Keynote Speakers

We seek out those who are drawing crowds at conferences to investigate whether they are a good fit for our warm-hearted, caring, and expert team of friEdTechies. When you’re looking for your next featured conference presenter, keynote provider, podcast guest, etc., look no further than our excellent team of educators at friEdTech. Each of our Learning Guides has a passion they would love to share with your educators.

Meet our speakers below and see the diverse range of topics that excite them, and let them help you start the next movement for positive change in your school, district, or organization.

Amy Mayer

Amy Mayer, a nationally renowned speaker and professional development guru, began her educational journey as an English and Foreign Language teacher. As the CEO of friEdTech, a leading education technology professional development company collaborating with giants like Google and Adobe, Amy has elevated the organization to operate in 40 states and numerous countries. Passionate about fostering student and teacher engagement and promoting equity in education, Amy identifies and nurtures educators into proficient leaders, making friEdTech a favorite among educators. As a former teacher, her debut book, "Beyond Worksheets," empowers K-12 educators with time-saving strategies, including Generative AI, for engaging and relevant learning.

Visit Amy's profile here
Access Amy's speaker bio and headshots here

Keynote Topics:

AI in the Wonderland of Learning: Navigating New Horizons and Hidden Hazards in Education

Join Amy Mayer, author of Beyond Worksheets and a trailblazing figure in education technology, as she guides us through the transformative landscapes of AI in education. As the visionary founder and CEO of the premier ed tech firm, friEdTech, whose collaborations with giants like Google and Adobe have set new benchmarks in educational innovation. In this compelling narrative, she not only celebrates the creative frontiers AI opens for learning (and humanity) but also casts a critical eye on the challenges lurking for the unwary. Amy's keynote is a dual beacon of inspiration and caution, urging educators to harness the magic of AI while navigating its potential pitfalls with strategic foresight. Prepare to be transported into an educational odyssey where imagination meets pragmatism and where every step forward is taken with both wonder and wisdom.

Revolutionizing Classrooms & Getting Beyond Worksheets: Engaging Minds, Transforming Education

In a world where education is rapidly evolving, the traditional reliance on worksheets in classrooms has come under scrutiny; enter "Revolutionizing Classrooms & Getting Beyond Worksheets,” which is not just a keynote focusing on all the cool things (like AI); it's a clarion call for educators to redesign the fabric of learning. Drawing inspiration from Amy Mayer's groundbreaking book, Beyond Worksheets, this keynote delves into the heart of educational transformation, urging teachers to look beyond the conventional methods of teaching while they retain their own work/life balance.

Amy Mayer, a seasoned educator and the visionary founder of friEdTech, shares her personal journey from a worksheet-dependent teacher to an innovative educator adept at the art of motivating students. And now, she proposes a radical shift towards a more engaging, student-centered approach that does not leave educators asking, “OH NO, is this one more thing I have to do?”

This keynote is designed to ignite a spark in educators, encouraging them to explore the vast potential of technology-infused teaching methods that not only make learning fun and relevant but also empower teachers to create a classroom culture that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. Mayer offers actionable strategies and practical tools that teachers can immediately integrate into their teaching repertoire, transforming their classrooms into vibrant learning communities.

Attendees will leave equipped with the knowledge and inspiration to revolutionize their teaching methods and make learning an adventure rather than a chore. This is more than a keynote; it's a journey to the heart of educational innovation, where every teacher becomes an architect of engaging, meaningful learning experiences. Join us to discover how you can transform your teaching, inspire your students, and reignite your passion for education with "Revolutionizing Classrooms & Getting Beyond Worksheets.”

The Impact of the Tech Influencer

When you hear the term “influencer,” you probably envision an attractive 20-something on Instagram or TikTok in the middle of a carefully curated and tastefully decorated set. What you’re imagining, then, is nothing like real life, especially the real life of a REAL educator. But, believe it or not, you are also an “influencer,” whether you intend to be or not. In this talk, you will learn how the educational influencers among us are shaping our field, even though some of us don’t possess a single social media login. Amy Mayer, the founder of friEdTech, has learned a few things about identified and unidentified “influencers” and how communicating with the right people can make or break any initiative. Get ready to determine what type of influencer you are and how to wield your powers. Regardless of who you find yourself influencing, we know you will enjoy Amy’s brand of educational humor as you relive some inspiring stories with her and see a whole new side of yourself and your power as an educator.

Worksheet Killers

When Amy was a kid in the 70s and 80s, school was a series of packets, and she could really "kill" those worksheets! Amy enjoyed the challenge of working her way through a maze of crooked, mimeographed chaos while inhaling the alluring (toxic) smell! Fast forward to college, where The Packet still lived a prosperous life! Who would grade them? Where would they go after being turned in? Nobody knew; that was the mystery of school. You got what you got and didn't dare ask why. These relics of the past may not be gone yet, but friEdTech Amy has a mission to share 100 ways and 100 reasons to get students engaged in work that is both more creative and more interesting than those old strategies of bygone days. Join Amy as she shares how education has changed and what is next in our field as together, educators forge new pathways for learning without paper.

