Hear from global and local thought leaders
A fearless equity champion who turned her vision into action, Rhonda Broussard doesn’t just talk about racial and economic equity—she builds sustainable pathways to achieve it. Through Beloved Community, she’s reshaping how schools approach equity with practical solutions that transcend buzzwords and create lasting change
Education visionary Jeff Wetzler isn’t satisfied with incremental improvements—he’s reimagining school from the ground up. As Transcend’s co-founder and co-author of “Extraordinary Learning for All,” Jeff brings insights from his global perspective as a Hillary Fellow to challenge our fundamental assumptions about what learning environments can and should be.
A dynamic catalyst for learner-centred education, Virgel Hammonds has spent over two decades proving that education systems can truly put students at the heart of learning. As Aurora Institute’s CEO, he brings unparalleled expertise in forging unlikely partnerships and reimagining education paradigms that serve all learners, not just those who thrive in traditional settings.
While others debate the future of education, Sandra Milligan is actively building it through Melbourne Metrics. Her groundbreaking work on Learner Profiles is redefining how we assess and recognize students’ capabilities beyond traditional academics—ensuring Australian students develop and demonstrate the skills they’ll actually need in tomorrow’s world.
Global education strategist Anthony Mackay operates at the intersection of policy, innovation, and leadership across continents. His unique vantage point as an expert advisor to the OECD and multiple prestigious global networks gives him an unmatched perspective on how local educational innovations can scale to create systemic worldwide impact
Educational visionary Bill Lucas is revolutionising how we understand creativity in learning across 20+ countries worldwide. As Professor at the University of Winchester and co-chair of the groundbreaking PISA 2022 Test of Creative Thinking, Bill brings practical research to the frontlines of educational transformation.
EdTech innovator Ian Zhu is transforming the teaching and learning experience through AI-powered solutions that matter. His platform represents a new paradigm in education management—one that prioritises classroom impact over paperwork and creates breathing room for educators to focus on what truly matters.
Virtual learning pioneer Michael Barbour brings two decades of global expertise in K-12 online education to his role as Professor at Touro University California. As both practitioner and academic, Michael offers unique insights into creating equitable, effective online learning systems that truly serve all students.
Albuquerque’s educational revolutionary, Tony Monfiletto sees schools not just as learning institutions but as catalysts for community transformation. Through his leadership at Instituto del Puente, Tony demonstrates how reimagined high schools can become vital assets that nurture healthier, more prosperous, and more just communities across New Mexico.
The rare education leader who seamlessly bridges research and practice, Martin Westwell transforms evidence into action across South Australia’s education system. His ACEL Gold Medal recognises what colleagues already know—Martin’s exceptional ability to convert educational theory into practical innovations that genuinely improve student outcomes.
Innovative superintendent George Philhower is reimagining education from the ground up in Indiana. His human-centred approach creates schools where students and staff genuinely want to be each day. Currently pioneering a state-wide network of micro-schools, George demonstrates how community-focused learning environments can transform education systems while prioritising belonging, meaning, and joy in the learning process.
Cross-sector navigator Maxine Graham weaves insights from government, iwi leadership, tertiary education, and community organisations into a compelling vision for Aotearoa’s future. Through her role on Te Arataura overseeing Waikato Tainui operations and her governance positions, Maxine brings critical perspectives on honouring indigenous knowledge while preparing all learners for an equitable society.
Cultural revitalisation champion Hana O’Regan brings over 30 years of passionate advocacy for Māori language, identity, and cultural development. Her powerful insights on how educational systems can honour indigenous knowledge while preparing all students for the future make her a transformative voice in reimagining truly inclusive education.
Educational provocateur Sarah Martin proves that innovative theory can become exceptional practice. As the driving force behind Stonefields School, she expertly navigates the delicate balance of challenging established mindsets while building teacher capacity, creating a living laboratory of future-focused education that maintains momentum through continuous evolution.
After a decade transforming Hobsonville Point Secondary School from concept to reality, Maurie Abraham now empowers other leaders to find their moral courage and create environments where powerful learning thrives. His rare combination of warmth and demanding excellence inspires leaders to champion student agency, wellbeing, and equity through authentic relationships.
Digital education pioneer Claire Amos brings a refreshingly practical approach to educational disruption. From her leadership at Albany Senior High School to her work with DisruptED and NetSafeNZ, Claire demonstrates how to thoughtfully integrate technology and innovation into real-world learning environments that prepare students for a rapidly changing future.
Educational bridge-builder Tim Gander has spent over 20 years connecting innovation theory with classroom reality. Through his leadership of the Education Partnerships and Innovation Trust, Tim brings a deep understanding of both the challenges and opportunities in thoughtfully integrating technology into learning, always with an unwavering focus on equitable outcomes for all learners
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