SPEAKERS ARCHIVE
Learn more about the amazing featured speakers from past GaETC’s! We value our speakers highly, so take the time to learn more about them!
2024 SPEAKERS
2024 keynote SPEAKERS
A.J. Juliani
Opening Keynote
Tom Murray
Leadership Keynote
2024 FEATURED SPEAKERS
Brian Buffington
EdTech K12's Top 30 to Follow in 2021 and author of the beloved weekly EdTech Newsletter “Buff Nuggets”, Brian Buffington loves helping teachers and leaders do more with technology. He’s passionate about using tech in creative, fun, and engaging ways. His background...
Holly Clark
FEATURED SPEAKERMeet Holly, a passionate educator and digital learning pioneer who has made significant contributions to the field of educational technology. With over 25 years of rich experience, Holly is not only an international speaker and a bestselling author but...
Ayo Jones
Ayo Jones is a global educator, successful instructional coach, and charismatic speaker who brings nearly two decades of classroom and leadership experience to the stage. She is the author of Teaching with AI: The PEACE Framework, a practical guide to integrating...
Keith Osburn
FEATURED SPEAKERDr. Keith Osburn is the Chief Information Officer and Deputy Superintendent for Technology Services at the Georgia Department of Education. Spending the early days of his career as a Chemistry and Physics teacher, Dr. Osburn was introduced to the world...
Adam Phyall
FEATURED SPEAKERDr. Adam Phyall is a former high school science teacher who recently served as the Director of Technology and Media Services for Newton County School System in Covington, GA. Since Adam got his first laptop in college, he has been hooked on the...
Daniel Rivera
FEATURED SPEAKERDaniel has been helping teachers use technology wisely for over 22 years, advocating for tools and strategies that transform teaching and learning. He’s a Google Certified Innovator and has recently become a statewide speaker on all things AI related.
Leslie Fisher
FEATURED SPEAKERLeslie Fisher’s interest in technology began while studying music at the University of Southern California. She quickly realized the value of utilizing computers for music mixing and recording. She grabbed her 300 baud modem, jumped on the Internet...
Tony Vincent
FEATURED SPEAKERWith a knack for simplifying tech and amplifying creativity, Tony helps teachers refresh their practice and reimagine what’s possible. Tony Vincent is an educator, creator, and consultant based in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He began his teaching career 27...
Eric Toler
FEATURED SPEAKERColonel (Retired) Eric Toler joined Augusta University in 2018 as Executive Director of the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center (aka Georgia Cyber Center). Mr. Toler previously served in the U.S. Army as a Military Intelligence Officer,...
2023 SPEAKERS
2023 keynote SPEAKERS
George Couros
Opening Keynote
Eric Sheninger
Leadership Keynote
2023 FEATURED SPEAKERS
Dr. Abbey L. Askew
FEATURED SPEAKERDr. Abbey L. Askew is an Instructional Technology Enthusiast with over 20years in education at the local, district, regional and state level. Herexperiences include service as a public school middle and secondaryEnglish teacher, Instructional...
Marcus Borders
FEATURED SPEAKERMarcus is a Learning Innovation Coach with Ed Farm, who thrives as a servant to educators and students. Currently, he is charged with coaching/supporting educators and administrators with blended learning experiences, personalized coaching, coding, and...
Chris Bugaj
FEATURED SPEAKER
Eric Curts
FEATURED SPEAKEREric has been in education for 31 years, and currently serves as a Technology Integration Specialist for SPARCC in North Canton, Ohio where he oversees Google for Education implementation, training, and support, as well as other technology integration...
Holly Clark
FEATURED SPEAKERMeet Holly, a passionate educator and digital learning pioneer who has made significant contributions to the field of educational technology. With over 25 years of rich experience, Holly is not only an international speaker and a bestselling author but...
Leslie Fisher
FEATURED SPEAKERLeslie Fisher’s interest in technology began while studying music at the University of Southern California. She quickly realized the value of utilizing computers for music mixing and recording. She grabbed her 300 baud modem, jumped on the Internet...
Cicely Lewis
FEATURED SPEAKER Cicely Lewis—2020 School Librarian of the Year, named by SLJ and founder of the award -winning Read Woke® movement—is redefining what it means to engage students through literacy in the digital age. A school librarian, author of 13 books, and...
Tony Vincent
FEATURED SPEAKERWith a knack for simplifying tech and amplifying creativity, Tony helps teachers refresh their practice and reimagine what’s possible. Tony Vincent is an educator, creator, and consultant based in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He began his teaching career 27...
Shantel Lott
FEATURED SPEAKERShantel’s career began as a High School Theatre Tech Director and Social Studies teacher. Both positions fueled her passion for the Arts and History. She spent the past few years before joining the friEd Team as an Instructional Technology Specialist...
Brooke Lowery
FEATURED SPEAKERBrooke is a Google Certified Educator and Lead Learning Guide at friEdTechnology. Her goal is to inspire teachers to create a technology-rich classroom based on student inquiry and engagement. In her sessions she enjoys sharing tips, tricks, and...
