A.J. Juliani is the Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling author of Adaptable. He serves as an Instructor for the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education (PLN) and former Director of Learning and Innovation for Centennial School District. As a Curriculum Coordinator, Tech Director, English teacher, football coach, and K-12 Instructional Coach, A.J. has worked towards innovative learning experiences for schools in various roles. A.J. is also an award-winning blogger, speaker, and author of multiple other books, including the best-sellers Empower, Launch, and The PBL Playbook. His favorite role is Dad to five kids! 

Twitter/X: @ajjuliani

Instagram: @learningwithaj

Yusuf is the CEO of Playlab, a tech nonprofit that empowers educators & impact organizations to build their own AI tools or adapt ones built by others. Prior to founding Playlab, Yusuf led new product development for Teach For America , contributed to Scratch (a creative coding platform used by millions of kids), researched at the MIT Media Lab, and was on the founding team of ALU & ALX, a pan-African network of universities and alternative higher ed pathways. Outside of work, he mentors startups through MIT’s Sandbox Fund, angel invests in AI edtech companies like LitLab and Recess, and is a proud girl dad.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yusufahmad/

Kara, an Academic Officer who specializes in STEAM education, offering professional development and training across subjects. The author of "50 Strategies for Teaching STEAM Skills," Kara brings innovative approaches to education. Formerly a District Elementary STEM Education Specialist and District STEM Coordinator, Kara has excelled as a K-5 STEM education, special education and early childhood education teacher. Accolades include being a 2018 State Teacher of the Year, District Teacher of the Year and finalist for National Teacher of the Year, was a finalist for the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator and Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Kara is currently pursuing a Ph.D. on gender inequity in STEM education at Walden University.

Twitter/X: @ontheballedu

Instagram: @ontheballeducator 

Habib has a deep passion for scaling innovative education solutions. As the Managing Director of Programs at The Urban Assembly, he leads efforts to design scalable solutions that improve public education in partnership with schools and districts nationwide. Previously, Habib led the successful launch and scale of an education non-profit into 7 states. His work in this capacity resulted in the system-wide adoption of proven high school persistence models in 50+ school districts, impacting over fifty thousand students. Habib is also recognized for his innovative approach in educational technology, having spearheaded the development and adoption of pioneering data solutions now used in school districts nationwide. Habib holds degrees from George Mason, Johns Hopkins and Harvard University. Outside of work Habib enjoys spending time with his lovely wife and their three remarkable children.  

Amanda is the Co-Founder and CEO of AI for Education.  A former high school biology teacher and EdTech executive with over 20 years of experience in the education sector. She has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that AI can offer. She is a frequent consultant, speaker, and writer on the topic of AI in education, leading workshops and professional learning across both K12 and Higher Ed. Amanda is committed to helping schools and teachers maximize their potential through the ethical and equitable adoption of AI.

James “Jimi” Cannon is a professional learning and literacy specialist with Scholastic Classroom and Community Group. He is pleased to work with a team of like-minded professionals and experts in the field of literacy education. In his role, Jimi assists districts in creating systemic professional-learning plans and provides instructional coaching in all areas of literacy for Pre–K through 6th grade. Some of his areas of expertise are in guided

reading, small-group instruction, balanced literacy, and early literacy. Jimi graduated from Trevecca Nazarene College with honors in 1982 with a bachelor of science degree in Professional Education and a minor in Elementary Education. After receiving an English degree at California State University, he went on to receive a master’s degree in Reading in 2005 from National-Louis University, School of Education. He has also steeped himself in best practices and research in professional learning through Learning Forward’s (formerly National Staff Development Council) Academy, where he sought to find ways for external consultants to evaluate the professional learning they offer.

Rebecca Dwenger, a seasoned professional with over 25 years in education, currently serves as an Instructional Technology Consultant at Hamilton County Education Service Center. Specializing in instructional design, artificial intelligence, and differentiation, Rebecca harnesses her passion for cutting-edge technology to enhance productivity and learning experiences for educators and administrators alike. Her journey in education began as a dedicated classroom teacher for 18 years, followed by a role as a Response to Intervention Coach, laying a solid foundation for her current expertise.

Rebecca has shared her insights at numerous local and international conferences, including ISTE, FETC, OETC, Voice Global, Project Voice, WPU AI Conference, BCESC AI Conference, and as a keynote speaker for the SWOCA Conference. Her early efforts in integrating artificial intelligence into education have positioned her at the forefront of this pivotal technology.

Rebecca's innovative approach is best exemplified through her leadership in launching two pilot programs that successfully incorporated voice assistants into educational environments. These initiatives led to a significant increase in student engagement, with a marked improvement in communication skills among students. This tangible impact underscores Rebecca's commitment to leveraging AI technologies to enrich the educational landscape.

