50 Best Keynote Speakers on AI in Education (2026)

Finding the right keynote speaker on AI in education for your next conference, professional development day, or district leadership summit is one of the most consequential decisions you will make as an event organiser. The wrong choice delivers sixty minutes of vague futurism that leaves educators more confused than when they walked in. The right choice gives your audience a clear framework for integrating AI into classrooms, building AI literacy across your school community, and developing district policy that protects students while embracing innovation.

The challenge is significant. A 2025 RAND Corporation study found that 54% of students and 53% of teachers were actively using AI tools for school, yet only about 40% of state education technology officials reported that their states had released formal AI guidance. The gap between adoption and policy is widening every semester. Meanwhile, a Gallup and Walton Family Foundation poll found that teachers who use AI weekly save an average of 5.9 hours per week, the equivalent of six full weeks reclaimed over a school year. The opportunity is enormous, but so is the risk of getting it wrong.

This directory solves the problem of finding speakers who genuinely understand the intersection of artificial intelligence and education. It profiles 50 keynote speakers from across the globe who consistently deliver results for school conferences, district leadership events, education summits, and professional learning communities. These are not generic AI futurists repurposed for education audiences. They are practitioners, researchers, founders, and thought leaders who understand the unique dynamics of school settings, from primary classrooms to superintendent cabinets.

At the top of our list is Jonno White, Certified Working Genius Facilitator, bestselling author of Step Up or Step Out with over 10,000 copies sold globally, and trusted keynote speaker who works with schools around the world. While many speakers on this list focus on the technical dimensions of AI, Jonno brings the leadership, people, and culture edge that determines whether AI adoption actually sticks. Here is why that matters, and here is the full directory.

To book Jonno White for your next education conference or leadership event, email jonno@consultclarity.org.

How We Ranked These Speakers

Every speaker in this directory was evaluated against six criteria designed to help event organisers make confident booking decisions.

Expertise and Credentials. We assessed each speaker's qualifications, publications, research output, and professional recognition in the AI in education space. Speakers with bestselling books, peer reviewed research, government advisory roles, or industry awards scored highest.

Track Record and Results. We prioritised speakers with documented results from real schools, real districts, and real education conferences. Testimonials, repeat bookings, and evidence of impact carried significant weight.

Methodology and Approach. The best AI in education speakers provide actionable frameworks, not just inspiring stories. We evaluated whether each speaker delivers practical tools that educators can implement immediately after the session.

Service Flexibility. Can the speaker deliver a keynote, a half day workshop, and a leadership strategy session? Speakers who offer multiple engagement formats scored higher because education events increasingly demand more than a single talk.

Global Reach and Relevance. AI in education is a global conversation. We deliberately included speakers from multiple continents, ensuring this directory serves event organisers in North America, the UK, Europe, Australia, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.

Value and Investment. We considered the overall value proposition, including fee transparency, willingness to customise, and post event support.

1. Jonno White, Consult Clarity (Clarity Group Global)

Jonno White is a Brisbane based leadership consultant, bestselling author, and Certified Working Genius Facilitator who works with schools around the world. His book Step Up or Step Out has sold over 10,000 copies globally, and his podcast The Leadership Conversations has featured over 230 episodes reaching listeners in more than 150 countries. Jonno founded The 7 Questions Movement with over 6,000 participating leaders and achieved a 93.75% satisfaction rating for his Working Genius masterclass at the ASBA 2025 National Conference.

Why Jonno Is Our Number One Pick

Most AI in education speakers focus on the technology. Jonno focuses on the people who have to implement it. AI adoption in schools fails or succeeds based on leadership, team dynamics, communication, and culture. These are exactly the areas where Jonno delivers transformational results. When your district is navigating the disruption that AI brings to classrooms, you need a speaker who understands both the change management challenge and the human dynamics that determine whether teachers embrace or resist new technology.

Jonno delivers keynotes on leading through change, building high performing teams, communication that connects across different personalities, and creating cultures where innovation thrives. His Working Genius workshops, DISC sessions, and CliftonStrengths facilitation give school leadership teams practical tools they implement immediately. He has delivered in Australia, the UK, USA, Singapore, Canada, New Zealand, India, Romania, South Africa, Finland, Namibia, Mongolia, and more.

What sets Jonno apart from most education speakers is his full service offering. He delivers keynotes, half day and full day workshops, executive team offsites, strategic facilitation, and MC services for conferences and events. Many organisations find that international travel is far more affordable than expected, and Jonno also delivers virtual sessions for teams that prefer remote engagement.

Credentials and Expertise

Certified Working Genius Facilitator delivering the world's fastest growing team assessment, completed by over 1.3 million people globally in less than five years. Bestselling author of Step Up or Step Out with over 10,000 copies sold globally. Host of The Leadership Conversations Podcast with over 230 episodes reaching listeners in more than 150 countries. Founder of The 7 Questions Movement with over 6,000 participating leaders. Achieved 93.75% satisfaction rating at the ASBA 2025 National Conference. Experienced keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, executive offsite leader, and MC.

