We are very excited to announce who will join us as featured presenters this year!
Matt Miller– Matt Miller is a teacher, blogger and presenter from West Central Indiana. He has infused technology and innovative teaching methods in his classes for more than 10 years. He is the author of the book Ditch That Textbook: Free Your Teaching and Revolutionize Your Classroom and writes at the Ditch That Textbook blog about using technology and creative ideas in teaching. He is a Google Certified Innovator, Bammy! Top to Watch in 2016, and winner of the WTHI-TV Golden Apple Award. Onalytica named him one of the top 10 influencers in educational technology and elearning worldwide.
After trying to do the traditional “teach by the textbook” for a few years, he launched into a textbook-less path where learning activities were often custom-produced for his students as well as infused with technology. He likes the results a lot, and his students do, too.
Matt has presented to thousands of teachers at dozens of workshops on a number of topics related to educational technology, world language instruction and more. He combines a conversational, engaging speaking style with loads of resources, leaving teachers equipped and inspired to move forward.
Carl Hooker– Carl Hooker is a highly experienced educator with over 25 years in the field, having served in various roles from 1st-grade teacher to Director of Innovation & Digital Learning across multiple districts. As the Director at Eanes ISD, he spearheaded the impactful LEAP 1:1 iPad program for all K-12 students, driven by his unique vision combining educational expertise and technological understanding. A father of three and husband, his family significantly influences his presentations, blogs, and books. Carl is a strong advocate for student-driven learning, directly addressing challenges in education with a blend of practical tech knowledge and humor. As a sought-after speaker and consultant, he offers actionable tools for educators. He’s also a published author of eight books, including the “Mobile Learning Mindset” series, “Ready, Set, FAIL!” (emphasizing risk-taking), and “Learning Evolution” (focused on AI in education). Carl speaks on topics like tech integration, flexible classroom design, and digital wellness. He co-hosts multiple podcasts, including “ISTE Learning Unleashed” and “Undisrupted,” advises Ed Tech companies, and is a national faculty member for Future Ready Schools. His insights can be found on his blog, HookEDonInnovation.com, and as a guest author for publications like Tech & Learning, Huffington Post, and Edutopia.
Dr Matthew X Joseph– Dr. Matthew X. Joseph is the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning in New Bedford MA. He is also the CEO of X-Factor EDU consulting and publishing. Experiences such as Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Director of Digital Learning and Innovation, elementary school principal, classroom teacher, and district professional development specialist have provided Matt with incredible insights on how to best support teaching and learning and led to nationally published articles and opportunities to speak at multiple state and national events. His master’s degree is in special education and his Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Boston College. He is the author of Power Of Connections: Connecting Educators, Cultivating Professional Learning Networks, & Redefining Educator Collaboration, Stronger Together: The Power of Connections in a School Community, co-author of Disrupt The Status Quo, and co-author of Modern Mentoring, Reimagining Mentorship in Education. Follow him on Twitter @matthewxjoseph, visit his website at xfactor.link He is the author of three books focused on collaboration in education. Follow him on Twitter @matthewxjoseph
Matt is the CEO of X-Factor EDU. X-Factor EDU started in 2016 after he finished his Ed.D in educational leadership from Boston College to began his journey supporting educators and districts. Click here to visit page. X-Factor EDU is a full-service professional development organization with educators from multiple countries and backgrounds. In addition to publishing the voice of amazing educators, we provide leadership coaching, district consulting and workshops, and keynotes around many educational topics.
Matt is the president of MASCD (The Massachusetts chapter of ASCD) and recognized as one of 10 national leaders on the rise.
Justin Richardson- Since 2006, Dr. Justin Richardson has been living his professional dream: empowering educators through innovative learning experiences. As his nephew fondly describes it, “He’s in the business of teaching the teachers – mind blown!” A passionate advocate for resilience in education, Justin believes in equipping leaders with the tools to navigate challenges while fostering hope and renewal.
Through his work with Waymaker Leadership Development, Justin and his team create purpose-driven experiences that help educators rediscover their passion and build lasting strength. By blending soulful leadership practices, he guides others to transform adversity into opportunities for growth.
In 2021, Justin earned his doctorate in Educational Leadership, with research on spiritual leadership practices that emphasizes the importance of purpose, values, and relationships in creating cultures of care. His work is featured in the Journal of Ethical Educational Leadership, and he is committed to helping leaders across all fields foster resilience, connection, and renewed purpose.