10 edtech experts you should follow

Listen to an audio version of this post:

Integrating technology into instruction and learning is a way of life for educators today. But it can be a struggle to understand how to use classroom technology in meaningful ways. Luckily there are edtech experts who are sharing strategies and tools through blog posts, social media, books, courses and podcasts. Each of these experts has a background in education, a unique voice and a passion for using technology in the classroom. Here are 10 edtech experts every educator should follow.

Lindy Hockenbary is a K-12 trainer, speaker and author who specializes in integrating technology into instruction. She is an educator who has taught in the classroom, written curriculum and worked as a technology integration specialist. After helping teachers transition to online learning during the pandemic, she began writing about her experiences, including a chapter on online learning in Like No Other School Year. She also wrote a full guide to online and digital learning, A Teacher’s Guide to Online Learning. 

Lindy has several edtech certifications. She is a Google for Education Certified Trainer and Educator Level 2, a Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) Master Trainer and Expert, a Minecraft Certified Trainer, a Hāpara Champion Trainer and a Raspberry Pi Certified Educator.

Dr. Monica Burns is an edtech consultant and former teacher who runs the popular website, Class Tech Tips. The website offers strategies to help educators effectively use digital tools. On her blog, she shares her favorite edtech resources and tips for leveraging technology.

Dr. Burns also partners with school districts to help teachers integrate technology. Additionally, she works as a keynote and featured speaker at events around the world, including ISTE, SXSWedu and EdTechXEurope. She is also the author of several edtech books.

Sam Kary is the Founder and CEO of New EdTech Classroom. He is also a Google for Education Certified Trainer and an ISTE Certified Educator. Before New EdTech Classroom, he worked as a teacher in northern California and as a lead instructional coach. 

Thom Gibson is the Creative Director of New EdTech Classroom. As a two-time Teacher of the Year, he teaches middle school math, robotics and YouTube video production. In addition to teaching, he is the Director of EdTech and Innovation. 

Together they offer step-by-step instruction for integrating technology into learning. On their website, you’ll find tons of free resources, video tutorials, articles and an online course, “The 21st Century Classroom.” They also offer support to school districts through professional development and strategic planning.

Jennifer Gonzalez is Editor in Chief of Cult of Pedagogy, a website for teachers. The website includes a blog, a podcast, videos, courses and more covering strategies and advice for becoming a better teacher. Cult of Pedagogy also has a wide-reaching community on social media.

Before Cult of Pedagogy, Jennifer was a National Board-Certified middle school language arts teacher. She wrote the book “The Teacher’s Guide to Tech” and co-wrote “Hacking Education: 10 Quick Fixes for Every School.”

Kasey Bell is a digital learning coach and former middle school teacher. Her website Shake Up Learning features technology integration tips and resources for the classroom. On the website, you’ll find lesson plans, templates, online courses, videos and blog posts.

Kasey has also written books about leveraging technology to create dynamic learning experiences, implementing blended learning and using Google tools in the classroom. Kasey is also an international speaker, author and podcaster. You can listen to her podcast, The Shakeup Learning Show every week and find past episodes of Google Teacher Podcast.

Vicki Davis is a classroom teacher with 20 years of experience helping educators use technology for learning and instruction. She began her popular blog Cool Cat Teacher in 2005, and in 2017 she launched a podcast, 10-Minute Teacher Show. She has won multiple awards, and Forbes named her the number two “edupreneur” in the U.S. in 2017.

Vicki also wrote “Reinventing Writing” and “Flattening Classrooms, Engaging Minds,” two books to empower teachers to use technology in the classroom.

Ari Flewelling is an educator and expert in “pedagogy-first technology integration.” As a consultant and keynote speaker, she helps education systems prioritize digital equity. Previously, she worked with Riverside Unified School District in the Department of Innovation and Learner Engagement. Before that, she was a high school ELA teacher. 

Ari has a Master’s of Educational Technology degree. She is also a Google Educator Level (1 & 2) and a Google for Education Certified Trainer and Innovator. Additionally, Ari is a Breakout EDU Authorized Trainer and a Raspberry Pi Certified Educator. Follow Ari’s website and social media accounts for resources, tips and discussions around edtech.

Dr. Adam Phyall is Director of Technology and Media Services for Newton County School System in Covington, Georgia. He has also worked as a Technology Facilitator and Building Instructional Technology Leader. Before his leadership roles, he was a high school science teacher who saw the value of using technology in his classroom. 

Dr. Phyall has focused on giving economically disadvantaged learners the opportunity to use technology. Through his work, he has helped develop plans for 1:1 device initiatives in Georgia and Missouri. 

He is also a keynote speaker and co-host of UnDisrupted, a podcast for school and district technology leaders.

Dr. Kristen Mattson is the premier expert on digital citizenship. A former middle school ELA teacher and high school librarian, Dr. Mattson also has a doctoral degree in Curriculum and Leadership. While earning her degree, she focused her research on digital citizenship in secondary schools. 

Now Dr. Mattson helps school leaders, teachers and families educate digital learners. Her blog features articles and free resources focused on digital citizenship. She is also an experienced speaker and the author of two books, “Ethics in a Digital World” and “Citizenship in Action.”

Adam Juarez is a Technology Integration Coach who supports teachers across the Cutler-Orosi Joint Unified School District. Through his website, Tech Coach Juarez, and his social media accounts, he shares strategies for distance learning and Google Workspace for Education. As a Google Certified Trainer and Innovator, he also shares tips on how to prepare for the Google Certified Educator Exams.

Adam presents at edtech events around the U.S. and is the co-founder of #CVTechTalk on Twitter. He also co-wrote “The Complete EdTech Coach: An Organic Approach to Supporting Digital Learning.”