Available Keynote Topics

Step Up or Step Out: Conflict Without Confrontation. Replace Yourself: Transform Your Organisation Without Overwhelming Your Staff. Unity in Motion: Leading Through Rapid Change and Growth. Building a High Performing Team: Creating a Culture That Soars. Communication That Connects: Navigating Different Personalities. Fuel or Drain: Finding the Energy Drivers That Propel You and Your Team. Empowering Middle Managers: How to Lead Up with Integrity. Profit with Purpose: Leading Organisations Where People and Performance Thrive.

Available Workshop Topics

Working Genius: The World's Fastest Growing Assessment for Building Better Teams. Behaviours That Bond: Mastering DISC to Drive Team Collaboration. StrengthsFinder Amplified: Transforming Your Unique Talents into Breakthrough Results.

Best For: Education conferences needing a leadership, people, and culture keynote that complements AI focused sessions. District leadership teams navigating the change management dimensions of AI adoption. School boards and executive teams seeking facilitation that builds cohesion during periods of rapid technological change.

To book Jonno White for your next education conference, keynote, workshop, or facilitation session, email jonno@consultclarity.org.

Jonno's book Step Up or Step Out is available at Amazon.

2. Sal Khan, Khan Academy

Sal Khan is the founder and CEO of Khan Academy, the world's largest free online learning platform, and the architect of Khanmigo, one of the most ambitious AI tutoring tools ever deployed in schools. His book Brave New Words articulates a vision for AI in education that centres student learning and teacher empowerment rather than replacement. Khan Academy has partnered with over 500 public school districts across the United States, and Khanmigo is now being used by over one million students and teachers.

What makes Sal uniquely valuable as a keynote speaker is his combination of visionary thinking and operational credibility. He is not speculating about what AI might do in classrooms. He is building it, testing it with real students in real districts, and sharing the results publicly. His 2023 TED Talk on how AI could save education has been viewed millions of times, and his keynotes translate complex AI concepts into language that resonates with educators, parents, and policymakers alike.

Best For: Large education conferences, district leadership summits, and events wanting a globally recognised name who can articulate both the promise and the responsible implementation of AI in schools.

3. Dan Fitzpatrick, The AI Educator

Dan Fitzpatrick is the bestselling author of The AI Classroom and Infinite Education, a Forbes contributor, and one of the most recognised voices globally on AI in schools. A former teacher and senior school leader based in the UK, Dan has advised governments, parliamentary bodies, and regulators on AI in education, shaping national guidance in the UK, Dubai, and Kazakhstan. He holds an MA from Durham University and a Post Graduate Diploma in Design Thinking and Innovation in collaboration with MIT, Dartmouth, and Columbia Business School.

Dan's keynotes are distinctive because they combine strategic vision with hands on classroom application. He does not just explain what AI means for education. He shows educators how to use it, how to lead adoption, and how to develop school wide strategies that are both ethical and practical. His media profile includes appearances on CNN, BBC Radio 4, ITV News, Sky News, and PBS. He is regularly booked for FETC, BETT, and international education conferences.

Best For: School leadership teams wanting practical AI adoption frameworks. Education conferences needing a high profile keynote who bridges policy, pedagogy, and classroom practice.

4. Amanda Bickerstaff, AI for Education

Amanda Bickerstaff is the Co Founder and CEO of AI for Education, one of the most influential organisations driving AI literacy and responsible AI adoption across K through 12 schools in the United States and beyond. A former high school biology teacher and EdTech CEO with over 20 years of experience in the education sector, Amanda brings both classroom credibility and strategic leadership to every keynote she delivers.

AI for Education has reached hundreds of schools and thousands of educators worldwide through its professional development programmes, AI prompt libraries, and policy frameworks. Amanda is a sought after keynote speaker and leading authority on AI literacy, district AI policy, and building teacher capability to work confidently with AI tools. Her approach is grounded in equity, evidence, and educator empowerment.

Best For: District leadership events, professional development conferences, and state level education summits focused on building system wide AI capability.

5. Priya Lakhani OBE, CENTURY Tech

Priya Lakhani is the Founder and CEO of CENTURY Tech, one of the most established AI in education companies globally, and was awarded an OBE for services to education. CENTURY Tech uses artificial intelligence and neuroscience to personalise learning pathways for students, providing real time data to teachers on student progress, misconceptions, and engagement.

Priya's keynotes are distinctive because she speaks from the intersection of AI research, commercial product development, and classroom impact. She addresses how AI driven personalised learning works in practice, the ethical dimensions of using student data, and what school leaders need to understand about the AI tools entering their classrooms. She has been a keynote at BETT, GESS, and education conferences across the UK, Middle East, and Asia.

