire thousands of teachers to remember the incredible impact they have on their students lives!  Teachers are rockstars!

Inspirational

SIGNing The Song: Power of Belonging‘s main purpose is to celebrate and honor teachers. The incredible influence teachers have on children and adults alike is immeasurable and deserves to be recognized and celebrated.

Musically Spectacular

Performed by the phenomenal William Martinez, the presentation features a mixture of well known songs and a couple originals written specifically for this presentation. With gorgeous music and orchestrations by David Bawiec, your audience is bound to be filled with awe.

Interactive

Not only do participants get to discover the deaf culture, but they also learn some American Sign Language at the same time. Throughout the presentation, William has the audience actively participating. Did we mention there are plenty of laughs to be had as well?
Places William has presented at

Clients

What Others Say

Testimonials

  • William Martinez has our highest recommendation. Teachers will leave teary‐eyed, and oh, so very proud, that they are a teacher. We can't wait for you to see him and hear his story.
    Harry & Rosemary Wong
    Authors of "First Days of School"
  • We were sooooo excited!  William is worth millions!  Truly one of the greatest testimonies showing the power of education I have ever watched.  Thank you!!
    Melissa Massey
    Executive Director, Southwest Center for Educational Excellence
  • Having William Martinez as a guest speaker in Calcasieu Parish was one of the highlights of my 25 years in education. With his dynamic interaction and real-life experiences, he brought stirring, motivating, and inspirational meaning to our profession. Rarely, in our quest for meaningful professional development, do we encounter someone (or something) that so strongly stirs our desire to continue the fire and passion that led us into education initially. His message is clear. Teaching touches lives. Teaching makes a difference. His message is for EVERY educator, young, seasoned, experienced, new to the profession, and district leadership. As we strive to raise academic excellence across all subjects and grades, we must not forget that teaching is from the heart…you must experience William.
    Terry Collins
    Coordinator of Teacher & Leader Support, Calcasieu Parish School District
  • “You Have Changed My Life” provides the perfect conduit to show up-and-coming teachers the meaning and value of teaching, but also to help the pros remember why they entered this incredible profession in the first place. I strongly recommend William Martinez for any conference, course, weekend retreat, or platform in which his positive message can connect with those who aspire to bring out the best in others.

    Beverly Woolery
    Polk State College
  • As a conference host, you know you’ve hit the mark when the audience spontaneously gives a standing ovation to your keynote speaker! It’s so gratifying to know that thousands of educators across the country are benefiting from William’s powerful message.  I wish all educators could see this performance.
    Judy Corcillo
    Executive Director, National Association for Alternative Certification (NAAC)
  • The most endearing, inspiring story of the difference one teacher can make! In a world where teachers feel pressure from every direction to achieve higher scores, differentiate for all, and be knowledgeable in all areas, William reminds us why we do what we do. We received rave reviews from our participants! If you haven’t introduced William to your teachers, they are missing an absolute gem. Book him today! You will never regret it.
    Angela Mireles
    Program Coordinator, Region 5 Education Service Center
  • It's a MUST SEE! I laughed, I cried, and I came out a different human being. Everyone has to see this presentation! I'm so thrilled to add another name to my list of Top Motivational Education Speakers: William Martinez.
    Kim Harris
    Music Teacher, Oaks Christian
  • With humor and song, William weaves his personal story and experience into a motivational message that will stay with educators serving at all levels of our profession.  His message continues to stick with me and shape my attitude and decisions.
    Dr. Martin Bates
    Superintendent, Granite School District
  • William inspired and motivated us with his life story and reminded all of us that, what we do as Educators is very valuable, and it means a lot! We may know or not know but everything that we do makes a difference in people's lives.
    Dr. Bilgehan Yasar
    Area Superintendent, Harmony Public Schools
Upcoming Events

