Known for her innovative thinking and human-centered approach to learning, Dr. Freedman believes that every challenge is an opportunity to create something better. As an EdTech consultant, presenter, and teacher leader, she has spent her career helping educators embrace change, foster innovation, and prepare learners for what's next.

School districts and EdTech companies bring me in when technology adoption is stalling or professional development isn't translating to classroom impact.I design and facilitate AI and EdTech integration strategies — from district-wide PD programs to keynote sessions — that give educators practical, immediately usable skills. With 30 years in K–12 education as a teacher, principal, professor, and technology coordinator, I work at the intersection of instructional design and real-world implementation.

With more than 25 years of experience as a speech-language pathologist, educator, and educational technology leader, Kim is a passionate advocate for accessibility, inclusion, and ensuring every learner has the opportunity to succeed. As a member of the Massachusetts DESE AI Task Force, an Adobe Creative Educator Leader, and a national presenter at conferences including ISTE, FETC, and SXSW EDU, she continues to help educators leverage technology to better support all students.In this conversation, we'll explore AI and accessibility, designing inclusive learning experiences, supporting diverse learners, and how innovation can create more equitable opportunities in every classroom.A special thank you to SchoolAI for partnering with X-Factor EDU and helping amplify the voices of educators making a difference around the world.

Dr. Katrina Lewis is a nationally recognized educator, researcher, and strategist whose 25+ year career spans K–12+ innovation, CTE program development, educational technology, and the rapidly growing field of academic esports. A former teacher and Director of Technology, she has spent her career helping schools design environments where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Our next guest is Adam Bellow, an EdTech leader, keynote speaker, author, and CEO & Co-Founder of Breakout, Inc. For years, Adam has inspired educators around the world to think differently about technology, creativity, and student engagement.In this episode, we talk about innovation, empowering teachers with meaningful technology, and how the right tools can help students create, collaborate, and learn in powerful new ways. Adam also shares insights from his journey building one of education's most recognized EdTech companies and what he sees next for teaching and learning.Whether you're a classroom teacher, instructional coach, or district leader, this conversation is packed with ideas you can bring back to your own school.A special thank you to SchoolAI for partnering with X-Factor EDU and helping us amplify the voices shaping the future of education.

Our next guest is Anthony M. Chiles, an educator, leader, author, and host of The REAL Education Podcast. With more than 20 years of experience as a teacher, band director, assistant principal, and principal, Anthony is committed to helping educators create meaningful connections that inspire students and strengthen school communities.Drawing from his "REAL" framework—Relevance, Empathy, Action, and Lifelong Learning—Anthony shares practical strategies that help educators lead with purpose, build positive learning environments, and create classrooms where every student can thrive.If you're looking for practical leadership ideas and inspiration for the new school year, this is an episode you won't want to miss.A special thank you to SchoolAI for partnering with X-Factor EDU and helping us share the voices shaping the future of education.

Jewellyn has spent over thirty years in schools — as a teacher, a coach, and a curriculum designer — watching kids shut down when things got hard and not having the language to explain why.That gap is what she build for now.Jewellyn is the co-founder of AutonoMY Learning, and our visual framework, The Learning Mountain, teaches students what learning actually feels like — not the content, the process. It gives kids a map for the experience of difficulty so they can move through it instead of around it. I bring it into schools and districts as professional development.She also created Choose to Grow, a guided conversation app that gives parents and children a shared language for the learning experience at home — because the school to home gap is where most of this falls apart.She teaches at the University of Texas at Austin and support students to develop strong inner toolkits they take with them from the classroom to life..

Passionate Educator | Digital Learning Specialist | Speaker | Creator

Director Instructional Technology, Speaker, Consultant, Design For The Edges, FETC2026 Featured Speaker

Keith McCray: Director of Innovation & Instructional Technology at Waynesboro Area School DistrictAdam Geiman, Ed.S.Instructional Technology Coordinator