As new technology continues to emerge, the positive benefits it has in K12 education expands to more people who share their unique insights and expertise.

Here’s a short list of leading edtech influencers. If you’re fortunate enough to get an opportunity to meet them in person, don’t pass up the chance. Did we miss any? Do you have any edtech influencers who you know and follow? Let us know.

Steven Anderson, Co-founder of #EdChat

In addition to Steven’s weekly chats for educators on Twitter, he also hosts workshops for teachers and school administrators. He’s a former director of instructional technology, classroom teacher and is a leading resource for information in the digital age.

Anant Agarwal, Founder and CEO of edX

edX is a collaboration between MIT and Harvard, which partners with other universities to offer free online courses to students across the world. In addition to his work with edX, Anant is also an electrical engineering and computer science instructor at MIT.

Richard Byrne, Free Technology for Students

“Free” is the operative word here. Richard’s blog aggregates free, yet innovative, resources for teachers. The blog also covers varying edtech issues and best practices in the classroom.

Angela Maiers, Founder of Maiers Educational Services

Angela is a consultant who specializes in many education-related challenges, including curriculum planning, technological literacy and parent outreach. She started her career as an elementary school reading teacher and has been consulting, writing and speaking for decades.

Nichole Pinkard, Founder of Digital Youth Network

Nichole is an Associate Professor of Computing and Digital Media at DePaul University. She founded the Digital Youth Network, which focuses on digital literacy.

Kecia Ray, Executive Director of the Center for Digital Education

The former executive director of learning technologies for Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools, Kecia now leads e.Republic’s Center for Digital Education. A nationally respected educator and expert in the field of education technology, she is a 31-year veteran educator and a member of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) where she is Chair of the ISTE Board of Directors.

Shelly Sanchez Terrell, Co-founder of #EdChat

Another one of the founders of #EdChat, Shelly also is known for the work she does around goal setting for educators. Her book, 30 Goals Challenge for Teachers, helps teachers by working with them to set smaller, more palatable, goals.

Eric Sheninger, Senior Fellow of the International Center for Leadership in Education

Eric is a huge supporter of technology in the classroom. A former high school principal and director of technology and innovation for Spotswood Public Schools, his work at the International Center for Leadership in Education focuses on leading and learning in the digital age as a model for moving schools and districts forward.

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