Speaking and Consulting

Bringing Law, Policy, and Practice Together

The hosts of Chalk & Gavel, Drs. Jamie Kudlats and Chris Thomas bring nearly 50 years of combined experience in education, law, and leadership to schools, universities, and organizations across the country. Whether speaking individually or together, they make complex school leadership, legal, and policy issues clear, practical, and engaging for educators and the public.

Who We Are

Jamie is a former middle school teacher and principal turned professor of Educational Leadership. He’s the founding editor of Law & Policy in Schools, a quarterly magazine bridging research, policy, and practice for K–12 leaders. Resting on the foundations of healthy interpersonal relationships in schools, his work focuses on legal literacy, ethics, and the practical realities of leadership in today’s educational environment.

Chris is a former school board attorney, high school English teacher, and now, professor of Educational Leadership and Policy. He is an author whose scholarship and practice center on education law, students’ rights, and school governance. He’s represented schools and districts, published widely on education law and policy, and has frequently spoken on legal issues in education.

Together, we combine legal expertise and real-world experience to help audiences understand how law shapes — and is shaped by — schools.

To inquire about availability for speaking, consulting, or media appearances, complete the contact form below or reach us directly at info@chalkandgavel.com.

How We Can Help

We’re available for:

  • Keynotes and Conference Sessions – Dynamic presentations connecting law and practice

  • Professional Development Workshops – Interactive sessions for educators and leaders

  • Consulting and Policy Guidance – Legal literacy training, compliance reviews, and policy implementation support

  • Media and Expert Commentary – Interviews and analysis for news, podcasts, and panels

Popular Topics

  • Student and staff speech rights

  • Title IX, discrimination, and equity in schools

  • Special education and accessibility

  • The legal dimensions of AI and technology use

  • Curriculum challenges and parental rights

  • Navigating new legal landscapes in K–12 leadership