Ken Shelton
Ken (He/Him/His) is a highly distinguished, multi-award-winning professional and best-selling author in the field of education. He holds a Master’s degree in Education with a specific focus on Educational Technology and New Media Design and Production. His academic background is complemented by over two decades of teaching experience, with a significant part of his career devoted to shaping young minds at the Middle School level. Ken is an esteemed and highly sought-after thought leader in education, particularly in the areas of educational technology, learning experience design, and leadership development. Ken’s expertise also extends to the sphere of policy-making/policy advisement, including being a notable figure on a California State Superintendent of Public Instruction’s Education Technology Task Force.
A committed advocate for equitable learning opportunities, he regularly imparts knowledge, inspiration, and insights through keynote speeches, personalized consulting, organizational culture/change, school/district transformation, and hands-on workshops. His range of expertise covers an array of topics, including but not limited to, Organizational Leadership, Policy Analysis, Policy Development, School/District Transformation, Inclusive Learning Environments, Anti Bias/Anti Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Media Literacy, Cultural Intelligence, Design, Career and Technical Education (CTE), and in the emerging technology field of Artificial Intelligence.
His most recent impact in the area of AI includes supporting the development of school/district/system policy, advisement, professional development planning, and leading workshops for educators across all levels of responsibility. He is the co-author of a best-selling book on the topic of artificial intelligence titled, “The Promises and Perils of AI in Education: Ethics and Equity Have Entered the Chat.” Ken has garnered many awards within education and educational technology. He has been recognized by the International Society for Technology in Education with two awards. Ken was the proud recipient of the Digital Equity Professional Learning Network Excellence Award in 2018 and the Making IT Happen Award in 2022 due to his extraordinary commitment, leadership, courage, and persistence in improving digital learning opportunities for students.
His unyielding dedication to enhancing digital learning opportunities for students led him to be acknowledged as an influencer to follow by EdTech Magazine. In 2024, Ken was awarded the CUE (Computer Using Educators) Platinum Disc Award in recognition of his significant ongoing contributions to the advancement of technology in education and an outstanding career-long commitment to CUE, its affiliates, and its mission. His work has also been recognized with accolades from leading global tech companies such as Apple, Google, and Microsoft. He is an Apple Distinguished Educator, a Google Certified Innovator, and a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, signifying his active and influential role in advancing educational technology and digital learning experiences. Ken’s influence transcends borders. He has been invited to speak at numerous global conferences, international schools, NGOs, and education-related gatherings. His wealth of practical experience, knowledge, and perspectives provide invaluable support to various organizations, including State Departments of Education, Ministries of Education, and nonprofits. Currently, among many things, Ken provides insightful guidance and advisement as a member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Board and Advisory Board for several technological companies, start-ups, and non-profit organizations that focus on education. His responsibilities extend beyond advisory roles to include policy analysis, platform evaluation, and community outreach, alongside aiding in the creation of equitable and inclusive recruitment and retention programs. His endeavors aim to build a more equitable, inclusive future in the world of technology and education. He also serves in an advisory role for several technology companies as they look to develop their Artificial Intelligence platforms in an equitable, accessible, responsible, and impactful way.
Resources:
The Promises and Perils of AI in Education: Ethics and Equity Have Entered the Chat