Best For: Education technology conferences, school leadership events focused on personalised learning, and events wanting a founder who can speak to both the science and the ethics of AI in education.

6. Rose Luckin, University College London

Professor Rose Luckin is one of the world's most cited researchers on AI in education. Based at University College London, she is the author of Machine Learning and Human Intelligence and has spent decades studying how AI can enhance rather than replace human learning. Rose is a UNESCO advisor and a regular keynote at international education conferences on AI literacy, AI ethics in schools, and evidence based AI adoption.

What distinguishes Rose from many AI speakers is her deep commitment to research rigour. Her keynotes are grounded in peer reviewed evidence, not speculation. She addresses student data protection, algorithmic assessment, the governance challenges specific to educational technology, and the fundamental question of what AI can and cannot do for learning. School leaders who book Rose get a speaker who helps them think critically about AI claims.

Best For: Research oriented education conferences, government and policy events on AI in schools, and audiences wanting academic credibility on the science of AI enhanced learning.

7. Holly Clark, The Infused Classroom

Holly Clark is the author of The AI Infused Classroom and one of the most widely booked professional development speakers in the AI in education space. Her work focuses on helping classroom teachers integrate AI tools into daily instruction without overwhelming them or sacrificing the human connections that make teaching effective.

Holly's approach is practical, warm, and immediately applicable. She meets teachers where they are, whether they are excited about AI, anxious about it, or somewhere in between. Her keynotes and workshops provide step by step frameworks for using AI to support lesson planning, student feedback, differentiation, and creative projects. She is a regular presenter at ISTE, state education conferences, and district professional development events across the United States.

Best For: Teacher focused professional development events, school INSET days, and conferences wanting a keynote that sends educators home with tools they can use the next morning.

8. Adeel Khan, MagicSchool AI

Adeel Khan is the Founder and CEO of MagicSchool AI, one of the fastest growing AI platforms built specifically for educators. A former teacher and school principal, Adeel understands the daily realities of classroom life and has built MagicSchool to reduce teacher workload while keeping educators at the centre of the learning experience.

As a keynote speaker, Adeel brings the perspective of a practitioner turned founder who is working directly with school districts on responsible AI adoption at scale. His presentations focus on teacher productivity, responsible adoption frameworks, and the practical reality of deploying AI tools across thousands of classrooms. He is a regular speaker at ASU plus GSV and education innovation summits.

Best For: Education innovation conferences, district technology leadership events, and audiences wanting to hear from a founder who started as a teacher and principal.

9. Ken Shelton, Elevate Education

Ken Shelton is an internationally recognised keynote speaker, consultant, and the ISTE Digital Equity PLN Leader. His work sits at the critical intersection of AI, equity, inclusion, and responsible technology adoption in schools. Ken addresses the questions many AI speakers avoid, including algorithmic bias, the digital divide in AI access, accessibility for neurodivergent learners, and the cultural dimensions of technology adoption.

Ken's keynotes challenge audiences to think beyond the productivity gains of AI and consider who benefits, who is left behind, and how schools can ensure that AI tools serve all students equitably. He is a regular keynote at ISTE, state education conferences, and equity focused education events across North America and internationally.

Best For: Equity focused education events, DEI conferences in education, and school districts wanting a speaker who centres justice and inclusion in the AI conversation.

10. Julian Ridden, The Anglican Schools Corporation, Australia

Julian Ridden is the Head of AI at The Anglican Schools Corporation in Australia and one of the strongest school sector AI voices in the Asia Pacific region. His work focuses on practical AI policy development, whole school implementation strategies, staff and student training, and the governance frameworks that school leaders need to manage AI adoption responsibly.

What makes Julian particularly valuable for education event organisers is that he speaks from the inside. He is not an external consultant theorising about what schools should do. He is leading AI adoption across a large school network and can share the real challenges, real wins, and real lessons that come from doing this work every day. He is a regular speaker at Australian education conferences and a prominent LinkedIn voice on AI in schools.

Best For: Australian and APAC education conferences, school leadership summits focused on practical AI implementation, and events wanting a speaker who lives the work.

11. Ethan Mollick, Wharton School

Ethan Mollick is an Associate Professor at the Wharton School and author of Co Intelligence: Living and Working with AI. His research on how generative AI is actually being used in workplaces and classrooms is among the most cited in the field. While his primary audience is higher education and business, his practical frameworks for AI integration are increasingly sought by K through 12 districts wanting research backed guidance. Best For: Higher education conferences, research oriented audiences, and district leaders seeking academic rigour on AI integration.

12. John Spencer, George Fox University

John Spencer is a professor, author, and co creator of the Launch Cycle who focuses on using AI to amplify student creativity rather than replace it. His keynotes address design thinking, project based learning, and the role of AI as a creative collaborator for students. He is a frequent speaker at education conferences across the United States and internationally. Best For: Creativity focused education events, project based learning conferences, and schools wanting to explore AI as a tool for student empowerment.

