Matt is an author, teacher, and speaker that has a passion to equip teachers to thrive in this new era of education and think differently about the craft of teaching. He has spent more than a decade in the classroom, creating unique learning experiences for his students through technology and creative teaching.

He is the author of such books as Ditch That Textbook, Tech Like a Pirate, Ditch That Homework and Don’t Ditch That Tech. He also writes a terrific blog that can be found at ditchthattextbook.com.

Matt is a Google-Certified Innovator, and has been named one of the top 10 influencers in educational technology and elearning worldwide.He provides practical, “use it in class tomorrow” solutions to teachers’ classroom needs, while also helping them focus on what’s most important to keep education relevant.

Dave Burgess is the New York Times Best-Selling author of Teach Like A PIRATE and co-author of P is for PIRATE. He is also president of Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc. which delivers powerful, inspirational, and innovative books, keynotes, and professional development. Dave is a highly sought after professional development speaker well known for his creative, entertaining, and outrageously energetic style. His workshops, seminars, and keynotes not only motivate and inspire teachers, but also help them to develop practical ways to become more creative and engaging in the classroom. Dave empowers teachers to embrace the mighty purpose of being an educator and sparks them to design classes that are life-changing experiences for students.

As a teacher at West Hills High School in San Diego, he was the 2001 and 2012 Golden Apple recipient and the 2007/2008 Teacher of the Year. He was voted a faculty standout for seventeen consecutive years in categories such as: Most Entertaining, Most Energetic, and Most Dramatic. At a ceremony in Washington D.C., the Academy of Education Arts and Sciences awarded him the 2014 BAMMY for Secondary School Teacher of the Year.

He specializes in teaching hard-to-reach, hard-to-motivate students with techniques that incorporate showmanship and creativity.

Dave Burgess is the New York Times Best-Selling author of Teach Like A PIRATE and co-author of P is for PIRATE. He is also president of Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc. which delivers powerful, inspirational, and innovative books, keynotes, and professional development. Dave is a highly sought after professional development speaker well known for his creative, entertaining, and outrageously energetic style. His workshops, seminars, and keynotes not only motivate and inspire teachers, but also help them to develop practical ways to become more creative and engaging in the classroom. Dave empowers teachers to embrace the mighty purpose of being an educator and sparks them to design classes that are life-changing experiences for students.

As a teacher at West Hills High School in San Diego, he was the 2001 and 2012 Golden Apple recipient and the 2007/2008 Teacher of the Year. He was voted a faculty standout for seventeen consecutive years in categories such as: Most Entertaining, Most Energetic, and Most Dramatic. At a ceremony in Washington D.C., the Academy of Education Arts and Sciences awarded him the 2014 BAMMY for Secondary School Teacher of the Year.

He specializes in teaching hard-to-reach, hard-to-motivate students with techniques that incorporate showmanship and creativity.

Dr. Catlin Tucker is a bestselling author, international trainer, and keynote speaker. She was named Teacher of the Year in 2010 in Sonoma County, where she taught for 16 years. Catlin earned her doctorate in learning technologies from Pepperdine University. Currently, Catlin is working as a blended learning coach, education consultant, and professor in the Masters of Arts in Teaching program at Pepperdine University. 

Catlin has written a series of bestselling books on blended learning, which include UDL and Blended Learning: Thriving in Flexible Learning Landscapes, The Complete Guide to Blended Learning, Balance With Blended Learning, Blended Learning In Action, Power Up Blended Learning, and Blended Learning In Grades 4-12. She is active on Twitter @Catlin_Tucker and writes an internationally ranked blog at CatlinTucker.com.

This episode features a conversation with educator, author (Tech with Heart), speaker, and edtech/innovative teaching consultant, Stacey Roshan.

This episode features a conversation with educator, author (Tech with Heart), speaker, and edtech/innovative teaching consultant, Stacey Roshan.

This episode features a fantastic discussion with Stevenson Demorcy, founder of SteamED Drones. Stevenson Demorcy believes high expectations trump all obstacles. As a young learner, Stevenson participated in STEAM programs to help him transition from ESL/ELL to Special Education, General education, Honors, and later Advanced Placement. After earning his Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and a Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing in education, Demorcy dedicated his career to launching STEAMed Drones to support the next generation's success.

This episode features a conversation about educator mental health with author and consultant, Mandy Froehlich.

Mandy passionately encourages educators to create innovative change in their classrooms. An experienced Director of Innovation and Technology, technology integrator, and teacher, she has experience at many levels of the organizational structure. Her interest lies in reinvigorating and re-engaging teachers back into their profession, as well as what’s needed to support teachers in their pursuit of innovative and divergent thinking and teaching. She consults internationally with school districts and post-secondary institutions in the effective use of technology to support great teaching, mental health support for educators, and how to create organizational change. Her first book, The Fire Within: Lessons from defeat that have ignited a passion for learning, and discusses mental health awareness for teachers. Her second book, Divergent EDU, is based on an organizational structure she developed to support teachers in innovative and divergent thinking. Her third book, based on educator engagement and mental health, is titled Reignite the Flames which has a recently released companion guide/workbook titled The Educator’s Matchbook. Keep an eye out for her upcoming Wounded Healer series in 2022!

This episode features a conversation on special education with Jenny Mathesen, Director of Special Education, Temple ISD.