Trust AAE Speakers Bureau for Booking Top Professional Speakers. Find a Keynote Speaker Today.
Trust AAE Speakers Bureau for Booking Top Professional Speakers. Find a Keynote Speaker Today.
Heather Staker

Heather Staker

Keynote Speaker: Senior Research Fellow on Education at the Clayton Christensen Institute, Child Education Specialist

Heather Staker Biography

Heather Staker, one of the world’s foremost experts on K-12 blended learning, is the founder and president of Ready to Blend, a research initiative focused on helping educators and families use blended learning to improve the achievement and well-being of K-12 children. Staker is an adjunct researcher for the Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation, a nonprofit think tank that promotes disruptive innovation in education and health care. In 2014, Heather published "Blended: Using Disruptive Innovation to Improve Schools", a groundbreaking book that will serve as a field guide and eye-opener for the builders and influencers of the next generation of K-12 learning environments.

Named by Scholastic as one of the Five People to Watch in Education in 2012, Staker is well known for her work defining blended learning and naming the four most common models of blended learning in practice across America. In 2012, she co-authored Classifying K-12 blended learning, which identifies the main models of blended learning and explains how they differ. Her 2013 paper, Is K-12 blended learning disruptive?, makes provocative predictions about the future of America’s classrooms. Staker is also the co-founder of Brain Chase, a 5-week online-learning adventure disguised as a worldwide treasure hunt for students in grades 1-8 during summer break.

Staker appears regularly throughout the country on radio and television as a keynote speaker, legislative expert, and conference panelist who educates the masses on blended learning, competency-based learning, and student-centered design. Her favorite assignment is training education leaders on how to develop high-impact technology investments centered on high-quality blended learning.

Prior to the Christensen Institute, Staker worked as a strategy consultant for McKinsey & Company, served as a member of the California State Board of Education during Governor Pete Wilson’s administration, taught U.S. history as a teaching fellow at Harvard University, started a co-op preschool, and marketed Oil of Olay for Proctor & Gamble. She holds a BA in government from Harvard University and an MBA from the Harvard Business School.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Heather Staker and other top speakers and celebrities.

Heather Staker Speaking Topics

Ready to Blend: Training School Leaders to Make the Most of Technology Investments

Through half-day and full-day training sessions, Staker prepares school leaders to develop high-quality blended-learning plans that maximize the impact of technology in classrooms. The core objectives of these sessions are to:

  • Introduce the theories of disruptive and sustaining innovation as a framework for helping to understand the rise of K-12 blended learning.
  • Increase awareness of the difference between high-quality blended learning and “cramming,” which means using technology for technology’s sake. Help participants identify worthwhile uses of technology and design an emergent strategy to capture the opportunity.
  • Introduce a multi-step process for designing and implementing a blended-learning program. The steps include defining the "rally cry," organizing to innovate, designing the model from a jobs-to-be-done perspective, implementing, and iterating through a discovery-driven planning process. Through concepts, tools and technology, Staker helps participants break down the planning process into a series of steps. These steps can then be used to help school leaders systematically prepare for, design, and implement their own customized blended-learning plans.
  • Give participants opportunities to practice the skills that lead to success. Increased awareness and a systematic framework are most valuable when tied directly to practical skill building. Using case studies and group exercises, Staker challenges participants to engage in the blended-learning planning process using a hands on approach so that by the end, they are ready to apply those techniques on their own when they complete their plans as school teams.
  • Help participants connect their learning to their next steps. Participants will leave with insights on how to get started with blended learning, as well as a sense of expertise about the step-by-step framework so that they have a complete roadmap to follow as they develop their school-based plans.

Is K-12 Blended Learning Disruptive? An Introduction to the Theory of Hybrids

Steam-powered sailing ships, Kodak photo kiosks, and the Toyota Prius all share one thing in common: they are hybrids—which means they combine an old and new technology to offer “the best of both worlds.” In many ways, thousands of classrooms across America are doing the same thing. They are trying to offer the advantages of online learning along with the benefits of the traditional system by implementing hybrid blended-learning models. The Flipped Classroom, Station Rotation, and Lab Rotation are classic examples. But other blended models are following an entirely different path. They are literally tearing down classroom walls and offering a disruptive alternative to traditional education. The theory of hybrids helps education leaders and contributors shine a light on the future and anticipate what direction the school system is heading. In this provocative conversation, Staker predicts that over the long term, disruptive models will replace traditional schooling altogether and become the primary way middle and high school students experience learning.