Calendar

Upcoming Appearances

Date City Venue
06/06/23 - 06/07/23 Las Vegas, NV Summer Arts Integration Institute (ConFABulation) – The Smith Center
Time: 8:00am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: KO Knudson Middle School – 2400 Atlantic St.. Registration info will be available soon! Cancelled
06/08/23 Cypress, TX Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
Time: 8:00am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: Berry Center – 8877 Barker Cypress Rd.. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us!
06/15/23 Cape Coral, FL Heartland Educational Consortium
Time: 10:00am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village – 5951 Silver King Blvd.. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us!
07/27/23 Las Vegas, NV Clark County School District
Time: 9:00am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: Rio Hotel & Casino-3700 W Flamingo Rd. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us!
08/01/23 Cumberland, MD Allegany County Public Schools – Administrative Advance
Time: 8:00am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: Allegany High School – 900 Seaton Dr. Venue phone: 301-759-2000. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us!
08/04/23 Omaha, NE Omaha Public Schools
Time: 9:00am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: Buena Vista High School – 5616 L St.. Venue phone: 531-299-0220. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us!
08/07/23 Chattanooga, TN Boyd Buchanan School
Time: 9:00am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: 4650 Buccaneer Trail. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us!
08/08/23 Argyle, TX Argyle ISD
Time: 9:00am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: Argyle High School – 6701 Canyon Falls Drive. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us!
08/09/23 Brusly, LA West Baton Rouge Schools
Time: 9:00am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: Brusly High School – 630 North Vaughn Drive. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us!
08/10/23 Derrby, KS Derby Public Schools
Time: 9:00am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: Derby High School – 920 N. Rock Road. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us!
08/11/23 Fort Worth, TX White Settlement ISD
Time: 9:15am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: Brewer High School – 1025 W Loop 820 North. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us!
08/14/23 Keyser, WV Mineral County Schools
Time: 8:30am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: Church-McKee Arts Center – 121 Arnold Street. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us!
08/14/23 Keyser, WV WVU – Potomac State College
Time: 11:00am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: Church-McKee Arts Center – 121 Arnold Street. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us!
08/18/23 Cumberland, MD Allegany County Public Schools
Time: 8:00am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: Fort Hill High School – 500 Greenway Ave. Venue phone: 301-759-2000. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us!
08/21/23 Orland Park, IL Orland School District
Time: 9:00am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: Parkview Christian Church – 11100 Orland Parkway. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us!
08/23/23 Lancaster, PA Reach Cyber Charter School
Time: 8:30am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: Lancaster Convention Center – 25 S. Queen Street. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us!
08/29/23 Corning, NY Corning-Painted Post Area School District
Time: 9:00am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: 201 Cantigney St.. Venue phone: 607 936-3704. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us!
08/30/23 Hammondsport, NY Hammondsport Central School District
Time: 9:00am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: 8272 Main Street. Venue phone: 607-569-5200. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us!
08/31/23 Canisteo, NY Canisteo-Greenwood CSD
Time: 9:00am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: Canisteo-Greenwood High School – 84 Greenwood Street. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us!
09/05/23 Horseheads, NY Great Southern Tier BOCES
Time: 8:30am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: Aront Event Center – 3300 Chambers Rd. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us!
09/06/23 Elmira, NY Elmira City School District
Time: 9:00am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: Elmira High School – 777 South Main Street. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us!
09/23/23 Hagerstown, MD Apples for Children
Time: 2:45pm. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: Kepler Theatre at Hagerstown Community College -11400 Robinwood Dr.. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us!
11/09/23 Salisbury, MD Salisbury University – E. Pauline Riall Lecture Series
Time: 7:00pm. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: Holloway Hall – 1101 Camden Avenue. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us!

Recent Appearances

Date City Venue
04/27/23 College Park, MD Coppin State University – P2P Leadership Academy
Time: 9:00am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: The Hotel @ Univ. of Maryland – 7777 Baltimore Ave. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us!
03/29/23 St. Louis, MO Education Plus – Innovate Conference
Time: 12:00pm. Admission: $325. Age restrictions: All Ages. Box office: 314-692-1200. Address: The Armory District – 3676 Market Street. Venue phone: 314-692-1200. Registration is OPEN! Can’t wait to see you there!
02/03/23 Omaha, NE Omaha Public Schools
Time: 9:00am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: Buena Vista High School – 5616 L St.. Venue phone: 531-299-0220. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us!
01/09/23 Lynwood, CA Lynwood Unified School District
Time: 8:00am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: Marco Antonio Firebaugh High School – 5246 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Venue phone: (310) 886-1600. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us!
01/03/23 Mesa, AZ Mesa Public Schools
Time: 8:30am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: 1025 N Country Club Drive. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us!
12/20/22 Willard, OH Willard City Schools
Time: 12:45pm. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: Willard High School – One Flashes Ave. Venue phone: 419-935-0181. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us!
10/12/22 Oberlin, LA Allen Parish School Board
Time: 8:30am. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: West 7th Avenue. Venue phone: 337-639-4311. This is a closed event. If you wish to attend, please contact us!
Questions Answered

FAQ


Does the audience need to know ASL to enjoy William's presentation?
Not at all! Although William uses sign throughout, he is always speaking or singing simultaneously. Also, he teaches some words in ASL during his presentation, so everyone will walk away knowing some signs!
What is the running time of the presentation?
We have three different lengths based on your needs: 60, 90, and 120 minutes.
Is my event too big/small?
Nope! “SIGNing The Song: You Have Changed My Life” has been presented for thousands down to just 30. The message is powerful regardless the size of the audience.
Can William travel?
Of course! He even has his passport, so international requests are also welcomed!
Who do I contact for booking information?
You can email William directly. Use the contact form at the bottom of this page.
What are William's technical needs?
Not to worry! He can make almost any situation work! We have a very easy to read Tech Needs info sheet that he can send you. Send him a message!
Is the presentation prepared for the deaf and hard-of-hearing?
Although “SIGNing The Song: You Have Changed My Life” combines elements of American Sign Language, unfortunately, the entire show is not signed, so if you or any of your party members require the assistance of an interpreter we recommend you bring one with you to the show.

Send a Message

Contact & Booking Inquiries

Ready to book William Martinez for your conference or school event? Send a message directly to William today.