Speakers
Baruti Kafele
Principal Baruti Kafele is a nationally acclaimed urban educator, transformational school leader, and best-selling author with over 35 years of experience. A former New Jersey Teacher of the Year finalist and Milken Educator Award recipient, he is known for turning around low-performing schools—most notably Newark Tech, recognized multiple times by U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s best high schools. A dynamic speaker, Kafele has delivered more than 3,000 keynotes and professional development sessions nationwide. He has authored 14 books, including seven ASCD bestsellers, and currently hosts the AP & New Principals Academy on YouTube. His numerous accolades include the NABSE Hall of Fame Award and being named one of the World’s Top 30 Education Professionals by Global Gurus (2020–2025).
Douglas Reeves
Dr. Douglas Reeves is the author of more than 40 books and 100 articles on education and leadership. Twice named to the Harvard University Distinguished Authors Series, Doug has received several national and international awards for his contributions to education. Doug has taught at every level, from the primary grades to post-doctoral students. Doug and his more than 60 colleagues at Creative Leadership Solutions have served students in 50 states and more than 40 countries.
Robyn Jackson
Dr. Robyn R. Jackson is on a mission to change the way we think about school improvement. A former teacher and administrator turned bestselling author, speaker, and Buildership® expert, she believes that every school can achieve 100% student success— not with more time, money, or mandates, but by working smarter.
Mario Acosta
Dr. Mario Acosta is a nationally recognized educator, author, and presenter with over two decades of leadership experience across diverse K–12 settings. He was named the 2022 Texas Principal of the Year while leading Westwood High School, a U.S. News & World Report top-50 campus recognized in the top 1% nationally for academic performance and college/career readiness. Known for successfully leading high-impact school turnarounds in high-poverty communities, Dr. Acosta specializes in building high-reliability cultures, advancing instructional systems, supporting English learners, and implementing professional learning communities. He is an author of The Schools Our Students Deserve and coauthor of several leadership resources including Five Big Ideas for Leading a High Reliability School. As a High Reliability Schools (HRS) certifier and senior consultant with Marzano Resources/Solution Tree, he partners with school and district leaders nationwide to drive sustainable improvement. Dr. Acosta holds a doctorate in educational administration and serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Texas at Austin.
Todd Whitaker
Dr. Todd Whitaker has been fortunate to be able to blend his passion with his career. Recognized as a leading presenter in the field of education, his message about the importance of teaching has resonated with hundreds of thousands of educators around the world. Todd is a research professor at the University of Missouri and professor emeritus at Indiana State University. This award-winning educator has spent his life pursuing his love of education by researching and studying effective teachers and principals.
Nancy Frey, Ph.D.
A Professor in Educational Leadership at San Diego State and a teacher leader at Health Sciences High and Middle College. She is a member of the International Literacy Association’s Literacy Research Panel. Her published titles include Visible Learning in Literacy, This Is Balanced Literacy, Removing Labels, and Rebound. Nancy is a credentialed special educator, reading specialist, and administrator in California and learns from teachers and students every day.
G. Alexander Bryant
Glenward Alexander (“Alex”) Bryant, DMin, serves as the president of the North American Division and vice president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Prior to his current position, he served as executive secretary of the North American Division and president of the Central States Conference as well as Temperance director, Youth/Pathfinders/National Service Organization director, and superintendent of Education.
Andreas Beccai
Andreas Beccai has the privilege to engage in life-changing conversations and public communication at the intersection of faith and education. His formation in diverse cultural, racial, and socio-economic settings positively informs his work and practice. Andreas brings a distinctive perspective that resonates deeply with educational communities. His approach to ministry emphasizes authentic spiritual development that equips young people to navigate complex modern challenges while remaining grounded in timeless Christian values. Beyond his professional work, Andreas and his wife Cassandre find great joy in parenting their daughter Eden and building meaningful connections within their community.
