Keynote Speaker
MACE 2026 Keynote Speaker
A New Way to Experience MACE: Introducing Our 4 Strand Spotlight Speakers
We’re evolving the MACE conference experience! Instead of a single, traditional keynote address, we are thrilled to introduce 4 Strand Spotlight Speakers for this year's event.
Each Spotlight Speaker brings deep expertise in a specific area of modern education. These featured sessions are designed to kick off each learning strand, giving you actionable takeaways, fresh perspectives, and evidence-based strategies you can apply immediately in your school or classroom.
Meet Our 2026 Strand Spotlights
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Strand 1: Connected Pedagogy & Active Learning
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The Focus: How students learn, retain content, and engage with subject matter using evidence-based strategies, active learning, literacy, and practical tech integration.
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Spotlight Speaker: Featured presenter announcement coming soon!
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Strand 2: Connected Feedback & Assessment
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The Focus: Measuring growth, checking for understanding, using formative assessment loops, and delivering real-time, actionable feedback.
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Spotlight Speaker: Maggie Mosher
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Strand 3: Connected Communities & Culture
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The Focus: Fostering relationships, inclusion, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), digital citizenship, and student digital wellness and belonging.
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Spotlight Speaker: Amber Rowland
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Strand 4: Connected Leadership & Coaching
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The Focus: Leading school-wide initiatives, instructional coaching, professional learning communities (PLCs), and strategic tech leadership.
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Spotlight Speaker: Dyane Smokorowski
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Previous MACE Keynote Speakers
Eric Curts
Eric has been in education for 34 years, and currently serves as a Technology Integration Specialist for SPARCC in North Canton, Ohio. He also provides keynotes, professional development, and consulting for schools, organizations, and conferences around the world. Eric's areas of expertise include artificial intelligence, Google tools, assistive tech, and creative ways to use technology in teaching and learning. He is an authorized Google Education Trainer and Innovator, and co-leads the Ohio Google Educator Group. Eric runs the award-winning blog www.ControlAltAchieve.com where all of his edtech resources can be found, and is the author of the book "Control Alt Achieve: Rebooting Your Classroom with Creative Google Projects".
Leslie Fisher is an internationally recognized presenter and a passionate advocate for educators. With a career spanning over 28 years, Leslie has dedicated herself to helping educators navigate the ever-evolving landscape of K-12 education. Her expertise lies in identifying current and emerging solutions, technologies, and trends that can be quickly and effectively implemented by educators across all grade levels, subjects, and administration.
Leslie’s approach to education is characterized by her deep appreciation for educators and her desire to provide them with quick, easy, and effective solutions. Her presentations are known for their easy-to-understand style and a dose of humor, making complex technological concepts accessible to all.
Holly is an education leader, international speaker, best selling author and is passionate about helping teachers find their blended learning genius. A twenty-five-plus year educator, she is one of the first teachers in the nation to have taught in a 1:1 classroom. She now shares that journey in her three books and through The Infused Classroom community channels including TikTok 1-minute PD.
Tara Martin is an enthusiastic educator, national speaker, and author who thrives on change and refuses to settle for the status quo. She has served as a classroom teacher, an instructional coach for several years, and most recently, a district administrator.
Tara is the author of the inspirational book, Be REAL: Educate from the Heart and Cannonball In, a motivating children's book illustrated by Genesis Kohler. Tara firmly believes machines and artificial intelligence will never replicate an individual’s REAL identity–the unique strengths, talents, and life experiences of every human. Tara's passion for education and love of writing led her to a new role where she coaches and serves educational authors as the Director of Public Relations and Communication for DBC, Inc.