Steven Stone

Steven is an experienced Texas Certified Educator and Administrator, Google Certified Educator, Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, and Director of Microsoft at FriEdTech. Exposed to how powerful technology can be when facilitating and remediating learning to assist with student growth and achievement, he became a passionate advocate for helping educators be more productive and efficient when completing daily, mundane tasks. His learning opportunities are not only engaging but useful as well.

Visit Steven's profile here

Keynote Topics:

Looking into the Blind Spot

Filled with compassion, Steven Stone is hardworking and loyal, so when people started telling him racism was affecting his career, he didn't want to believe it. Figuring out how to "look into the blind spot" helped Steven understand the biases we all have and face as humans. Look into your blind spot with Steven as your guide in this keynote address that won't just make you wonder for an hour but will make you question your perceptions and perhaps look at the world from a slightly different perspective. Steven's other job is preaching to a Houston, Texas, congregation. Even though you won't be getting any religion served up with this event, you will understand why he is beloved in all of the crucial roles he plays in his life.

There is a saying, "there are two sides to every story." People cannot see another's side in those stories due to blind spots. When we think of blind spots, we might think of driving with an area of the road not visible through the rear-view or side-view mirrors. Believe it or not, many people exhibit blind spot bias knowingly and unknowingly. What is it? Why is it? How does this affect people mentally and socially?

Brooke Lowery

Brooke is a Google Certified Teacher and Trainer and has a master's degree in Educational Instructional Technology and Leadership. As the leader of the Learning Guides at friEdTech, she has the opportunity to inspire teachers to create technology-rich classrooms based on student inquiry. She is devoted to helping teachers broaden the spectrum of their comfortable boxes by integrating technology to enhance learning and build relationships with students. She is known for her witty personality and deep understanding of learning as well as her dedication to creating beautiful, clear learning materials.

Visit Brooke's profile here

Keynote Topics:

Speak Up! Connecting with Students by Speaking Their Language

Spend five minutes with a student, and you may feel like you do not even speak the same language. Every generation has created words and even modes of communication that only they speak fluently; today’s kids have even resorted to modern-day hieroglyphics (aka emojis.) Not only do these communication shifts cause a language barrier, but so can the actual emotions of a growing student. We each have our own stories, experiences, and backgrounds that we bring to the classroom, so how do we connect with kids who seem drastically different from us and sometimes speak a foreign-to-us language altogether? Let’s challenge ourselves to connect with students in new and different ways. In this keynote, Brooke helps you learn how to identify your students’ love languages and build supportive relationships that will make this school year like no other. You’ll be shocked how learning to understand students, and even colleagues, on a deeper level can change the learning environment and potentially your whole life.

#lovelanguages #buildingstudentrelationships #capturingkidshearts #communication #trust

Amy Storer

Amy is a Lead Learning Guide at friEdTech, Google Certified Trainer, Google Certified Educator, Microsoft Certified Educator, Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, Microsoft Innovative Educator Trainer, and a Microsoft Global Mentor. She is a distinguished educator that encourages and motivates others to reach far beyond the classroom walls to make learning more meaningful and inspiring. She has a true passion for purposeful technology integrations, meaningful PD, and global connections.

Visit Amy's profile here

Keynote Topics:

That ONE Kid

We all have that one kid. You know the one that we are talking about; that one kid who challenged us in ways that made us better human beings and educators (and maybe nearly broke our spirit as a teacher.) The kid that schooled us. This is the story of how one student shifted Amy's mindset on student voice and choice and personalized learning in the classroom. This is also a story about an experience that Amy will never forget and always love to share with others. Our students have so much to teach us. Sometimes, we just need to lean in and appreciate it.

#stuvoice #personalizedlearning #mindset #studentled

Creating the Connected Classroom

In this hands-on keynote, we will explore how tearing down the four walls of our classrooms and school buildings to connect to others can significantly impact learning and engagement. Expanding the walls with technology (no construction costs required!) can lead to meaningful knowledge and real-world experiences that will stay with students forever. In this keynote, we will take a trip down memory lane to witness classroom applications and experiences, and we will also take a look at some of Amy’s favorite tools to support a connected classroom. Amy says, “becoming a connected educator forever changed my life. I was able to not only connect my students with others, but I also formed connections with educators from all over the world. The lessons I learned and the experiences I have had stuck with me and encourage me to share with others how important it is to tear down our four walls.”

Now, let’s get inspired to get connected with Amy!

