Roxie Smith
I equip educators with an actionable path for inspiring students and igniting their potential.
The result is more Resilience, Responsibility, Respect, and Readiness for the REAL world.
"Thank you for being such a passionate and encouraging teacher and guide to this process. The enthusiasm you bring is unmatched and absolutely contagious! So grateful for you and this cohort."
Melissa Ketchum, Mankato, MN
Professional Development, Workshops, Breakout Sessions, Master Trainer, Bullet Journal Author Curriculum Consultant, Coach and Mentor
Heart-led, Results driven!
Roxie Smith is a passionate speaker and Master Trainer for the 8 to Great program, bringing over three decades of experience as a teacher, counselor, and mentor.
Throughout her 32-year career in education, Roxie witnessed countless trends come and go, but none compared to the lasting impact of 8 to Great, a process she first discovered in 2007.
For 17 years, Roxie taught 8 to Great, witnessing firsthand the profound transformation in her students. From gaining confidence and mental wellness tools to mastering decision-making and goal-setting skills, her students consistently began to thrive instead of just surviving.
She continues to get messages from students who have overcome life's challenges and chosen sobriety, the career of their dreams, and have forgiven people in their lives and feel free to become their happiest, healthiest and most successful selves.
Roxie has dedicated herself to spreading the 8 to Great methodology, empowering teachers, schools, and communities to experience this life-changing process. Her talks are engaging, inspiring, and filled with practical strategies for personal growth and success that people begin using right away to have their BEST life.
Roxie’s mission is to equip audiences with the tools they need to navigate challenges, achieve their dreams, and build a brighter future. Whether speaking to educators, students, or leaders, Roxie’s message is clear: 8 to Great changes lives.
“Just when I thought I had no hope, 8 to Great showed me that I do.” Nathan, 10th Grader
Over her 17 years of teaching 8 to Great, Roxie saw students gain confidence, improve their mental wellness, and develop skills that set them up for lifelong success.
Comments like, “This class should be required for graduation,” and, “Now I can take charge of my mental health, ” became common among her students.
Roxie knows that the tools provided by 8 to Great aren’t just lessons—they’re life skills that students understand and USE.
Her mission is to share this process with educators, schools, and communities, ensuring that more people have access to the same breakthroughs she saw every day in her classroom.
Newest Talk
The Disruption Decoder: Finding Hidden Opportunities in the Midst of Uncertainty
In a world of constant change, disruption can feel like an obstacle—until we learn to see it as an opportunity. This powerful 8 to Great talk will equip you with the mindset and tools to decode uncertainty and turn challenges into stepping stones for success. Using the proven High-Way principles, we’ll explore how to shift fear into fuel, find clarity in uncertainty, and uncover the hidden doors that disruption can open. Whether you're facing personal upheaval or professional shifts, this session will offer you tools that you can and WILL use to navigate uncertainty with confidence and purpose.
Roxie's Other Talks
“This material needs to be in the hands of every classroom teacher in the U.S. It’s that powerful.”
-Mike Davis, Superintendent, NE
TALK ONE
Reignite Your Passion
Feel re-energized as an educator by equipping students with skills that truly change lives. Teaching can be exhausting, especially when students seem disengaged or unmotivated. But what if there was a way to reignite both their passion for learning and you passion for teaching?
The 8 to Great process provides educators with a proven framework to equip students with life-changing skills in confidence, resilience, and decision-making. When students take ownership of their growth, the classroom transforms into a place of energy, purpose, and success—helping both students and educators thrive.
TALK TWO
From External Validation to Internal Motivation
In today’s world of grades, test scores, and social media likes, students are more dependent than ever on external validation. But true success—and lifelong fulfillment—comes from within. As educators, we have the power to help our students work towards building self-driven motivation.
When students learn to fuel their own success, they become more engaged, confident, and ready to take on the world. Let’s give them the tools to thrive—not just in school, but in life.
TALK THREE
Six Secrets to Student Success
Traditional education often focuses on grades and test scores, but what
truly prepares students for success goes far beyond academics. The 8 to Great process teaches essential life skills like resilience, decision-making, and emotional well-being—that students can immediately apply to their lives.
When students see the real-world value of what they’re learning, their engagement, motivation, and confidence soar, creating a deeper connection to both their education and their future.
"I love using the 8 to Great language with students in my counseling sessions. It's so effective! The 8 to Great framework really resonates with them and helps them understand how to regulate their emotions and take ownership of their words and actions. We encouraged students to identify their dreams and they understand that these aspirations are the driving force behind our efforts to support their growth and development. I'm so glad I took the leap and signed up for the 8 to Great workshop. It's a fantastic program that can be effectively integrated into a single class or implemented school-wide."
Cara Gebhard, Counselor, Pearl City, HI
Let's Connect
“We’re seeing incredible results! There is no more powerful way to build lasting resilience than the 8 to Great program!" Carrie Dewey, K-12 Counselor, TX
Email: roxie@8togreat.com
Call: 308-760-0913
Training Offerings
