Maya Bialik is earning her PhD in Educational Studies at Boston University, and is the founder of QuestionWell AI, which creates research-aligned AI tools for education. A former middle school science teacher, Maya’s focus is on how AI can improve working conditions for teachers, making their creative work more easy, effective, and enjoyable. Her two previous books include Artificial Intelligence in Education: Promises and Implications for Teaching and Learning and Four-Dimensional Education: The Competencies Learners Need to Succeed.

Maya has worked with teachers, school leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, leading workshops, giving keynotes, teaching courses, presenting at conferences, and consulting. Since earning her master’s degree in Mind, Brain and Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education in 2012, Maya has been passionate about bridging the gaps among researchers, practitioners, and technologists. Combining her immigrant experience and her experience learning, performing, and directing narrative and musical improv, she creates collaborative spaces for grappling with complex topics and building mutual understanding.

Maya serves on the board of The Plenary, Co, a civic arts and sciences nonprofit building collective knowledge, community agency, and public imagination. She is also an advisor for Center for Curriculum Redesign, a non-profit that asks the question, “What should students learn to be prepared for the twenty-first century?” She holds bachelors’ degrees in psychology, biology, and linguistics from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Title:  Irreplaceable: How AI Changes Everything (and Nothing) in Teaching and Learning

Peter Nilsson is an educator, writer, and musician with over two decades of experience in teaching and school leadership. He was the head of school at King’s Academy, a coeducational boarding school in Jordan, and he taught English for fifteen years and served in leadership positions at Deerfield Academy in Massachusetts. Peter is also the editor of The Educator’s Notebook, a weekly newsletter that gathers education- and learning-related news from around the web for the purpose of promoting innovation in education. He is the co-founder of Athena Lab, a collaborative online platform for teachers.

Peter serves on the advisory boards for SXSW EDU, the Center for Curriculum Redesign, and the Middle States Association Responsible AI in Learning endorsement. His presentations on artificial intelligence in education, creativity, cognitive science, and educational technology have been featured at national and international conferences, including SXSW EDU, the College Board, and the OECD. In 2017, he became the first high school teacher to receive an Innovation Award from Wolfram Research.

A composer and writer, Peter is also the creator of a musical about schools. His creative work in music and education reflects his belief that the most powerful learning happens at the intersections of disciplines, cultures, and ideas.

Peter studied English and music at Middlebury College, earned his master of arts from Columbia University, and received a National Endowment for the Humanities Institute grant to study Paradise Lost. He lives with his wife and two children, and enjoys reading, trail running, and writing music.

Patrick Cerria is the Founder and Director of Education Flow, a New Jersey–based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to reimagining how music can transform learning in schools. Through Education Flow, Patrick advances his innovative research and practices in integrating music into education for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders, developmental challenges, and at-risk populations. A sought-after lecturer and consultant, Patrick has led professional development workshops for educators, presented at both national and international conferences, and contributed academic work that continues to spark dialogue in the field of music research. In July 2025, he was invited to present at the University of Luxembourg as part of the International Conference of Dalcroze Studies. This fall, he’s launched a groundbreaking study with the University of Southern California exploring how music interventions can enhance school-based speech therapy for Autistic children—a first-of-its-kind project. Patrick’s work also explores the intersection of music, culture, and academics. He’s designed a curriculum that uses the cultural dimensions of music as a bridge to help at-risk students more deeply engage with core subjects like math and science, expanding both their learning and their sense of belonging as well as self-identity. Patrick’s book, Finding The Flow: How Dalcroze Eurhythmics and A New Approach to Music Education Can Improve Public Schools, a work currently part of the syllabus in a graduate course in music education at the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music where he also served as a guest lecturer.