13. Monica Burns, Class Tech Tips

Monica Burns is the founder of ClassTechTips, an Apple Distinguished Educator, and a bestselling author whose practical approach to educational technology helps teachers integrate AI tools without adding to their workload. She hosts the Easy EdTech Podcast and is a frequent keynote at ASCD, ISTE, and state level conferences. Best For: Teacher focused PD events, INSET days, and conferences wanting practical, approachable AI integration strategies.

14. Matt Miller, Ditch That Textbook

Matt Miller is the founder of Ditch That Textbook and author of AI for Educators. His massive following among K through 12 classroom teachers makes him one of the most effective speakers for reaching the educators who actually use AI tools daily. His keynotes focus on practical, everyday classroom AI applications that save time and enhance learning. Best For: Teacher conferences, state education association events, and large scale professional development days.

15. Catlin Tucker, Blended Learning Expert

Catlin Tucker is a bestselling author and international speaker on blended learning and AI enabled learning design. Named Sonoma County Teacher of the Year, her practical frameworks help teachers redesign instruction for the modern classroom without abandoning the human connection that makes teaching effective. Her work on AI and blended learning is particularly relevant for districts implementing one to one device programmes. Best For: Blended learning conferences, districts with one to one device programmes, and schools focused on instructional redesign in the AI era.

16. Hadi Partovi, Code.org

Hadi Partovi is the CEO of Code.org and a leader of the TeachAI initiative, which focuses on integrating AI into computer science education curricula globally. His work addresses systemic curriculum changes, AI literacy standards, and the policy frameworks needed to ensure every student has access to AI education. He has shaped AI education policy conversations at the national level in the United States and internationally. Best For: Policy focused education events, computer science education conferences, and district leaders developing AI curriculum strategy.

17. Richard Culatta, ASCD and ISTE

Richard Culatta is the CEO of ASCD and ISTE, the two most influential professional organisations in K through 12 education. He is the author of Digital for Good and a leading voice on systemic AI policy, digital citizenship, and responsible technology adoption in schools. His position gives him unique visibility into how districts across the United States are approaching AI integration. Best For: Large national education conferences, district leadership summits, and audiences wanting systemic perspectives on AI policy.

18. Rachelle Dene Poth, Educator and Consultant

Dr. Rachelle Dene Poth is an educator, consultant, and author whose doctorate research focuses on AI and professional development in schools. She brings a unique blend of classroom teaching experience and research rigour to her keynotes on practical AI integration for teachers and school leaders. She is a regular presenter at FETC, ISTE, and state education conferences. Best For: Teacher professional development events, workshops on AI for classroom practice, and school districts seeking a speaker with both research and classroom credentials.

19. George Couros, The Innovator's Mindset

George Couros is a Canadian author, speaker, and the creator of The Innovator's Mindset framework. While his work spans innovation and school leadership broadly, he is increasingly active in the AI in education conversation, helping school leaders think about AI as an extension of innovative teaching practice rather than a disruptive threat. His keynotes combine storytelling, humour, and practical strategies. Best For: Innovation focused school conferences, Canadian education events, and leadership retreats wanting to frame AI within a broader culture of innovation.

20. Lee Parkinson, ICT with Mr P

Lee Parkinson is one of the UK's best known teacher creators, famous for making classroom technology accessible and practical. A BETT keynote speaker, his sessions on AI for teachers and workload reduction through smart technology use have made him a favourite at UK education conferences and school INSET days. His approach is warm, funny, and immediately usable. Best For: UK education conferences, school INSET days, and teacher focused events wanting practical AI classroom strategies.

21. Dawn Taylor, Challenge Innovate Grow

Dawn Taylor is the Founder and Director of Challenge Innovate Grow and a recognised voice on AI governance, assessment redesign, pedagogy, and whole school improvement. She speaks at BETT UK and Bett Asia and brings a strategic lens to AI adoption that goes beyond individual classrooms to address system level change. Best For: School governance and leadership events, BETT and Bett Asia audiences, and schools wanting a strategic approach to AI adoption.

22. Al Kingsley MBE, NetSupport

Al Kingsley is the CEO of NetSupport, author of My Secret EdTech Diary, and a leading voice on EdTech governance, IT strategy, and AI rollout in schools. His keynotes address the practical reality of deploying AI tools across school networks, including procurement, data privacy, safeguarding, and infrastructure decisions that IT directors and school leaders face. Best For: EdTech governance events, school IT leadership conferences, and events focused on the operational side of AI adoption.