How Disruptive Innovation is Changing the Way the World Learns

Computers have been in classrooms for decades, but they have scarcely made a difference in improving education. Classrooms look basically the same as before, but with a layer of technology and complexity crammed on top, and their results are roughly unchanged. Online learning, however, is breaking that pattern. It has the classic features of a disruptive innovation—the same type of innovation that killed mainframe computers, film-based photography, telegraph machines, and countless other popular technologies of the past. Disruptive innovation follows a telltale pattern that shines a light on the startling growth of online learning and what it means for the world. This session looks at online learning in general, as well as examines how it is being used in specific states and regions of interest to the audience. It concludes with steps that educators can take to channel disruptive innovation to its highest potential.

The Rise of K-12 Blended Learning: Why It’s Hot and When It’s Not

Online learning used to be a last resort for students who wanted a distance education. Not anymore. More schools in America are blending online learning into their mainstream, brick-and-mortar classrooms to solve problems that have troubled the system for decades but lacked a viable solution. These include filling gaps in a course catalog, helping teachers personalize learning, teaching English language learners, and freeing up resources for one-on-one tutoring. The common intent behind the growing variety of programs is to leverage online resources to create individualized learning experiences for each student without draining the budget. Several models of blended learning are taking shape across the country, including the Flipped Classroom, Flex, and Station Rotation. School leaders must take a few critical, sometimes counterintuitive steps to design a bulletproof blended-learning strategy that inspires and lifts students to their highest potential.

Heather Staker Videos

Heather Staker | What is Blended Learning?
Exclusive Webinar: Blended Learning with Heather Staker
Open Innovations University: Heather Staker

How do I book Heather Staker to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Heather Staker for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Heather Staker, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Heather Staker or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book Heather Staker for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for Heather Staker, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Heather Staker are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and $10,000 - $20,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Heather Staker, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

What topics does Heather Staker speak about?

Heather Staker is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Education Policy & Reform, Innovation, Teacher Motivation, Education, Diversity, Psychology, Consulting, Business Leadership, Female Leadership, Leadership, Inspirational, Motivational, Authors, Early Childhood Education and Neuroscience.

Where does Heather Staker travel from?

Heather Staker generally travels from Austin, TX, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

Who is the agent for Heather Staker?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Heather Staker for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Heather Staker for your next private or corporate function.

What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Heather Staker or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.


Heather Staker is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Education Policy & Reform, Innovation and Teacher Motivation. The estimated speaking fee range to book Heather Staker for live events is $10,000 - $20,000, and for virtual events $10,000 - $20,000. Heather Staker generally travels from Austin, TX, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Gever Tulley, Doug Lemov and Erin Gruwell. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Heather Staker for an upcoming event.

Heather Staker Speaking Topics

  • Ready to Blend: Training School Leaders to Make the Most of Technology Investments

    Through half-day and full-day training sessions, Staker prepares school leaders to develop high-quality blended-learning plans that maximize the impact of technology in classrooms. The core objectives of these sessions are to:

    • Introduce the theories of disruptive and sustaining innovation as a framework for helping to understand the rise of K-12 blended learning.
    • Increase awareness of the difference between high-quality blended learning and “cramming,” which means using technology for technology’s sake. Help participants identify worthwhile uses of technology and design an emergent strategy to capture the opportunity.
    • Introduce a multi-step process for designing and implementing a blended-learning program. The steps include defining the "rally cry," organizing to innovate, designing the model from a jobs-to-be-done perspective, implementing, and iterating through a discovery-driven planning process. Through concepts, tools and technology, Staker helps participants break down the planning process into a series of steps. These steps can then be used to help school leaders systematically prepare for, design, and implement their own customized blended-learning plans.
    • Give participants opportunities to practice the skills that lead to success. Increased awareness and a systematic framework are most valuable when tied directly to practical skill building. Using case studies and group exercises, Staker challenges participants to engage in the blended-learning planning process using a hands on approach so that by the end, they are ready to apply those techniques on their own when they complete their plans as school teams.
    • Help participants connect their learning to their next steps. Participants will leave with insights on how to get started with blended learning, as well as a sense of expertise about the step-by-step framework so that they have a complete roadmap to follow as they develop their school-based plans.

