ACTEM 2025 Fall Conference

38th Annual Education Technology Conference

Oct. 9-10, 2025  •  Augusta Civic Center, Augusta, ME

Thursday Keynote Speaker - Jordyn Zimmerman

Jordyn is a passionate educator and disability advocate. After being diagnosed as autistic at a young age, she did not receive access to augmentative communication until the age of 18. That arduous journey fuels her beliefs around leveraging tools and supports to drive change. She now thrives on boldly showing up and redefining what is possible in learning spaces and throughout the broader community — and has personal experience challenging the status quo, which is featured in the 2021 documentary, This Is Not About Me.

Featured Speaker - Carl Hooker

Carl has been an educator for over 25 years and has been part of a strong educational shift with thoughtful technology integration ever since his first day stepping into the classroom. From his start as a teacher all the way through becoming a district leader, he’s always held one common belief – the kids need to drive their own learning. Carl brings this background as well as a wealth of practical tools and ideas that teachers can use in their classroom tomorrow.

Friday Keynote Speaker -  AJ Juliani

A.J. Juliani is the Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling author of Adaptable. He serves as an Instructor for the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education (PLN) and former Director of Learning and Innovation for Centennial School District. As a Curriculum Coordinator, Tech Director, English teacher, football coach, and K-12 Instructional Coach, A.J. has worked towards innovative learning experiences for schools in various roles. A.J. is also an award-winning blogger, speaker, and author of multiple other books, including the best-sellers Empower, Launch, and The PBL Playbook. His favorite role is Dad to five kids!

Spotlight Speakers Thursday

Eric Lawson - Director of Technology & Innovation

Eric Lawson has been in education for over 25 years. He has been an elementary teacher, a technology integrator, an Admin Curriculum/Technology Integrator, and is currently the Director of Technology & Innovation for the York School Department in York, Maine. He has been published in eSchool News, Tech&Learning Magazine and ISTE’s Learning and Leading with Technology Magazine for technology integrated projects and ideas. He was named a member of the Maine Starting 6, and was inducted into the Unum Maine Teacher’s Hall of Fame in January 2012. He was the ACTEM Achieve Award winner in 2018. Eric is a certified Google Champion (Innovator, Trainer, GEG New England Leader and Product Expert).

Kimberly Zajac - Communication Practitioner & Inclusion Leader

Kim Zajac, is a certified SLP and Audiologist in MA. She is an ASCD/ISTE Community Leader, Educator Mentor for the Vital Prize Challenge and an Adobe Creative Educator Leader. She is a virtual practicum instructor at Speech@Emerson. Kim is a Co-Founder of EdCampSoutheasternMA. She is an FETC Featured Speaker and has presented at ASU GSV AIRShow, SXSWEDU, ISTE, MassCUE, & NYC Schools Tech Summit. Kim specializes in creating programs and sharing learning strategies to support students with diverse learning needs. She is passionate about establishing equitable access and inclusion for ALL students

Spotlight Speakers Friday

.Christina DiMicelli - Director of EdTech Learning & Growth

Christina is the Director of EdTech Learning & Growth at Pinkerton Academy in Derry, NH with 15+ years of experience in education.  She is a Google Certified Trainer, Innovator, & ISTE Certified Educator/Community Leader with several recent awards for her work with generative AI and education.  She is one of 90 educators selected for the new GenerationAI community of practice cohort with ISTE+ASCD.  Interested in Mind, Brain, and Teaching along with the possibilities technology and AI bring to education, Christina loves to spark ideas and help you innovate your educational practice.

Craig Shiel - Digital Learning Specialist

Craig Sheil is a Digital Learning Specialist at Bedford High School in Bedford, NH, with 22 years of experience in education. While Craig started as a high school math teacher, his passion currently lies in inspiring others to embrace technology purposefully, empowering educators to infuse it effectively into their classrooms. He has helped equip teachers with the tools and strategies needed to navigate the digital landscape over the years. 

Craig is a Canvassador for Canva for Education, a Google for Education Certified Trainer and adjunct faculty member at Fitchburg State University, where he teaches educational technology graduate level courses for teachers. He can also be found presenting at conferences, conducting professional trainings for school districts, and offering online workshops. 

Craig’s Blog, “the Sheil Spiel” can be found at: www.craigmsheil.com

LinkedIn: @craig-sheil

BlueSky: @csheil.bsky.social