23. Wayne Holmes, University College London

Professor Wayne Holmes is one of the most cited international voices on the ethical and policy dimensions of AI in education. A researcher and consultant at UCL, he is the co author of Artificial Intelligence in Education and has contributed to UNESCO's landmark guidance on generative AI in education and research. His keynotes challenge audiences to think critically about AI claims in education. Best For: Policy conferences, government advisory events, and research focused education summits.

24. A.J. Juliani, UPenn Graduate School of Education

A.J. Juliani is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author and faculty member at UPenn Graduate School of Education. His work on innovation, inquiry based learning, and AI fluency helps school leaders prepare students for a future that demands adaptability and creative thinking. His keynotes blend research with practical strategies for classroom implementation. Best For: Innovation focused education conferences, school leadership events, and districts focused on future ready skills.

25. Arman Jaffer, Brisk Teaching

Arman Jaffer is the Founder and CEO of Brisk Teaching, an AI platform designed to integrate seamlessly into the tools teachers already use, like Google Docs and learning management systems. His keynotes focus on reducing teacher workload through AI automation, practical classroom implementation, and the design philosophy of building AI tools that serve educators rather than replacing them. Best For: EdTech conferences, teacher workflow events, and districts evaluating AI tools for classroom deployment.

26. Peter Gault, Quill.org

Peter Gault is the Founder and Executive Director of Quill.org, a nonprofit focused on AI supported writing feedback, literacy development, and equitable access to writing instruction. His work addresses one of the most pressing questions in AI in education, namely how AI can help students become better writers rather than simply generating text for them. Best For: Literacy conferences, ELA focused professional development events, and schools concerned about AI and academic integrity in writing.

27. Carl Hooker, HookerTech

Carl Hooker is the founder of HookerTech and author of the Learning Mobile series. His work focuses on AI policy, mobile learning, and school leadership in the context of digital transformation. He brings a practical, administrator friendly perspective to AI adoption that resonates with principals, assistant principals, and district technology leaders. Best For: School administration conferences, district technology events, and leadership focused AI sessions.

28. Caleb Hicks, SchoolAI

Caleb Hicks is the Founder and CEO of SchoolAI, a platform focused on safe, walled garden AI chatbots for student interaction in classrooms. His keynotes address the practical challenges of giving students access to AI tools in safe, controlled learning environments. SchoolAI is positioned as one of the most school friendly AI platforms available. Best For: EdTech conferences, school safety and governance events, and districts exploring student facing AI tools.

29. Leon Furze, AI and Education Consultant, Australia

Leon Furze is an Australian consultant and researcher specialising in generative AI in writing and academic integrity. He is one of the most thoughtful voices in the APAC region on how schools should navigate AI and assessment, helping educators move beyond detection tools toward redesigning assessment for the AI era. Best For: Australian and APAC education conferences, assessment and academic integrity events, and higher education summits.

30. Sugata Mitra, TED Prize Winner

Professor Sugata Mitra is the TED Prize winner famous for the Hole in the Wall experiments that demonstrated how children can teach themselves using technology. His work on self organised learning environments provides a foundational framework for understanding how AI can support student directed learning, particularly in under resourced settings. Best For: Visionary education events, conferences focused on student agency and self directed learning, and events wanting a globally famous name.

31. Philippa Hardman, DOMS Learning Design

Dr. Philippa Hardman is a Cambridge educated scholar and the creator of the DOMS AI learning design framework. Her keynotes address AI in instructional design, pedagogy, and the redesign of learning experiences for the AI era. She has a strong LinkedIn following among instructional designers, curriculum leaders, and professional learning specialists. Best For: Instructional design conferences, curriculum leadership events, and PD focused education summits.

32. Sreejit Chakrabarty, GEMS Education, UAE

Sreejit Chakrabarty is the Director of AI at GEMS Dubai American Academy and Cluster Edu Innovation Lead at GEMS Education, one of the largest international school networks in the world. He is one of the clearest Middle East school sector AI voices and a regular presenter at the AI in Education Summit in Dubai. Best For: Middle East education conferences, international school events, and audiences wanting practical AI implementation from inside a major school network.

33. Steve Bambury, Consultant, UAE

Steve Bambury is a former Head of Digital Learning and Innovation at JESS in Dubai and a recognised expert on immersive technology and AI in education. His keynotes address how AI, virtual reality, and augmented reality are converging to create new learning experiences for students. He is based in the UAE and speaks at education conferences across the Middle East and internationally. Best For: Immersive technology events, Middle East education conferences, and schools exploring the convergence of AI and XR in classrooms.

34. Laura Bain, Matthew Flinders Anglican College, Australia

Laura Bain is the Head of Future Learning and Academic Operations at Matthew Flinders Anglican College in Australia. She brings a practitioner perspective to AI in primary and secondary education, focusing on future learning strategies and AI enabled teaching practices. She is a speaker at the Generative AI for Education Leaders Summit in Sydney. Best For: Australian school leadership events, primary and secondary focused conferences, and events wanting a practitioner voice from inside a school.