Rebecca's academic credentials include a master's degree in Instructional Design & Technology from Miami University, a bachelor's degree in education, an Ohio Department of Education Technology Endorsement, and the ISTE Educator Certification. These qualifications, combined with her practical experience and innovative mindset, make her a valuable asset in the evolving world of educational technology.

Matt Giovanniello is the CEO and co-founder of Frenalytics, an award-winning personalized learning and IEP data collection platform for staff & students in special education and English Language Learner environments. Inspired by Matt's grandmother who suffered a severe stroke, FrenalyticsEDU enables schools to streamline progress monitoring and deliver engaging, individualized, and age-appropriate lessons & AI-generated assessments to students of all abilities.

In 2023, Matt and his team proudly participated in Digital Promise's VITAL Prize Challenge, where they were named a winning team for their novel research and product advancements that support underserved learners. Matt has presented his team's research and EdTech solutions around the country, including at the ASU+GSV Summit and the Institute for Education Innovation (IEI)'s summits for innovative educational leaders.

Outside of Frenalytics, Matt offers pro-bono advising to underrepresented founders in HealthTech & EdTech and mentors student-founded startups at his alma mater, Boston College.

Adam Haroff is a multimedia developer and designer specializing in instructional technology and innovation at Sinclair Community College. He collaborates with faculty to integrate the latest teaching tools and customized interactive experiences into their courses. Additionally, as an adjunct faculty member teaching web development, he brings a unique perspective on instructional needs, enriching his approach to supporting colleagues.

Jessy Jones is an Associate Professor who teaches in the Management, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship department at Sinclair Community College. Jessy specializes in and coordinates the college’s Digital Marketing programs and curriculum. She maintains relevant industry knowledge and skills through professional certifications and operating her own small business. These practices enable her to provide students with current information that reflects industry trends.

Wyman Khuu is currently the Senior Director of STEM for KIPP NYC, where he has been pivotal in shaping STEM education around harnessing students’ innate curiosity. He is currently thinking about ways to leverage artificial intelligence in education responsibly, ensuring it serves as a catalyst for equity and empowerment for all. His commitment to democratizing science education drives him to advocate for an inclusive curriculum that encompasses robotics, computational thinking, and phenomena-based instruction. Over the past three years, he has built and scaled an integrated computational thinking curriculum to build essential problem-solving skills among students. He is a strong proponent that Computational Thinking skills will serve as a foundation where students can not only have access to technology, but can become shapers and interrogators of technology in the future. Prior to serving in his current role, Wyman taught elementary school science for 7 years including 5 years at KIPP Infinity Elementary School in Harlem, NY, culminating in being presented the prestigious Harriett Ball Excellence in Teaching Award in 2021. Wyman graduated with a degree in Political Science and Statistics from the University of Michigan and a Masters of Education from the Relay Graduate School of Education. Beyond education, he runs a youth volleyball organization and enjoys traveling, cycling, exploring new cuisines, and photography.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wymankhuu/

Alex oversees strategy, partnerships, fundraising, and external relations for the AI Education Project. Prior to founding the AI Education Project, Alex built the AI Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility function for H5, Inc., a pioneering AI company in the legal services sector. At H5, Alex led strategic partnerships with organizations including the United Nations, NYU School of Law, the OECD, and IEEE to develop judicial education programs and high profile convenings. Prior to his time in the social impact and non-profit space, Alex managed brand and policy communications for companies including Oracle, Airbnb, Nissan, HP, Adobe, and SAP. He was a lead Field Organizer in Columbus, OH for the 2012 Obama Campaign and served as a Presidential Appointee under HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell, where he managed communications and community outreach for ACA Open Enrollment, two SCOTUS rulings, and the 2015 Ebola outbreak.

Bob is an associate at Frost, Brown, & Todd. Bob focuses on a variety of matters within government services. He represents a wide variety of schools, cities, townships, and other public sector entities in all areas of land use, zoning, labor relations, collective bargaining, and labor arbitrations. In law school, Bob clerked for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Warren County Prosecutors’ office, and Sebaly, Shillito, and Dyer. Prior to law school, Bob was a math teacher and football coach at Oakwood High School. He prides himself on his work ethic and ability to build relationships with others.

Dr. Katie Ritter is the Chief Learning Officer at Forward Edge. Katie was named one of the Top 100 Influencers in Edtech in 2023, and a finalist in the Visionary category for The EdTech Leadership Awards in 2023. Katie oversees the Curriculum & Integration department at Forward Edge, and is also the creator of Edge•U Badges. She has served on several leadership teams including President of ISTE’s Edtech Coaching PLN and as a Future Ready Schools Instructional Coaches Thought Leader, and she is a Google Certified Innovator, Coach, and Trainer. She is a former instructional coach and high school educator. Katie is driven to empower others to realize their full potential, so they can make a positive difference on those around them!

