Featured Speakers

Stephanie Howell

Stephanie has been in education since 2014. She has spoken at conferences around the globe and her most recent achievements are being part of the team named ISTE’s Distinguished District, a Google Innovator, and ISTE 20 to Watch.

Stephanie has a masters in Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Leadership, and is currently a teaching and learning coordinator with Kami.

Katie Kinder

Katie Kinder, author of Untold Teaching Truths, Hallway Leadership, and Culture First Classrooms, is a highly sought after professional learning facilitator and speaker; she has been an educator since 2006. She brings her message of hope, fun, and real strategies to educators all over the nation. She believes that life is fun, and learning should most definitely be fun.

Known nationwide for her signature teal glasses, Katie is an Education Award Winner, Speaker, Author, Professional Development Leader, a Mom, a Wife, and a Fierce Advocate for Education. She has learned a trick or two in the classroom, so come on in, and have some fun, and hook your students from day one!

Heidy LaFleur

Heidy LaFleur is a vibrant, positive and common sense leader with an explosive passion for helping people understand trauma, impactful leadership & the critical importance of social emotional learning. She is a forever teacher, former school principal and most importantly, a mother who lives the trauma and mental health cycle with her family. She wakes up every morning to spread the message that our job is to make EVERY day the BEST day for EVERY child.

With her personal experience being the foundation of her work with kids who struggle, she has worked with thousands of students in need of an understanding, positive and compassionate adult in their lives. Her true purpose in life is to help others learn strategies that impact the lives of children of all ages & behaviors. She is the founder of Heidy with a WHY, Inc. where she provides keynote speaking, professional development, consulting & coaching opportunities across the country.

Dr. Katie McKnight

Dr. Katie McKnight is a respected educator, renowned for her engaging presentations, teaching prowess, and acclaimed writing. With over three decades of experience, she began her career teaching English and social studies in the Chicago Public Schools before transitioning to a distinguished 15-year university tenure, culminating in her appointment as Distinguished Professor of Research.

As the founder of Engaging Learners, she has revolutionized educational practices, particularly through her successful Literacy and Learning Center model, which has yielded remarkable academic achievements in struggling schools nationally and internationally. Dr. McKnight’s contributions have been recognized through numerous awards for her publications and teaching, with her 26 books, including best-sellers like “The Teacher’s Big Book of Graphic Organizers”, empowering educators worldwide. Her upcoming release, “The Science of Reading Book for grades 4-12”, is highly anticipated, slated for publication in Summer 2025. 

You can learn more about Dr. McKnight at EngagingLearners.com.