EDTalks: 10th Anniversary Celebration Retrospective

In celebration of our 10th anniversary season of EDTalks, we are thrilled to present this special event with five past EDTalks speakers for a conversation around our season theme, “What’s Next? Where does education go from here?"

Our speakers will reflect on their past EDTalks topics in light of the present day: What has or has not changed? What are they more or less concerned about? How has the pandemic or other recent events shifted the way(s) they see their topic? What do they think is in store for us?

We'll share short clips of our speakers' past EDTalks to provide context for our discussion, which will be moderated by our long-time emcee Adia Morris. In typical EDTalks fashion, guests will be invited to participate in a robust Q&A with the speakers.  

You won't want to miss this event! 

Event details:

• Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
• Program begins at 6 p.m.
• Complimentary appetizers served!
• Beverages available for purchase
• Tickets are $5
• Advance registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome!

For more information contact Heidi Draskoci-Fricke. We look forward to seeing you there!

Meet our panelists

Dr. Keith Brooks: Critical Race Theory - Fact vs. Feeling.  Keith has been a project manager for a local foundation, education professor, college dean and pre-K thru 12 school district administrator. He enjoys sharing his expertise on topics such as ethical leadership, keys to collaboration, and intercultural communication.  

Jason Bucklin: Creating Gender Inclusive Schools. Jason has over 20 years of experience in LGBTQA+ youth advocacy and has overseen the development and implementation of gender inclusive polices both at Minneapolis Public Schools and across Minnesota. He currently serves as the (first ever!) LGTBQ education specialist for the Minnesota Department of Education​.

Dave Eisenmann: How to Raise Tech-Healthy Kids. Since 2006 Dave has spoken to over 75,000 students, staff, and parents in over 150 schools, churches, and businesses around the Midwest about digital health and wellness—having a healthy balance and relationship with technology. Dave is the Director of Technology at Minnehaha Academy.

Salma Hussein: The Power of Strong Relationships for Student Success. Salma is a connector, educator, healer and passionate advocate for public education who is determined to build a community of caring adults who can end the opportunity gap that disproportionately harms Black, Brown and Indigenous students. As the new principal at Gideon Pond Elementary, she is at the forefront of system change in education, producing joy, healing, connection and liberation for educators and students. 

Erin Walsh: It's Complicated: Students, Social Media and Mental Health. Erin and her father, Dr. David Walsh, started together at the National Institute on Media and the Family before creating Spark & Stitch Institute in 2019. She has consulted with schools, school districts, parent groups and other youth serving organizations throughout North America on issues related to digital media, parenting, and social emotional development.