Twitter/X: @Katie_M_Ritter

Instagram: @katiemritter

linkedin: @katieritter

Adam Thompson is a Design Professor at Sinclair Community College, specializing in graphic design, video production, and web design. With a dedication to nurturing creative talent, he inspires students to explore the dynamic intersections of design and technology. With a career spanning more than 20 years, Adam still enjoys cultivating his skills and remaining current on industry trends. Beyond the classroom, he finds joy in carpentry projects as well as home automation, where he explores the seamless integration of technology into everyday life.

John is a Central and Southern Ohio Account Executive for Scholastic. John has been supporting schools, teachers, and students for over 20 years in educational publishing.

Joe is a partner at Frost, Brown, & Todd. Joe is a member of the firm’s Government Services Practice Group and serves as general counsel for clients in both the private and public sectors, including municipalities, townships and school districts. He thrives by digging through complex issues and working with clients to produce creative solutions that are beneficial both financially and from a business perspective. His approach to working in partnership with innovative clients has made him a trusted and sought-after counselor in the legal profession. Joe’s practice has an emphasis in labor and employment issues, including contract negotiations, grievances, arbitrations, union avoidance, wage and hour law, Family Medical Leave Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, workers’ compensation, unfair labor practice charges, harassment, discrimination and misconduct investigations, policy development, litigation, evaluation, nonrenewal and termination. He has served as a lead negotiator in more than 100 collective bargaining negotiations. Joe also advises school districts in the areas of career-technical education, student issues, civil rights, public records, abuse reporting, ethics, board policies and meeting requirements. He defends boards of education and municipalities in arbitration and against charges filed with a variety of federal and state administrative agencies including the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, State Employment Relations Board, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights. Joe shares his passion and experience with the next generation by serving as an adjunct professor at Miami University for graduate level public law students. Courses focus on the First Amendment, collective bargaining, employee and student rights, discrimination, and other issues important to all public employers. He also trains administrators and presents at education law forums across Ohio on a wide assortment of matters affecting public entities.

Dr. Patrick Ward brings a wealth of experience and a passion for educational leadership. Dr. Ward has dedicated his career to empowering educators and fostering a positive school climate where all students can thrive. As the first-year Superintendent of the Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools, he is committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to develop a unified shared vision for the district. Dr. Ward's journey began in the classroom, where he excelled as a science teacher. His commitment to excellence led him to leadership roles as an assistant principal, associate principal, high school principal, curriculum director and, ultimately, superintendent. Dr. Ward's academic achievements are equally impressive. He holds two master’s degrees, one in K-12 Educational Leadership from Ursuline College, and one in Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment from Walden University. He also earned his PhD. in Educational Leadership at Walden University with a focus on professional learning communities and school climate. This focus on collaboration and fostering a positive learning environment is a hallmark of Dr. Ward's leadership style. Dr. Ward's expertise extends beyond the walls of his own district. He is a fellow at the Center for Educational Leadership at Cleveland State University and a recognized leader in digital learning. He has presented on personalized learning at national conferences and served as an adjunct professor at Ursuline College, mentoring future educational leaders. Dr. Ward is the author, with Keith Kelly, PhD, of Straightening the Curve: Designing for Deep Learning and Creating Thriving Learning Communities. The book challenges all educators to explore a different way of teaching and learning that disrupts the traditional methods of education. Dr. Ward's core belief is that successful schools empower educators and build strong relationships. He is a strong advocate for building collaborative structures and aligning all efforts to maximize student learning through customized experiences.

Lani Wildow currently serves as an assistant professor of mathematics at Sinclair College, teaching a wide range of mathematics classes, including those designed for future elementary teachers. Lani also serves as the department's CCP (College Credit Plus) Coordinator where she works with both high school and college instructors to ensure CCP students have all that they need to be successful. Lani also has extensive experience across the K-12 spectrum, having served in roles such as a high school teacher, high school principal, director of curriculum and instruction, and consultant for the Ohio Department of Education. 

2021, Ian launched a non-profit at the height of the pandemic that developed and delivered remote SEL and PBL curriculum to elementary students. One fourth grade student wrote about her experience with racism and still conveyed a rather optimistic view of the future. Ian realized that there’s so much more to who our students are beyond their grades and test scores.

Ian founded SchoolJoy in 2022 believing that the technology systems schools use focus primarily on capturing students’ academic achievements, but are lacking in terms of developing the whole child. Students need to feel seen for who they are, who they want to be, and their experiences with the world. The world also needs to feel more personal, and safe, for every learner.

SchoolJoy now serves more than 80,000 learners and thousands of teachers, and provides a unified individualized learning system that incorporates who students are, where they want to go, and what and how they want to learn.

Ian holds a B.A. in Economics from UC Berkeley and has over 12 years of experience in enterprise software and consulting industries.sum.....