Top 10 Education Speakers Who Inspire Students and Teachers

September 12, 2025

Carl Ware

Vice President

Top 10 Education Speakers Who Inspire Students and Teachers

Professional development days and education conferences are more impactful when the speakers understand the realities of the classroom and can spark meaningful change. The team at Premiere Speakers Bureau works with educators who have walked the walk — teachers, principals and change makers who still lead schools, run organizations and author groundbreaking books. Below you’ll find ten dynamic education speakers whose stories and strategies will resonate with teachers, administrators and community leaders. Use this conversational overview to discover who might be the best fit for your next institute or in service day.

1. Ron Clark – America’s Educator and founder of the Ron Clark Academy

Ron Clark rose to national prominence thanks to his extraordinary success teaching students from underserved communities in North Carolina and New York City. Those experiences earned him recognition as Disney’s American Teacher of the Year and inspired the film The Ron Clark Story. Today he leads the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, where thousands of educators visit annually to observe innovative techniques and joyful school culture. Ron’s high energy keynotes, such as Move Your Bus and Improve Your School’s Climate and Culture, blend inspiring stories with practical strategies for teamwork, leadership and student engagement.

Why book him? Few speakers match Ron’s combination of classroom credibility and showmanship. He demonstrates how vibrant teaching methods, clear expectations and unwavering optimism can transform both staff culture and student outcomes. If your district needs a jolt of inspiration and actionable ideas, Ron delivers.

2. Erin Gruwell – Freedom Writers founder and champion for equity

Teacher, author and activist Erin Gruwell became a household name when she and her 150 students — known as the Freedom Writers — shared their journey from violence and poverty to graduation in a 1998 ABC special. Under Erin’s mentorship, all of those students completed high school and pursued higher education. Their diaries became the #1 New York Times bestseller The Freedom Writers Diary, later adapted into a major film starring Hilary Swank. Through the Freedom Writers Foundation, Erin continues to fight for social justice by encouraging people to “stand up, speak up and speak out.”

Why book her? Erin’s message of radical empathy and empowerment shows educators how writing and storytelling can change lives. She’s a powerful choice for equity focused events, student assemblies and conferences that aim to break down barriers and build inclusive school cultures.

3. Dr. John Hodge – translating research into results

Dr. John Hodge is a sought after speaker who translates education research into practical strategies for teachers and administrators. After serving in the U.S. Army and working as a reading teacher, counselor and administrator, he co founded the Urban Learning and Leadership Center (ULLC). His book You Can Get in the Way provides guidance on building resilience and academic success for students facing adversity. John’s presentations help educators create cultures of high expectations and strong relationships.

Why book him? John connects deeply with audiences because he’s walked in their shoes. He offers research based tools and inspiring stories that empower teachers and leaders to help every student thrive.

4. Michael Bonner – positive culture builder and leadership innovator

Michael Bonner is the CEO of Bonnerville and a teacher at the Ron Clark Academy. He gained national attention after appearing on The Ellen Show and NBC Nightly News, where viewers saw his energy and dedication to building relationships. Recognized on Atlanta’s “40 Under 40” list, Michael encourages organizations to invest in their people, foster empathy and create spaces where innovation and collaboration thrive.

Why book him? Michael’s uplifting stories and proven strategies are perfect for teams seeking to improve culture, boost morale and develop servant leaders.

5. Adam Welcome – kids first activist and innovation champion

Author of the bestseller Kids Deserve It! and co founder of the movement bearing the same name, Adam Welcome has worn every hat in education — classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal and Director of Innovation for a 35,000 student district. Recognized by the National School Board Association as a “20 To Watch” and named Principal of the Year, he’s a passionate advocate for connecting educators and putting kids first. Adam’s books, podcasts and marathons inspire teachers and leaders to be bold, collaborative and relentless in their pursuit of excellence.

Why book him? Adam’s energetic style and relatable stories make him a great fit for professional development days and leadership conferences. He challenges audiences to break down silos, embrace innovation and keep students at the heart of every decision.

6. Kim Bearden – master communicator and culture architect

As co founder and executive director of the Ron Clark Academy, Kim Bearden has hosted more than 145,000 educators seeking to learn her methods for engaging students and building relationships. Her 39 year career spans roles as teacher, curriculum director, school board member and principal. Kim has been inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame, honored as Disney’s Outstanding Humanities Teacher and received the Milken Award for Excellence in Education. She is a bestselling author of books like Fight Song, Talk to Me and Crash Course and helps audiences improve communication, climate and culture.