Jorge Valenzuela
FEATURED SPEAKERJorge Valenzuela is a well-regarded and nationally recognized performance and education coach, author, and speaker at Lifelong Learning Defined. He got his start in education and has helped countless educators improve their leadership and instructional...
2022 SPEAKERS
2022 keynote SPEAKERS
George Couros
Opening Keynote
Jeremy Anderson
Keynote Speaker
2022 FEATURED SPEAKERS
Dr. Abbey L. Askew
FEATURED SPEAKERDr. Abbey L. Askew is an Instructional Technology Enthusiast with over 20years in education at the local, district, regional and state level. Herexperiences include service as a public school middle and secondaryEnglish teacher, Instructional...
Eric Curts
FEATURED SPEAKEREric has been in education for 31 years, and currently serves as a Technology Integration Specialist for SPARCC in North Canton, Ohio where he oversees Google for Education implementation, training, and support, as well as other technology integration...
Leslie Fisher
FEATURED SPEAKERLeslie Fisher’s interest in technology began while studying music at the University of Southern California. She quickly realized the value of utilizing computers for music mixing and recording. She grabbed her 300 baud modem, jumped on the Internet...
Cicely Lewis
FEATURED SPEAKER Cicely Lewis—2020 School Librarian of the Year, named by SLJ and founder of the award -winning Read Woke® movement—is redefining what it means to engage students through literacy in the digital age. A school librarian, author of 13 books, and...
Tony Vincent
FEATURED SPEAKERWith a knack for simplifying tech and amplifying creativity, Tony helps teachers refresh their practice and reimagine what’s possible. Tony Vincent is an educator, creator, and consultant based in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He began his teaching career 27...
Victor Hicks
FEATURED SPEAKERVictor “Coach”Hicks is the founder and director of Coding with Culture, an organization designed to create a Kindergarten through HBCU pathway in Computer Science and STEM. Victor Hicks is also a K-8th grade STEM teacher in Decatur, Georgia. Victor’s...
Amanda Jones
FEATURED SPEAKERAmanda Jones is the 2021 School Library Journal Co-Librarian of the Year, a 2021 Library Journal Mover and Shaker, and the 2020 Louisiana School Librarian of the Year. She was named one of the 30 K-12 IT Influencers to Follow in 2022 by EdTech...
2021 SPEAKERS
2021 keynote SPEAKERS
Michael Bonner
Seen on The Ellen Show and NBC Nightly News, educator, speaker, and author Michael Bonner has taken to more than 100 education conferences, school district meetings and leadership development stages across the U.S. & Canada to share his "lessons learned" from...
Adam Welcome
Adam has been a teacher, Principal, Director of Innovation for a district with 35,000 students and enjoys pushing the envelope to always do what's best for kids! Adam was Principal of the Year for his region, a 20 To Watch for the National School Board Association,...
2021 FEATURED SPEAKERS
Michael Bonner
Seen on The Ellen Show and NBC Nightly News, educator, speaker, and author Michael Bonner has taken to more than 100 education conferences, school district meetings and leadership development stages across the U.S. & Canada to share his "lessons learned" from...
Leslie Fisher
FEATURED SPEAKERLeslie Fisher’s interest in technology began while studying music at the University of Southern California. She quickly realized the value of utilizing computers for music mixing and recording. She grabbed her 300 baud modem, jumped on the Internet...
Cicely Lewis
FEATURED SPEAKER Cicely Lewis—2020 School Librarian of the Year, named by SLJ and founder of the award -winning Read Woke® movement—is redefining what it means to engage students through literacy in the digital age. A school librarian, author of 13 books, and...
Adam Welcome
Adam has been a teacher, Principal, Director of Innovation for a district with 35,000 students and enjoys pushing the envelope to always do what's best for kids! Adam was Principal of the Year for his region, a 20 To Watch for the National School Board Association,...
Natasha Rachell
Dr. Natasha Rachell, a passionate educator, is an alternatively certified high school science teacher turned edtech enthusiast, currently serving as a Digital Learning Specialist for Atlanta Public Schools! Natasha has immersed herself into the instructional...
Martha Bongiorno
Martha Bongiorno is a national speaker and presenter, school library activist, and creator of possibilities. Currently serving as a school librarian in Metro Atlanta, Martha supports students and educators by pushing boundaries of traditional education to empower...
Jennifer Hall
Jennifer Hall has been an educator for more than twenty-three years and currently serves as one of Atlanta Public Schools' Educational Technology Specialists. As a member of the district's Instructional Technology Department, Jen collaborates with teachers to...
2020 SPEAKERS
2020 keynote SPEAKERS
GA State School Superintendent Richard Woods
Richard Woods was born in Pensacola, Florida and while growing up in a military family, lived in California, Hawaii and Virginia before moving to Georgia. He graduated from Fitzgerald High School, and went on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree from Kennesaw State...
