This episode is sponsored by Brisk Teaching. To learn more and get started, visit www.briskteaching.com.
What does it take to turn a passion for education into a thriving career of speaking, presenting, and inspiring others? If you’ve ever wondered how conference presenters get started, or if you dream of taking your expertise beyond your school walls, this episode is for you.
At TCEA 2025, I had the privilege of sitting down with three incredible educators—each of us on our own unique journey but united by a shared love for teaching, technology, and transformation. Over the course of our conversation, one thing became clear: success doesn’t just happen—it’s built on passion, persistence, and a whole lot of hustle.
The Road to Success: What It Really Takes
We all took different paths to get where we are today, but some common themes emerged:
🔥 Passion Drives Everything – We didn’t start out thinking we’d be presenters or keynote speakers. We simply loved what we did, shared it with others, and opportunities started opening up.
💪 The Hustle is Real – From writing proposals to presenting at local events (sometimes for free!) to saying “yes” to the scary opportunities, we put in the work. Success isn’t luck—it’s consistent effort over time.
🎤 Speaking & Presenting is a Skill You Build – None of us were born keynote speakers. We learned, practiced, and improved by putting ourselves out there, getting feedback, and refining our craft.
🤝 Connections Matter – This episode is proof that relationships shape careers. Our paths crossed through conferences, social media, and shared experiences. Now, we’re “The Tech Thrillas”—a group with big plans ahead!
So, How Can You Get Started?
If you’re an educator who wants to share your ideas on a bigger stage, here’s what we recommend:
- Start Local – Present at your school, district, or regional events. Build your confidence and experience.
- Find Your Niche – What are you passionate about? What do people always ask you for advice on? Lean into that expertise.
- Apply for Conferences – Submit proposals to events like TCEA, ISTE, FETC, and state-level edtech conferences.
- Connect & Collaborate – Network with others in the field, engage on social media, and don’t be afraid to reach out to speakers you admire.
- Keep Learning & Growing – The best speakers are also lifelong learners. Keep pushing yourself to improve!
The Tech Thrillas Are Just Getting Started!
What started as a conversation turned into something much bigger. We’re now “The Tech Thrillas”—a group of passionate educators ready to make waves in edtech. This is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.
🎧 Listen to the full episode for inspiration, motivation, and maybe even the push you need to start your own journey!