Why book her? Kim’s warmth and wisdom resonate with educators at every level. Her sessions provide tangible tools for effective communication, community building and joyful learning — perfect for school leaders, teacher teams and parent groups.

7. Devin Siebold – teaching through laughter

Devin Siebold combines more than a decade of stand up comedy with 13 years in Title I classrooms to deliver a keynote that educators rave about. Millions of teachers know him from his viral videos on TikTok, YouTube and the Bored Teachers comedy tour, where he dishes hilarious stories about classroom life. Devin shows educators how humor builds classroom community, improves mental wellness and helps staff conquer negativity. Administrators call him “the best speaker we’ve had in all my 30 years” because he leaves faculties laughing and inspired.

Why book him? Laughter is a powerful antidote to burnout. Devin’s keynote is ideal for opening or closing a conference, energizing a professional development day or reminding teachers why they love their work. Expect clean comedy, heartfelt stories and practical takeaways.

8. Jere “Ms Chang” Chang – gifted educator and social media trailblazer

With more than 20 years in the classroom and 3.5 million followers across TikTok, YouTube and Instagram, Jere Chang is redefining what professional development can look like. The Atlanta teacher uses her platforms to share honest glimpses into gifted education, parenting, travel and daily life. Her keynotes emphasize “soft activism” — radical kindness, inclusion and creative thinking — while tackling tough topics like test anxiety and online bullying with humor. Invited twice to the White House and armed with three master’s degrees, Jere leaves audiences feeling refreshed, cared for and ready to dance.

Why book her? Ms Chang offers a unique blend of content creation savvy and classroom expertise. She’s a great fit for technology conferences, DEI initiatives and events seeking a fresh, relatable perspective on teaching.

9. Joe “Mr. D” Dombrowski – comedian, teacher and viral sensation

Joe Dombrowski burst onto the scene in 2017 with a viral April Fools’ Day spelling test that landed him on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. A stand up comic since childhood, he now tours internationally, headlining festivals like Just For Laughs and Netflix Is a Joke while weaving in outrageous stories from his years as an elementary teacher. Joe also co hosts the “Social Studies” podcast, where he and fellow educator Gaspare Randazzo recap hilarious classroom tales.

Why book him? Joe’s infectious energy and quick wit make him a hit with educators who need to laugh at the absurdities of school life. He’s perfect for teacher appreciation events, humor infused PD sessions and conferences that want a lighthearted yet poignant keynote.

10. Todd Nesloney – leadership mentor and advocate for authenticity

Author of seven books and co founder of the Kids Deserve It movement, Todd Nesloney has built a career around empowering educators to lead with heart. His roles span classroom teacher, elementary principal (overseeing 800 students and 125 staff) and Director of Culture and Strategic Leadership for the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association. Todd is a White House Champion of Change and two time TEDx speaker who believes leadership flourishes when people step out of their comfort zones. Recognized by John C. Maxwell and other leaders, he blends humor, transparency and inspiring stories to show that authenticity is the key to sustainable growth.

Why book him? Todd’s sessions motivate educators to embrace their inner leader, build genuine connections and create cultures where both teachers and students can thrive. He’s ideal for leadership academies, principal retreats and professional learning communities.

How to choose the right education speaker for your event

When selecting a speaker, consider your audience’s needs and your event’s goals. Do teachers need a morale boost after a challenging year? Devin Siebold or Joe Dombrowski can lighten the mood with humor. Looking to shift school culture? Ron Clark, Kim Bearden or Michael Bonner provide frameworks for leadership and teamwork. Seeking equity and student voice? Erin Gruwell and Jere Chang offer compelling stories and strategies. And if your team needs research based guidance with heart, Dr. John Hodge, Adam Welcome or Todd Nesloney deliver actionable insights. Working with Premiere Speakers Bureau makes it easy to match the right voice to your objectives.

Ready to take the next step?

If any of these educators sound like the perfect fit, reach out to the team at Premiere Speakers Bureau to check availability and customize a program for your school or district. The right speaker can transform a routine PD day into an unforgettable experience that recharges your teachers and empowers your students. Visit premierespeakers.com to learn more.