Michael Hernandez
Michael is an award-winning cinema and journalism teacher in Los Angeles whose work focuses on digital storytelling, media literacy and social justice. As an author, keynote speaker and consultant, he helps educators empower students to find passion and purpose in...
2020 FEATURED SPEAKERS
GA State School Superintendent Richard Woods
Richard Woods was born in Pensacola, Florida and while growing up in a military family, lived in California, Hawaii and Virginia before moving to Georgia. He graduated from Fitzgerald High School, and went on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree from Kennesaw State...
Michael Hernandez
Michael is an award-winning cinema and journalism teacher in Los Angeles whose work focuses on digital storytelling, media literacy and social justice. As an author, keynote speaker and consultant, he helps educators empower students to find passion and purpose in...
Brian Buffington
EdTech K12's Top 30 to Follow in 2021 and author of the beloved weekly EdTech Newsletter “Buff Nuggets”, Brian Buffington loves helping teachers and leaders do more with technology. He’s passionate about using tech in creative, fun, and engaging ways. His background...
Leslie Fisher
FEATURED SPEAKERLeslie Fisher’s interest in technology began while studying music at the University of Southern California. She quickly realized the value of utilizing computers for music mixing and recording. She grabbed her 300 baud modem, jumped on the Internet...
Jennifer Leban
Jennifer Leban is a 2020 IL State Teacher of the Year Finalist and 2019-20 Teach Plus Illinois Teaching Policy Fellow. A National Board Certified Teacher, Jennifer teaches creative technology and visual arts classes at Sandburg Middle School in Elmhurst, IL. In 2018,...
Shannon Miller
Shannon McClintock Miller is an international speaker, consultant and author who has a passion for education, librarianship, advocacy, technology, social media and making a difference in the world and lives of others, especially children. Shannon brings a special...
Natasha Rachell
Dr. Natasha Rachell, a passionate educator, is an alternatively certified high school science teacher turned edtech enthusiast, currently serving as a Digital Learning Specialist for Atlanta Public Schools! Natasha has immersed herself into the instructional...
MaryEllen West
MaryEllen West is a Google for Education Certified Trainer and Innovator, speaker, technology consultant, and staff development facilitator who holds an EdS in Educational Leadership. She works as a district Instructional Technology Coach in Gwinnett County Public...
2019 SPEAKERS
Kasey Bell
Kasey Bell Kasey Bell is part sparkling smile, part witty personality and a whole heap of passion as big as a Texas–go big or go home, y’all! She is a disruptor of the boring. An engaging, innovative, from the heart sharer who inspires educators while transforming...
Wanda Terral
Wanda Terral Twenty-five year educator Dr. Wanda Terral is the Director of Technology for the Lakeland School System (TN). A former band director, Wanda is constantly seeking information relating to techniques & practices related to the use of tech to empower...
Jennie Magiera
Jennie Magiera Jennie Magiera is the author of Courageous Edventures and the founder and president of the non-profit organization, Our Voice Alliance, whose mission is to elevate marginalized voices and perspectives to improve equity & empathy in education....
Steve Dembo
Steve Dembo As a former kindergarten teacher and school Director of Technology Steve Dembo is a pioneer in the field of educational social networking. Currently serving as Discovery Education's Director of Social Media Strategy and Online Community, Dembo was among...
Leslie Fisher
FEATURED SPEAKERLeslie Fisher’s interest in technology began while studying music at the University of Southern California. She quickly realized the value of utilizing computers for music mixing and recording. She grabbed her 300 baud modem, jumped on the Internet...
Shannon Miller
Shannon McClintock Miller is an international speaker, consultant and author who has a passion for education, librarianship, advocacy, technology, social media and making a difference in the world and lives of others, especially children. Shannon brings a special...
Natasha Rachell
Dr. Natasha Rachell, a passionate educator, is an alternatively certified high school science teacher turned edtech enthusiast, currently serving as a Digital Learning Specialist for Atlanta Public Schools! Natasha has immersed herself into the instructional...
Linette Attai
Linnette Attai is Project Director for CoSN’s Privacy Initiative and Trusted Learning Environment Program. For over 25 years, Linnette Attai has been building organizational cultures of compliance and guiding clients through the complex obligations governing data...
Michael Hernandez
Michael is an award-winning cinema and journalism teacher in Los Angeles whose work focuses on digital storytelling, media literacy and social justice. As an author, keynote speaker and consultant, he helps educators empower students to find passion and purpose in...
Dr. Chris Craft
Dr. Christopher Craft is an award-winning educator and speaker based in South Carolina. As a classroom teacher, he has been recognized both locally and nationally for innovative teaching with technology. Most recently he was selected from among more than 1,000...
Steve Garton
Steve Garton is a Senior Manager for Common Sense Education. He is an expert in meaningful technology integration, particularly in large-scale initiatives. He supports districts with professional development planning, program monitoring, student assessment, and...