Title:  Finding The Flow: How Dalcroze Eurhythmics and A New Approach to Music Education Can Improve Public Schools

Karen Janowski is an Inclusive and Assistive Technology Facilitator and President and owner of EdTech Solutions, Inc. in Reading, MA, providing professional development, coaching, consultations, and assessments in the Greater Boston area. She presents locally and nationally on assistive, inclusive, and educational technology and co-authored the book, "Inclusive Learning 365: EdTech Strategies for Every Day of the Year" as well as “Quick Wins Strategy Cards: Tips for Activating Inclusive Learning” from ISTE and ASCD.

Titles:

Inclusive Learning 365: EdTech Strategies for Every Day of the Year
Quick Wins Strategy Cards: Tips for Activating Inclusive Learning

Dr. Matthew X. Joseph is the Assistant Superintendent of Technology and Learning in New Bedford, MA, and CEO of X-Factor EDU, a full-service professional development, consulting, and publishing organization. With a career spanning roles such as executive director of teaching and learning, director of curriculum and instruction, director of digital learning and innovation, elementary school principal, classroom teacher, and district professional development specialist, Matt brings exceptional insight into how to best support teaching and learning at every level. He was recently awarded the Massachusetts Secretary’s Leadership & Innovation Award.

Titles:

NeXGen Mentorship: Ignite, Engage, Excel
Always Stop at a Lemonade Stand: Empowering Student Independence
The AI Encounter: A Digital Explorers Adventure

Caitlin Krause brings over 2 decades of classroom teaching experience to her work as founder of MindWise and Stanford educator who built the university's Digital Wellbeing curriculum from scratch. She has authored six books, including Digital Wellbeing: Empowering Connection with Wonder and Imagination in the Age of AI (2024) and Mindful by Design (2019). A former English and Humanities teacher and curriculum director at international schools, Caitlin now helps educators navigate AI and technology integration while prioritizing wellbeing and human connection. She has advised organizations including Google, LinkedIn, and the U.S. Air Force, presented at the main TED conference in Vancouver, and will be leading a workshop in embodiment, awe, and wellbeing at Kripalu in 2026. Her latest book offers practical frameworks for creating learning environments that embrace innovation while elevating authentic connection and wonder.

Title:  Digital Wellbeing: Empowering Connection With Wonder and Imagination in the Age of AI

Robert W. Maloy, Ed.D., is a senior lecturer in the College of Education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he coordinates the history teacher education program and co-di­ rects the TEAMS Tutoring Project, a commu­nity engagement and service learning initiative in which university students explore teaching and learning through tutoring themselves and others.

His research focuses on technology and educational change, teacher education, democratic teaching, and student learning.

He is coauthor of Transforming Learning with New Technologies; Kids Have All the Write Stuff; Wiki Works; We, The Students and Teachers; Ways of Writing with Young Kids; The Essential Career Guide to Becoming a Middle and High School Teacher; Schools for an Information Age; and Partnerships for Improving Schools.

Maloy has received a University of Massachusetts Amherst campus-wide Distinguished Teaching Award (2010), the University of Massachusetts President's Award for Public Service (2010), and several other awards.

Titles:

AI and Civic Engagement: 75+ Cross-Curricular Activities to Empower Your Students
Kids Have All the Write Stuff

Sharon A. Edwards, Ed.D is a lecturer and clinical faculty member in the College of Education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst where she teaches a course in Tutoring in Schools and works with college students who are preparing to become teachers.  A retired public school educator, Sharon taught elementary school in Amherst for 37 years. She is co-author of two books on children's writing and she is a leader of the development team for the Usable Math online tutoring platform.

Torrey Trust, Ph.D. is a Professor of Learning Technology in the College of Education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her work focuses on empowering educators and students to explore and critically investigate current and emerging technologies and make informed decisions about their use in teaching and learning. Dr. Trust has received the University of Massachusetts Amherst Distinguished Teaching Award (2023), the College of Education Outstanding Teaching Award (2020), and the ISTE Making IT Happen Award (2018), which "honors outstanding educators and leaders who demonstrate extraordinary commitment, leadership, courage and persistence in improving digital learning opportunities for students." More recently, Dr. Trust has been a leading voice in exploring GenAI technologies in education and has been featured by several media outlets in articles and podcasts, including Educational Leadership, U.S. News & World Report, WIRED, Tech & Learning, The HILL, and EducationWeek.

