Carl Hooker has been part of a strong educational shift with technology integration since entering the classroom. From his start as a teacher to advancing to district technology leadership, he has had one common belief: Students need to drive their own learning. He realizes the challenges in our current public educational institutions and meets them head on. Hooker’s unique blend of educational background, technical expertise, and humor make him a successful driving force for this change.

Hooker is the “Godfather” of The Learning Festival, or “LearnFestATX” (formerly iPadpalooza), which has grown into a global phenomenon. The event has impacted schools and districts from around the world, even inspiring spin-off events in other states, as well as Australia.

Hooker recently authored a six-part book series, “Mobile Learning Mindset,” which focuses on a different stakeholder and the role each plays in a successful mobile learning initiative. Aside from his work as an author and district leader, Hooker also works as a keynote speaker and consultant through his company HookerTech, as well as an adviser for multiple ed-tech start-up companies. He was named Tech & Learning Magazine’s 2014 Leader of the Year and is a member of the Apple Distinguished Educator class of 2013.