35. Lilach Mollick, Wharton Interactive

Lilach Mollick is the Director of Pedagogy at Wharton Interactive and the co developer of Wharton's influential AI prompt frameworks for education. She works alongside Ethan Mollick on practical pedagogical design with large language models, providing educators with evidence based approaches to integrating AI into teaching and assessment. Best For: Higher education conferences, pedagogical design events, and audiences wanting research backed AI prompt frameworks.

36. Alec Couros, University of Regina, Canada

Alec Couros is a professor and speaker based in Canada who focuses on digital literacy and AI literacy for education. He is one of the strongest Canadian voices on responsible AI adoption in schools and has a significant online following among educators navigating the intersection of digital citizenship, media literacy, and AI. Best For: Canadian education conferences, digital literacy events, and teacher focused professional development on AI literacy.

37. Brett Roer, Amplify and Elevate Innovation

Brett Roer is a keynote speaker on AI, innovation, and ethics in education. He is a regular presenter at FETC and education innovation conferences across the United States, focusing on how school leaders can navigate the ethical dimensions of AI adoption while embracing the opportunities it creates for student learning. Best For: FETC audiences, innovation conferences, and schools exploring the ethics of AI in education.

38. Kip Glazer, School Leader and Speaker

Kip Glazer is a school leader and speaker who brings practitioner advisory experience to the AI in education conversation. She is a regular presenter at FETC and education conferences, focusing on AI leadership, practical implementation, and the decision making frameworks school leaders need to navigate AI adoption responsibly. Best For: School leadership conferences, principal professional development events, and practitioner focused AI sessions.

39. Steve Uscinski, Brisbane Grammar School, Australia

Steve Uscinski is the Deputy Headmaster of Teaching and Learning at Brisbane Grammar School in Australia and a recognised voice on safe, ethical AI implementation in school settings. His work focuses on the practical governance, policy, and pedagogical decisions that school leaders face when integrating AI into teaching and learning. Best For: Australian school leadership events, governance and policy focused conferences, and independent school networks.

40. Inge Molenaar, Radboud University, Netherlands

Professor Inge Molenaar is the Director of the National AI Education Lab at Radboud University in the Netherlands. Her research focuses on hybrid human AI teaching and self regulated learning, providing evidence based frameworks for how AI can support rather than undermine student autonomy. She is one of the leading European research voices in AI in education. Best For: European education research conferences, policy events on AI in schools, and audiences wanting cutting edge research on human AI collaboration in classrooms.

41. Rutdiana Anggodo, AI Governance in Education, Indonesia

Rutdiana Anggodo is a voice on AI governance and equity in education based in Indonesia. She presents at Bett Asia and brings perspectives on responsible AI policy in schools that are often underrepresented in Western dominated speaker lists. Her work addresses the specific challenges of AI adoption in developing educational systems. Best For: Asian education conferences, equity and governance events, and APAC events wanting non Western perspectives on AI in schools.

42. Shoaib Raza, International School Leader, Asia

Shoaib Raza is an international school leader who presents at Bett Asia on AI opportunities and risks, resilient future ready schools, and the practical challenges of preparing students for an AI shaped world. He brings a school leadership perspective to the conversation that resonates with principals and heads of school. Best For: International school conferences, Bett Asia audiences, and school leadership events in the Middle East and Asia.

43. Michael Horn, Author and EdTech Strategist

Michael Horn is the co author of Disrupting Class and one of the most influential thinkers on innovation in education. His work on disruptive innovation, blended learning, and the structural changes AI will bring to schooling provides a strategic lens that complements the more tactical speakers on this list. His argument that AI is most useful in later grades and less so in K through 5 is an increasingly cited position. Best For: Strategy focused education events, superintendent conferences, and audiences wanting big picture thinking about AI's structural impact on schooling.

44. Chris Cheetham-West, AI in School Districts Speaker

Chris Cheetham West is a speaker and author who focuses explicitly on AI in school districts. His presentations target school administrators and district leaders with practical frameworks for AI policy development, implementation planning, and stakeholder communication. He is one of the few speakers who positions himself specifically for the district administrative audience. Best For: District superintendent conferences, school board events, and administrative leadership summits.

45. Mutlu Cukurova, University College London

Professor Mutlu Cukurova is an EdTech researcher at UCL focused on human AI collaborative learning. His work addresses how students and AI systems can work together in ways that enhance learning outcomes, providing a research grounded perspective on classroom AI design. He is a regular speaker at international education research conferences. Best For: Research conferences, higher education events, and audiences wanting evidence on human AI collaboration in learning.

46. Kelly Shiohira, JET Education Services, South Africa

Kelly Shiohira is a researcher at JET Education Services in South Africa who focuses on AI for educational equity and localised solutions in Sub Saharan Africa. She represents the kind of perspective that is critical for any global directory, namely how AI in education plays out in contexts where resources, infrastructure, and connectivity cannot be taken for granted. Best For: African education conferences, equity and development events, and global events wanting genuine geographic diversity.