Andrew Marcinek is a member of the MassCUE Board of Directors and brings over 15 years of leadership in educational technology and digital learning to the Board.

As the author of Teaching Digital Kindness (Routledge, 2023), Andrew is a leading advocate for student digital well-being and intentional, equitable use of technology in schools. His philosophy centers on aligning technology with core educational values to empower learners and educators. During his tenure on the MassCUE Board, Andrew has co-chaired the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and served on the Finance Committee, helping guide the organization’s fiscal stewardship and strategic priorities. Andrew is dedicated to fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainable practices that support Massachusetts educators and students in a rapidly evolving digital world.

Title: Teaching Digital Kindness: Helping Students Become More Aware and Accountable in Their Online Lives

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth is an edtech consultant, presenter, attorney, author, and Spanish and STEAM: Emerging Technology teacher. Rachelle has a Juris Doctor degree from Duquesne University School of Law and a Doctorate in Instructional Technology. Rachelle specializes in Artificial Intelligence, AI and the Law, AI and the Environment, Cybersecurity, and STEM. She has more than seven years of teaching and presenting on AI in her classroom and working with educators worldwide.

Rachelle is an ISTE-certified educator and recipient of the ISTE Making IT Happen Award and several presidential gold and silver awards for volunteer service. Rachelle presents regularly at conferences and provides professional development and coaching for educators and keynotes, strongly focusing on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, AI and the Law, Cybersecurity, SEL, and STEM.

She is the author of ten books, including her most recent books, What the Tech? An Educator's Guide to AI, AR/VR, the Metaverse and More! and How to Teach AI: Weaving Strategies and Activities Into Any Content Area. She is also a frequent blogger for multiple publications. Contact Rachelle: bit.ly/thriveineduPD.

Titles:

How To Teach AI
What the Tech?  An Educator's Guide to AI, AR.VR, Cybersecurity, the Metaverse, and More!

I’m a veteran classroom educator and learning facilitator at CRCS Overman, a grades 7-12 project-based, student-centered public charter school in downtown Skowhegan, Maine. While my role allows me to explore content from across the curriculum, I primarily guide learners through human-centered design challenges and foster their capacities for design thinking. I formerly served as Co-Founder and Education Director of the SUCCESS & INNOVATION CENTER at MT BLUE CAMPUS, an empathy-fueled makerspace + mentoring space for all students and faculty here in rural Maine.

In addition to my daily classroom practice, I am the co-author of INTENTION: Critical Creativity in the Classroom with my good friend, Amy Burvall, and perform improv comedy with my team, Teachers Lounge Mafia.

Title:  INTENTION: Critical Creativity in the Classroom

Starr Sackstein is a recovering perfectionist, assessment reform advocate, and education consultant dedicated to transforming how we do teaching and learning. As the Massachusetts State Coordinator for Educators Rising, she advocates for bringing young people into education, as it is the best career in the world. And as COO of Mastery Portfolio, she champions standards-based and competency-based learning, taking the emphasis off grades and focusing on metacognition and feedback throughout the formative assessment process. With 16 years as a high school English and journalism teacher, plus roles as a lead Humanities learner, publisher, and developmental editor, Starr brings deep expertise to her work. She partners with schools and districts to empower teachers, engage students, and leverage data for personalized growth. A prolific author, blogger, and speaker, Starr is committed to reshaping assessment practices globally. Learn more at MsSackstein.com. Beyond education, she’s a mom, partner, animal enthusiast, and adventurer, always seeking the next challenge.

Titles:  View the inventory of books by Starr Sackstein available to order.