  • Is K-12 Blended Learning Disruptive? An Introduction to the Theory of Hybrids

    Steam-powered sailing ships, Kodak photo kiosks, and the Toyota Prius all share one thing in common: they are hybrids—which means they combine an old and new technology to offer “the best of both worlds.” In many ways, thousands of classrooms across America are doing the same thing. They are trying to offer the advantages of online learning along with the benefits of the traditional system by implementing hybrid blended-learning models. The Flipped Classroom, Station Rotation, and Lab Rotation are classic examples. But other blended models are following an entirely different path. They are literally tearing down classroom walls and offering a disruptive alternative to traditional education. The theory of hybrids helps education leaders and contributors shine a light on the future and anticipate what direction the school system is heading. In this provocative conversation, Staker predicts that over the long term, disruptive models will replace traditional schooling altogether and become the primary way middle and high school students experience learning.

  • How Disruptive Innovation is Changing the Way the World Learns

    Computers have been in classrooms for decades, but they have scarcely made a difference in improving education. Classrooms look basically the same as before, but with a layer of technology and complexity crammed on top, and their results are roughly unchanged. Online learning, however, is breaking that pattern. It has the classic features of a disruptive innovation—the same type of innovation that killed mainframe computers, film-based photography, telegraph machines, and countless other popular technologies of the past. Disruptive innovation follows a telltale pattern that shines a light on the startling growth of online learning and what it means for the world. This session looks at online learning in general, as well as examines how it is being used in specific states and regions of interest to the audience. It concludes with steps that educators can take to channel disruptive innovation to its highest potential.

  • The Rise of K-12 Blended Learning: Why It’s Hot and When It’s Not

    Online learning used to be a last resort for students who wanted a distance education. Not anymore. More schools in America are blending online learning into their mainstream, brick-and-mortar classrooms to solve problems that have troubled the system for decades but lacked a viable solution. These include filling gaps in a course catalog, helping teachers personalize learning, teaching English language learners, and freeing up resources for one-on-one tutoring. The common intent behind the growing variety of programs is to leverage online resources to create individualized learning experiences for each student without draining the budget. Several models of blended learning are taking shape across the country, including the Flipped Classroom, Flex, and Station Rotation. School leaders must take a few critical, sometimes counterintuitive steps to design a bulletproof blended-learning strategy that inspires and lifts students to their highest potential.

Heather Staker Videos

Heather Staker | What is Blended Learning?
Exclusive Webinar: Blended Learning with Heather Staker
Open Innovations University: Heather Staker
Heather Staker: "Is K-12 Blended Learning Disruptive?"
BOOKING INFORMATION REQUEST
HEATHER STAKER

We are happy to assist you with your interest in booking a speaker or celebrity for your event, your organization, and the type of talent you would like to secure, and an agent will be in touch shortly.

Fill out the form below to or call us at 1-800-698-2536 if need immediate assistance.

Tell us about your event!

We respond to most inquiries within 4 hours. Under special circumstances, it may take up to 24 hours.


This website is a resource for event professionals and strives to provide the most comprehensive catalog of thought leaders and industry experts to consider for speaking engagements. A listing or profile on this website does not imply an agency affiliation or endorsement by the talent.

All American Entertainment (AAE) exclusively represents the interests of talent buyers, and does not claim to be the agency or management for any speaker or artist on this site. AAE is a talent booking agency for paid events only. We do not handle requests for donation of time or media requests for interviews, and cannot provide celebrity contact information.