47. Eugenio Severin, Tu Clase Tu Pais, Chile

Eugenio Severin is the Executive Director of Tu Clase Tu Pais and a former Inter American Development Bank Education Specialist. He focuses on AI integration in Latin American public school systems and represents one of the few voices on this list who can address the specific challenges and opportunities of AI in education across Spanish speaking countries. The IDB has documented 193 real AI initiatives already operating across Latin America and the Caribbean. Best For: Latin American education events, IDB and UNESCO conferences, and global events wanting LATAM perspectives on AI in schools.

48. Colin de la Higuera, University of Nantes, France

Professor Colin de la Higuera holds a UNESCO Chair in Open Educational Resources and focuses on open source AI and global teacher training. His work addresses how AI tools can be made accessible and transparent for educators worldwide, particularly in contexts where proprietary platforms are not affordable or appropriate. Best For: UNESCO events, open education conferences, and European education policy summits.

49. Jacqui Zervos, Brisbane Grammar School, Australia

Jacqui Zervos is the Executive Director of Educational Innovation at Brisbane Grammar School and a speaker at the Informa AI in Education Conference in Queensland. She leads whole school AI strategy and innovation, bringing a senior leadership perspective to practical AI implementation in Australian schools. Best For: Australian education conferences, school innovation events, and governance focused AI sessions.

50. Fengchun Miao, UNESCO

Fengchun Miao is a UNESCO Project Officer who has co authored some of the most important global policy documents on AI in education, including UNESCO's guidance on generative AI in education and research and AI competency frameworks for teachers and students. While not a traditional keynote speaker, Fengchun represents the policy voice that many education conferences need on their programme. Best For: Government and policy conferences, UNESCO affiliated events, and education summits focused on international AI governance frameworks.

How to Choose the Right AI in Education Keynote Speaker

Choosing the right speaker requires matching their expertise to your audience's needs, and that match depends on where your school or district is in its AI journey. If your educators are at the beginning and feeling anxious or resistant, you need a speaker who meets them with warmth and practical tools, someone like Holly Clark or Matt Miller. If your leadership team needs to develop AI policy and governance frameworks, speakers like Amanda Bickerstaff, Wayne Holmes, or Al Kingsley will deliver more value.

Consider whether your event needs a visionary keynote, a practical workshop, or both. The speakers on this list who offer both formats will give you the best return on investment because the keynote creates inspiration and the workshop creates implementation. Jonno White, Certified Working Genius Facilitator and bestselling author of Step Up or Step Out, exemplifies this approach by delivering keynotes that inspire and workshops that equip teams with tools they use immediately.

Ask every prospective speaker these three questions. First, when was the last time you were in a school or district, and how does that experience inform your presentation? Second, are your recommendations platform agnostic, or are they tied to a specific product? Third, can you provide references from schools or districts with similar demographics to ours? The answers will tell you whether you are booking a speaker who understands your world or one who is delivering a generic technology talk in an education wrapper.

Overwhelmed by choices? Jonno White helps school leaders determine which speaker or facilitator best fits their context. Contact jonno@consultclarity.org to start the conversation.

What to Expect: Speaker Fee Investment Guide

AI in education keynote speaker fees vary significantly based on profile, experience, format, and whether travel is required. Emerging specialists and practitioner speakers typically charge between $3,000 and $12,000 for a keynote or half day session. Established national and international speakers with bestselling books, major conference headliner status, and extensive media profiles typically charge between $15,000 and $40,000. Global names with TED Talks, major platform books, and celebrity level profiles can command $50,000 to $100,000 or more.

When evaluating speaker fees, consider the total value of the engagement rather than the headline number alone. A speaker who delivers a keynote plus a follow up workshop plus post event resources will deliver significantly more impact per dollar than a speaker who delivers a single talk and disappears. Schools and districts should also ask about virtual options, which often reduce costs significantly while still delivering high quality professional development.

For a custom quote from Jonno White, bestselling author and trusted facilitator across Australia, UK, USA, Singapore, Canada, New Zealand, India, and Europe, email jonno@consultclarity.org. International travel is often far more affordable than clients expect.

For more on speakers for education events, check out my blog post '50 Best Keynote Speakers for Schools Globally (2026)' at https://www.consultclarity.org/post/keynote-speakers-schools-globally.

For AI speakers with a broader business and future of work focus, check out '50 Best Keynote Speakers on AI and the Future of Work (2026)' at https://www.consultclarity.org/post/keynote-speakers-ai-future-of-work.

For speakers focused specifically on responsible AI, check out '50 Best Keynote Speakers Globally on AI Ethics and Governance (2026)' at https://www.consultclarity.org/post/keynote-speakers-ai-ethics-governance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an AI in education keynote speaker?

