Speaker · Educator · Founder of Changing Perspectives

Different
is OK.

Sam Drazin was born with Treacher Collins Syndrome. Today he helps students, parents and teachers see difference, empathy and inclusion in a whole new way.

Plan Sam’s visit ▶ Watch Sam

Sam, in his own words

“I even had other teachers come up to me and tell me

that outside on the playground, they would hear students in other classes ask my students,

‘What’s wrong with Mr. Drazin’s ears?’

And my students would simply reply,

‘Well, that’s just the way he was born.’”

From Sam’s talk on growing up with Treacher Collins

0Schools visited

0Students reached

14 + 4States & countries

2012Speaking since

As seen inThe Washington PostThe Boston GlobeLowell SunSeacoast OnlineBoston University

Watch

See Sam in the room

Assemblies and conversations on difference, empathy and what it means to be an upstander.

Sam’s story

The kid who looked different became the teacher who changed the conversation.

rare condition that shaped everything

Childhood

Born with Treacher Collins Syndrome

A rare congenital condition that causes facial differences and hearing loss. Sam grew up as the student who looked and felt different from everyone around him.

Growing up

Seven surgeries before adulthood

Reconstructive surgeries shaped his childhood, physically and emotionally. In school, he says he was more often ignored than bullied.

The bear story. After one ear surgery when Sam was five, his surgeon bandaged his stuffed bear’s ear to match his own. Five minutes of kindness he still remembers.

The classroom

He became a teacher

A certified elementary educator, Sam taught in Vermont public schools and inclusive classrooms, where he saw how much kids needed to learn empathy, not just about it.

2012–2013

He started telling his story

Sam began speaking at schools in 2012. The next year he founded Changing Perspectives, a nonprofit bringing disability awareness and SEL into classrooms.

Today

250+ schools. 50,000+ students.

From Vermont to California to Abu Dhabi, Sam helps students become agents of change in their own communities.

“Awareness is the foundation for empathy.”

What Sam teaches

Learn. Connect. Inspire.

Every program is built around three ideas, adapted for kindergarten through adults.

Learn

How we are different

Visible and invisible differences, and how understanding them makes a community kinder and more inclusive.

See programs →

Connect

With all people

Finding what we share with everyone, and using it to communicate and work together with more kindness.

See programs →

Inspire

Be a role model

Turning awareness into action, so students leave ready to be agents of change in their school and community.

Plan a visit →

Programs

A whole day of perspective

In person or virtual, half-day to multi-day. Tap “Add to visit” to build your day with Sam below.

Reading Wonder?

Your students met Auggie in a book. Now they can meet someone who lived it.

Sam was born with Treacher Collins Syndrome, the same condition as Auggie in R.J. Palacio’s novel. Schools across the country bring Sam in for “One Book” reads and Wonder units to bring the story off the page.

Plan a Wonder visit

WPBringing Wonder’s lessons of empathy and inclusion to lifeThe Washington Post · 2017 UKBringing ‘Wonder’ to lifeCranleigh Preparatory School, England · 2021 MAInspiring students to be agents of change and kindnessLowell Sun · 2018 OHRidge Middle School kicks off “One Grade One Book”The News-Herald

Where Sam’s been

143 schools and counting

143 of the schools Sam has visited, from Vermont classrooms to Abu Dhabi. Spin the globe or pick a place.

In the news

What people are saying

Coverage of Sam’s visits from newspapers, schools and universities.

The Washington PostBringing ‘Wonder’s’ lessons of empathy and inclusion to life for students2017 · Read → The Boston GlobeThe lessons of ‘Wonder’2017 · Read → Sentinel & EnterpriseToday’s lesson? Different is OK2018 · Read → Seacoast OnlineEducator changing the face of disability2015 · Read → Boston UniversitySam Drazin shares his experience in the Patient Seminar Series2021 · Read → Coshocton TribuneSam Drazin speaks on Treacher Collins Syndrome2018 · Watch → The Middletown PressPortland grade-schoolers learn about changing perspectivesRead → Quinnipiac UniversityEducator uses personal story to create inclusive classrooms2018 · Read →

Book Sam

Build your day with Sam

Choose what you want and see a sample schedule take shape. Sam’s team follows up with dates and a quote.

1 · Programs

2 · Format

3 · Grades

4 · Reading Wonder this year?

Make it last all year

Add a year of Changing Perspectives curriculum so your teachers keep the conversation going after Sam leaves: 300+ SEL and disability awareness lessons, PreK–12.

Number of educators25

Changing
Perspectives

One visit starts the conversation. Changing Perspectives keeps it going.

Sam founded Changing Perspectives, a nonprofit that gives schools year-round curriculum, coaching and professional development in SEL and disability awareness.

Visit Changing Perspectives →

Sam visits. Assemblies, classrooms, parents and staff, in one day.

Teachers keep going. 300+ ready-to-teach lessons for every grade.

The culture shifts. Coaching and PD make inclusion part of how your school works.

Questions

Before you book

What ages does Sam speak to?

Kindergarten through high school, plus parents, educators and university audiences. Each program is adapted to the age in the room.

Can Sam visit virtually?

Yes. Sam has visited schools from Abu Dhabi to England virtually, and in person across the country.

How long is a visit?

Half-day, full-day and multi-day visits are available. Most schools combine an assembly, classroom visits and a parent or staff session.

How much does it cost?

Fees depend on format, length and travel. Use the planner above and Sam’s team will send a quote.

We’re reading Wonder. Is that a good fit?

A perfect one. Sam has the same condition as Auggie and works with schools on One Book reads and Wonder units.