Charlotte Bleakley

Digital Lead & Educator

Charlotte is currently the Digital Lead and a full-time Media and English Teacher at Roding Valley High School in the Chelmsford Learning Partnership Trust, teaching ages 11-18. She is a Google Certified Educator, Innovator & Champion, with over 10 years of experience teaching in mainstream education. She has contributed to CGP Revision Publishing and Seneca Learning Online. Charlotte holds a degree in English and American Literature and Creating Writing from the University of Kent. Last year, she completed her Level 3 Apprenticeship as a Digital Support Technician and started her Google Innovator Project in upskilling all teachers in EdTech use. Charlotte has recently become a Co-Leader for GEG England and GEG London, Hertfordshire and Essex, and is involved in the 2025 Westminster Education Forum for how technology with be used in England’s classrooms. When not teaching, she enjoys playing video games, walks with audio books, and most geeky pop culture! Please find me and share your fandoms!

Julian Ridden

Head of Growth for Quizizz

As an experienced educator and thought leader in the application of AI in K-12 education, Julian is the AI Education Advocate at Quizizz. He is deeply committed to empowering teachers with innovative tools that enhance learning outcomes. With a passion for open education and communities of practice, Julian has been at the forefront of helping educators harness technology to solve real classroom challenges. He is a strong advocate for the ethical use of AI in education and regularly contributes insights on how AI can transform teaching and learning experiences. Julian brings a unique perspective, combining hands-on teaching expertise with a deep understanding of emerging technologies, making him a sought-after voice in educational innovation.

Meagan Alfano

Science Curriculum Specialist

Meagan brings a decade of educational experience, most recently igniting middle schoolers' passion for STEM in Alberta, Canada. A Google Certified Innovator, she uses design thinking to create real-world, community-driven STEM experiences. Coding, Micro:bit, Makey Makey, 3D modelling, and robotics are her tools.

Beyond the classroom, Meagan empowers educators as a Canva Educator and Quizzizz GameChanger. Her infectious enthusiasm spills over into her edtech chat show, EdTechAM, and website, LearnOUThere, where she crafts innovative programs that blend technology and design thinking for authentic learning.

Abid Patel

IT Director

Abid has worked in schools & EdTech for over 19 years. As the IT Director for Newham Community Learning, he leads on digital strategy, cyber security and delivery of all digital learning experiences for the Trust.

Abid is a Google Certified Trainer & Innovator. Abid is also leader of the Google Educator Group, GEG UK. Abid is a passionate advocate for sustainable digital transformation in schools. He was described by one of his fellow innovators as "a natural positive force and dreamer with 10X ideas".

Abid has presented and spoken at many conferences and events globally. In recognition of his efforts in helping to improve digital outcomes for learners, he was awarded the title of EduFuturists Network Manager of the Year 2020 and also named in the 2020 EdTech50 “Ones to Note”. 

Danny Cyckowski

Technology Coach

Daniel Cyckowski is a technology coach in New Jersey, USA and a lead virtual ESL teacher in Taipei, Taiwan. His expertise in leveraging intentional educational technology use in the classroom to enhance learning outcomes has positioned him as a sought-after EdTech presenter. 

Daniel's concurrent roles as a technology coach and ESL teacher allow him to directly apply and refine innovative technology strategies in a truly symbiotic practice. As a coach, Daniel identifies real-world challenges and tailors solutions to meet the specific needs of educators. As a Google for Education Certified Innovator, Coach, and Trainer and ISTE Community Leader, Daniel has a strong commitment to fostering a collaborative community of innovative educators around the world.

Daniel is also the founder of Amora Academy, where he designs and delivers cutting-edge educational programs, including comprehensive professional development for educators focusing on innovative integration of educational technology, and engaging STEAM programs for students that foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Ben Whitaker

Ed Tech Educational Consultant

Ben is an Educational Consultant working with a number of clients on both digital and cultural transformation. Prior to this, Ben worked for 15 years in education as an Assistant Principal and Curriculum Manager, focusing on Apprenticeships and formerly in his subject specialisms of Religious Studies & Sociology. He is co-host of the popular Edufuturists podcast where he explores the future of education by interviewing thinkers from around the world. Ben writes a weekly newsletter at theideasguy.io and is the author of the new book, The Ideas Guy: Unleash Your Inner Genius.

Ben is chair of governors at a primary school and a trustee of a local charity but most importantly he is husband to Amanda, and dad to Niamh (12) and Martha (8). He's on socials at @itsbenwhitaker

Georgina Dean

Director of Digital Strategy

As a senior education leader, with an innate ability to inspire creativity, innovation, and inquiry-based critical thinking, Georgina supports educators, leaders, and school communities across EMEA and beyond with their school transformation. Leading and implementing digital strategy, with a focus on student-centricity through digitally integrated experiential learning, has inspired her to lead global digital transformation and change management. Georgina believes “it’s an epic time to help our next generation prepare for tomorrow’s unknown and build a sustainable future.” She is a Google Certified Innovator and ISTE Certified Educator. 

Ken Shelton

Educational Consultant

Ken has worked as an Educator for over 20 years and spent most of his classroom experience teaching technology at the Middle School level. Ken is an Apple Distinguished Educator, a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, and a Google Certified Innovator. He regularly presents, consults, and leads workshops, covering a wide variety of Educational Technology, Equity and Inclusion, Anti-Bias/Anti-Racist, Multimedia Literacy, Cultural Intelligences, Visual Storytelling, and Instructional Design topics. Ken is the ISTE Digital Equity PLN 2018 Excellence Award winner. Ken has also been named by EdTech Magazine as an influencer to follow. Ken has worked extensively at the policy level with a number of State Departments of Education, Ministries of Education, non-Profits, and was appointed by the California State Superintendent of Public Instruction to the Education Technology Task Force. 

Stuart Swann

LEGO Education Academy Certified Trainer

Confirmed for 2024!

Stuart qualified as a primary teacher in 1995 and holds a BEd. Throughout his 27 years' experience, constructionism, innovation and play have been at the heart of his work. He led on music and ICT and developed a bespoke scheme of curriculum integration with ICT through innovative, project-based learning. In 2011, along with a partner, he established IE Solutions Ltd an educational technology consultancy which supports schools in the development and implementation of Computing curricula. 

 Stuart is a LEGO Education Academy Certified Trainer and regularly facilitates training in both primary and secondary schools. He works globally on behalf of LEGO Education; has delivered keynotes training and workshops in Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Middle East; and has developed curriculum content for many LEGO Education resources. Stuart works closely with The LEGO Education Academy, helping to evaluate and certify new trainers. He is also an Apple Distinguished Educator and Apple Professional Learning Specialist. Twice a year, Stuart co-runs 4-day creative arts residential courses for young people where he leads on music.

Patrick McGrath

Head of Education for EMEA, 

Everwhere

Educator, international speaker, blogger, panellist, podcaster and Head of Education for EMEA at the Texthelp Group - the world's largest specialist assistive technology group. Paddy is passionate about ensuring that technology has a positive, meaningful and sustainable impact on teaching & learning through a focus on inclusion, accessibility and universal design. 

A Google Certified Trainer and Apple Education Mentor, Patrick has received the UK Digital Leader 100 Award and an Honorary Fellowship of the University of Ulster (School of Education). Find Patrick on twitter @TH_Patrickm or www.pmcgrath.me