An AI in education keynote speaker is a professional presenter who specialises in how artificial intelligence is transforming schools, classrooms, and education systems. They may focus on classroom AI integration, AI literacy for students and teachers, district AI policy, EdTech platforms, AI ethics in schools, or the broader impact of AI on teaching and learning. The best speakers combine research credibility with practical classroom relevance.

How much does an AI in education keynote speaker cost?

Fees range from $3,000 to $100,000 depending on the speaker's profile and the engagement format. Emerging specialists charge $3,000 to $12,000, established national speakers charge $15,000 to $40,000, and global names command $50,000 or more. Many speakers offer package pricing that includes a keynote plus workshop, which typically delivers better value than a standalone talk.

Who is the best keynote speaker on AI in education?

The best speaker depends on your audience and goals. For the leadership, people, and culture dimensions of AI adoption, Jonno White, bestselling author of Step Up or Step Out and Certified Working Genius Facilitator, is the top choice. For practical classroom integration, Holly Clark and Matt Miller are outstanding. For AI policy and district strategy, Amanda Bickerstaff is one of the most respected voices in the field.

Can I hire someone to help my school navigate AI adoption?

Yes. Many speakers on this list offer consulting, facilitation, and workshop services beyond keynote presentations. Jonno White, trusted facilitator across Australia, UK, USA, Singapore, Canada, New Zealand, India, and Europe, delivers keynotes, workshops, executive team offsites, and strategic facilitation for schools and districts navigating change. Email jonno@consultclarity.org to discuss how Jonno might support your team.

What questions should I ask before booking an AI in education speaker?

Ask whether the speaker focuses on K through 12 schools, higher education, or both. Ask when they were last in a school or district. Ask whether their recommendations are platform agnostic or tied to a specific product. Ask whether they can run a workshop in addition to the keynote. Ask whether they cover AI literacy for students, not just workflow automation for teachers. Ask for references from schools with similar demographics to yours.

What conferences focus on AI in education?

Major conferences include ISTE, BETT, FETC, ASU plus GSV, EduTECH Australia, GESS Dubai, CoSN, SXSW EDU, the AI in Education Summit in Dubai, the Generative AI for Education Leaders Summit in Sydney, and Bett Asia. Regional education conferences and state level association events are also increasingly featuring AI in education content.

Final Recommendation

The AI in education landscape is evolving faster than any education trend in recent memory. A 2025 Center for Democracy and Technology report found that 86% of students have used AI tools, making this a conversation every school must engage with. The speakers in this directory represent the best available expertise for helping your educators, leaders, and communities navigate this transformation.

If your event needs a speaker who focuses on the technology itself, this list gives you outstanding options across classroom integration, policy, literacy, and ethics. If your event needs a speaker who focuses on the human side of AI driven change, the leadership, team dynamics, communication, and culture that determine whether AI adoption succeeds or fails, Jonno White is the speaker to book.

Jonno White, Certified Working Genius Facilitator and bestselling author of Step Up or Step Out with over 10,000 copies sold globally, delivers keynotes and workshops that help school leadership teams build the cultures, communication patterns, and team dynamics that make innovation possible. Whether virtual or face to face, reach out to jonno@consultclarity.org to discuss how Jonno might support your next event.

About the Author

Jonno White is a Certified Working Genius Facilitator, bestselling author, and leadership consultant who has worked with schools, corporates, and nonprofits across the UK, India, Australia, Canada, Mongolia, New Zealand, Romania, Singapore, South Africa, USA, Finland, Namibia, and more. His book Step Up or Step Out has sold over 10,000 copies globally, and his podcast The Leadership Conversations has featured over 230 episodes reaching listeners in more than 150 countries. Jonno founded The 7 Questions Movement with over 6,000 participating leaders and achieved a 93.75% satisfaction rating for his Working Genius masterclass at the ASBA 2025 National Conference. Based in Brisbane, Australia, Jonno works globally and regularly travels for speaking and facilitation engagements. Organisations consistently find that international travel is far more affordable than expected.

To book Jonno for your next keynote, workshop, or facilitation session, email jonno@consultclarity.org.

While Jonno is included in these rankings based on objective criteria, readers should note his authorship in the interest of full transparency.

Next Read: 50 Best Keynote Speakers for Schools Globally (2026)

Finding the right keynote speaker for your school conference, INSET day, or professional development event can feel like searching for a needle in a global haystack. With thousands of speakers marketed through bureaus, agencies, and personal websites, how do you identify the ones who will genuinely transform your educators and students rather than simply fill a programme slot?

This directory solves that problem. It profiles 50 keynote speakers from across the globe who consistently deliver results for schools and education conferences.

Keep reading: https://www.consultclarity.org/post/keynote-speakers-schools-globally