Keynote Speaker:
George Couros

George Couros is a worldwide leader in the area of innovative teaching, learning, and leading, and he has a focus on innovation as a human endeavor. Most importantly, he is a proud father and husband. His belief that meaningful change happens when you first connect to people’s hearts is modeled in his writing and speaking. In his 20-plus years in the field of education, he has worked at all levels of school, from K-12 as a teacher, technology facilitator, and school and district administrator, and is currently an Adjunct Instructor with the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania. George is also the author of the books The Innovator’s Mindset; Empower Learning, Unleash Talent, and Lead a Culture of Creativity, Innovate Inside the Box, the “Because of a Teacher” series as well as his latest book “What Makes a Great Principal.” George is also host of the popular education podcast “The Innovator’s Mindset.”

He has keynoted hundreds of conferences, including national conferences on five different continents. His work has been translated into multiple languages due to its worldwide impact.

You can learn more about George at his website georgecouros.com.

We are so excited to welcome the insightful voice of George Couros to EdTech Academy 2025!

Opening Keynote - 8:40 a.m. - 9:55 a.m.
"Embracing Innovation to Help Every Learner Find Success in Their Own Way"
Carol Dweck’s work has honed in on the concepts of “fixed” and “growth” mindset, but as educators, we must venture further with these ideas to foster the learning opportunities our students and schools merit. It’s not only about what we know but also how we utilize that knowledge. Change is ever-present, and with the advent of new avenues for learning and evolution through technology, such as AI and emerging technologies, we must be proactive not just in response to changes but also in creating change.

In this talk, George will explore the principles and characteristics of “The Innovator’s Mindset”—a concept detailed in his book of the same name—and present compelling reasons why this mindset is essential for educators to cultivate outstanding learning opportunities, not only for their students but also for themselves.

Known for their emotional depth and humor, George’s presentations engage audiences on a level that resonates both intellectually and emotionally. This message is not just for the moment; it’s crafted to stay with you, affecting genuine change that extends far beyond the talk itself.

Followed by: "An Interactive Session with George Couros" - 10:10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Building on the insights from his keynote, this session will allow participants to dive deeper into the practical application of the Innovator’s Mindset. Attendees will explore actionable strategies to empower both learners and educators immediately. This session is designed not only to present ideas but also to model a dynamic, personalized learning experience—one that will feel engaging and relevant to everyone in the room. By the end, participants will have the tools to implement a new mindset and approach to learning in their classrooms, schools, and districts.