Dave Burgess is a former teacher and the co-author of P is for PIRATE and the New York Times Best Selling author of Teach Like a PIRATE which has been translated into 4 languages and has transformed classrooms all over the world. He is also a popular keynote speaker and professional development seminar leader known for his outrageously energetic style.

A Google Certified Innovator and EdTech Coach from Southern California, Matt Vaudrey is a recovering math teacher who dresses in costumes, plays loud music, and stands on desks: anything to make content meaningful for his students. His book, The Classroom Chef, is available on Amazon and online resources at classroomchef.com.

Dr. Todd Schmidt is the lead learner at Harbor View Elementary in Corona del Mar, CA. He is a proud husband, and proud father of two beautiful daughters. He received his doctorate from University of Southern California in K-12 Leadership.

Jamie Sussel Turner served as a school principal for 12 years in Fair Haven, New Jersey. Since 2009 she has maximized her leadership skills and transitioned to a new role as an author, speaker and professional coach. Her award­winning book, Less Stress Business: A Guide for Hiring, Coaching, and Leading Great Employees is the “go to” resource for legions of new leaders.

Michael Watkins was born and raised in Oakland, California. He attended Cal State Hayward where he was awarded a B.A. in Psychology and teaching credentials in both History and Special Education. He also received a Master’s Degree in School Administration. Michael has over 45 years’ experience in education. He has held the positions of Learning Handicapped Program

Annette Sweeney is the Principal at Parkrose Middle School, a National AVID Demonstration Site. She started her educational career teaching at a private school in Corvallis, Oregon before moving to the Portland area and being hired as a health and PE teacher at Parkrose Middle School.

Kali Baird has been in education for 23 years and is in her 2nd year of administration. She is currently the Director of Education Technology for San Domenico School, California’s oldest independent school, spanning grades K-12 with 640 students. Kali currently lives in the San Francisco Bay area with her husband.

Maya Woods-Cadiz is a Superintendent at American Indian Model Schools in Oakland, California. Maya has nearly twenty years of experience in education, as an Elementary Teacher, Principal and now Superintendent. She lives in Oakland with her husband and has two wonderful daughters.

Catina Haugen is in her 19th year in education. Fourteen years teaching 5th & 6th grades and now in her 5th year as an administrator. Catina lives in Petaluma, California with her husband, Jeff, and two boys, Joshua and Jacob. Valley Vista Elementary is her school home, a TK-6 campus of 325 students.