#digcit #mysteryskype #mysterymeet #connected #connectedclassrooms

Lauren Heil

Lauren’s career actually started in the graphic design and art direction arena. When she found herself craving a more fulfilling path, she started exploring the world of education and fell in love. As it turns out, great design and great teaching go hand in hand! This became her mission in her classroom as a Google Innovator, and it quickly grew to her district and other schools within the US when we all quickly shifted to distance learning. As a Learning Experience Designer, Lauren is eager to share the design guidelines she used in her Middle School classroom as well as now in friEdTech's friEdOnline courses.

Visit Lauren's profile here

Keynote Topics:

Design Driven: Removing Roadblocks for Student Access

Maybe you don’t think of yourself as a “designer,” but whether you know it or not, you design experiences for students every single class period. Student-first design principles remove barriers to access in each lesson and support each educator’s mission to provide an inclusive learning environment for all. In this inspirational AND practical keynote, you begin to answer the question: how might educators shift their planning and material creation process to consider the student’s journey from start to finish? Lauren, a real-life designer of learning experiences for K-12 classroom teachers, helps the audience accept that all educators are designers. Lauren says about this topic, “I care deeply about equity and access in education. Every student deserves to feel successful in the classroom.” Adopting some easy-to-understand design principles and looking at lessons from a different perspective results in a considerable difference in classroom management and student success. Don’t miss an opportunity to hear from Lauren how shifting your perspective about design will do much more than just help you make it “pretty”!

#SpEd #specialeducation #equity #accessibility #universaldesign #designforlearning #designforall

Shantel Lott

Shantel Lott is a friEdTech Lead Learning Guide, Google Certified Trainer & Educator, and Microsoft Certified Educator. She currently shares her knowledge of technology integration with teachers through sessions, blogs, and Twitter, and is always looking for opportunities to collaborate and innovate. Earlier in her career, she served as a Digital Learning Specialist/Instructional Technologist for Intermediate and Elementary campuses for and a High School Social Studies Teacher and Campus Tech Leader. She’s a forever learner who enjoys integrating technology into the classroom and helping teachers.

Visit Shantel's profile here

Keynote Topics:

Mutual Respect - Clever Ways To Build a Team

There are a lot of trite sayings about teamwork. Teamwork makes the ...well, we think you know the rest! In reflecting on her career in education, Shantel values being a part of many different teams and experiencing camaraderie on the campuses where she worked as a teacher and Instructional Technologist. In this keynote, Shantel reflects on how teams are essential to any group or organization but are VITAL in education. PLCs, Departments, Houses, and Administrators all work together daily, so how can we create effective teams where there are shared goals and visions that are truly collaborative? Let’s explore clever ways to bring TEAMS together and make them effective.

#Teamwork #Teams #Teambuilding #Collaboration

Elizabeth King

Elizabeth feels privileged to have taught both middle and high school English during her 11 years in the classroom, and she has truly loved working with adult learners in education recently. She believes humor and purposeful tech integration are keys to making learning more engaging and personalized. Elizabeth is a state and national ed tech conference presenter and co-host of the “Flipping Good Tech” podcast along with her friend and colleague, Darryl. Elizabeth has a personal passion for making a positive impact wherever she goes.

Visit Elizabeth's profile here

Keynote Topics:

You Can't Rollerskate in a Buffalo Herd and Other Lessons from Dad

Have you ever roller-skated in a buffalo herd? No? Do you have someone in your life that makes you feel like you could? Everyone has a list of life lessons they have collected throughout the years. If you think hard, there will be that ONE person that has inspired, motivated, and profoundly influenced the foundation of who you are today with their nuggets of wisdom. For Elizabeth, her ONE is her dad- a Southern Gentleman Preacher who survived a kidney transplant, hunted wild hogs, authored a book, and shared many memorable stories that have molded Elizabeth into the passionate leader she is today. Join Elizabeth as she shares three life-altering lessons she believes everyone can learn from the unsinkable Mr. Brown.

#perspective #listening #observation #understanding #empathy #self-worth #self-talk #climate #positivity

JR Ginex-Orinion

Where Learning and Technology Meet
Making Meaningful Connections with Students
Memorable Moments in Teaching

JR is a dynamic, engaging instructional coach and science teacher from Southern California. He has presented across the country and internationally on leadership, instructional coaching, educational technology topics, and tools. He is a Google Innovative Educator (#GTANY12), Google Education Trainer, YouTube EDU contributor, Google Geo Teacher, CUE Lead Learner, and CUE RockStar Faculty. JR is one of the co-founders of #CAEDCHAT, a weekly twitter conversation for educators. He has a B.S. in Analytical Chemistry, and a M.S. in Educational and Instructional Technology.

"Amy provides inspirational leadership to cross functional teams, teachers and administrators implementing new things and is a warm, engaging speaker. Masterful Lady!"

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Amy Mayer

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Steven Stone

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Brooke Lowery

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Amy Storer

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Lauren Heil

Keynote Topics:

Shantel Lott

Keynote Topics:

Elizabeth King

Keynote Topics:

JR Ginex-Orinion

Ken Cohen

Houston, TX

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