Ted Dintersmith
Keynote Speaker: Filmmaker, Education Advocate & Founder of What School Could Be
-
Travels From:
-
Speaking Fee:
-
Categories:
Ted Dintersmith Biography
Ted Dintersmith is an education advocate, author, filmmaker, and former venture capitalist who has dedicated more than 15 years to rethinking how American schools prepare students for the future. After earning a doctorate in engineering from Stanford University and a Bachelor of Arts with high honors in physics and English from the College of William and Mary, Dintersmith built a career in technology and finance. He served as a senior executive at Analog Devices before becoming a general partner at Charles River Ventures, where he spent more than two decades and was recognized by Business 2.0 as a top-performing venture capitalist in the United States. Dintersmith also served on the board of the National Venture Capital Association, chairing its public policy committee, and was appointed by the president to represent the United States at the United Nations General Assembly, focusing on global education and entrepreneurship.
Dintersmith's shift to education reform began when he identified a disconnect between what schools teach and what students need to thrive. His first major effort was organizing and funding "Most Likely to Succeed," a feature-length documentary directed by filmmaker Greg Whiteley. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and has been screened by more than 10,000 communities in approximately 35 countries, serving as a catalyst for conversations about transforming education. Dintersmith has also executive produced other films, including "The Hunting Ground," "College Behind Bars," "A Most Beautiful Thing," "The Bad Kids," and the documentary "Multiple Choice," which highlights innovative career and technical education in Winchester, Virginia.
In addition to his work in film, Dintersmith is an author. He co-wrote "Most Likely to Succeed: Preparing Our Kids for the Innovation Era" with Tony Wagner and followed it with "What School Could Be," an account of his journey to all 50 U.S. states during a single school year, visiting approximately 200 schools and holding about 1,000 meetings with governors, legislators, educators, parents, and students. His book "Aftermath: The Life-Changing Math That Schools Won't Teach You" challenges conventional math education and advocates for teaching mathematical thinking relevant in an age of artificial intelligence.
Dintersmith is the founder of What School Could Be, an online platform designed to empower educators and support student-led learning. A frequent keynote speaker at major conferences, including state superintendent meetings and a plenary session of the Finnish parliament, Dintersmith draws on real-world examples to articulate a vision for education that prioritizes purpose, agency, and deep knowledge over standardized testing. His experience in venture capital, technology, public policy, and grassroots education advocacy informs his perspective on education innovation and reform.
Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Ted Dintersmith and other top speakers and celebrities.
Ted Dintersmith Speaking Topics
This talk, designed for student groups, will change the lives of any young adult who takes the talk seriously. Dintersmith provides compelling examples of what young adults can accomplish if they retain a sense of audacity and “bold” in pursuing their goals.
Workshop Option: The speaker works with students to help them clarify important goals in their lives, and brainstorm about how “bold” can help them achieve these objectives.
Many schools have been forced to eliminate art from the student experience; others still offer art, but as a stand-alone class. In this talk and workshop, Dintersmith shows the essential importance of
Art and creativity in developing science and math proficiency, STEM skills in pursuing the arts, and The role of hands-on learning (or CTE) for every student.
Workshop Option: The speaker takes the audience through several exercises that highlight the power of integrating these disciplines, and the missed opportunity when they are isolated or ignored.
The Urgency and the Possibility
Without profound change in traditional education, most of our current students will be at risk in a world defined by innovation. It doesn’t have to be this way. Dintersmith draws on his trip to all fifty states during the 2015/2016 school year to highlight conditions that lead to exceptional student learning. He goes onto identify change models that enable a school, district, or even a state to effectively transform classrooms at scale.
Workshop Option: The speaker takes the audience through several exercises that bring insight into the purpose of school, and ways to effect change through agile, low-risk “hacks” (small innovations).
Parents face hard choices when it comes to school and their children. Do we push our kids to excel in the current system, or encourage them to find their own path forward? They are generally at odds, and the choices parents make have lifetime consequences for their child. Innovation expert (and parent of two) Ted Dintersmith has immersed himself in schools. In this talk, he shares insights into learning environments, parental priorities, and a child’s life prospects.
Former venture capitalist and entrepreneur Ted Dintersmith knows innovation, and what skillsets and mindsets will be needed for the jobs of the future. In this talk, he connects the dots between workforce readiness and an education system that, in theory, prepares students for career but, in practice, impairs their life prospects. Any businessperson -- whether their focus is on workforce readiness, their own children or grandchildren, or the stability of our democracy -- will find this talk of immense interest.
Ted Dintersmith Videos
How do I book Ted Dintersmith to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Ted Dintersmith 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 Ted Dintersmith, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Ted Dintersmith or any other speaker of your choice.
How much does it cost to book Ted Dintersmith for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Ted Dintersmith, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Ted Dintersmith are $20,000 - $30,000 for live events and Below $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Ted Dintersmith, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
What topics does Ted Dintersmith speak about?
Ted Dintersmith is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Education, Educational Motivational, Education Reform, Innovation, STEM, STEM Education, Finance, Venture Capital, Business, Business Leadership and Artificial Intelligence.
Where does Ted Dintersmith travel from?
Ted Dintersmith generally travels from Boston, MA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
Who is the agent for Ted Dintersmith?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Ted Dintersmith 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 1.855.383.8805, and one of our agents will assist you to book Ted Dintersmith 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 Ted Dintersmith 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.
Ted Dintersmith is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Education, Educational Motivational and Education Reform. The estimated speaking fee range to book Ted Dintersmith for live events is $20,000 - $30,000, and for virtual events Below $10,000. Ted Dintersmith generally travels from Boston, MA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Ben Casnocha, Eduardo Briceño and Amy Jo Martin. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Ted Dintersmith for an upcoming event.
SPEAKING TOPICS
Ted Dintersmith Speaking Topics
-
The Art and Importance of Being Bold?
This talk, designed for student groups, will change the lives of any young adult who takes the talk seriously. Dintersmith provides compelling examples of what young adults can accomplish if they retain a sense of audacity and “bold” in pursuing their goals.
Workshop Option: The speaker works with students to help them clarify important goals in their lives, and brainstorm about how “bold” can help them achieve these objectives.
-
Why The Letters STEM Desperately Need The Letters A and CTE?
Many schools have been forced to eliminate art from the student experience; others still offer art, but as a stand-alone class. In this talk and workshop, Dintersmith shows the essential importance of
Art and creativity in developing science and math proficiency, STEM skills in pursuing the arts, and The role of hands-on learning (or CTE) for every student.
Workshop Option: The speaker takes the audience through several exercises that highlight the power of integrating these disciplines, and the missed opportunity when they are isolated or ignored.
-
Transforming School
The Urgency and the Possibility
Without profound change in traditional education, most of our current students will be at risk in a world defined by innovation. It doesn’t have to be this way. Dintersmith draws on his trip to all fifty states during the 2015/2016 school year to highlight conditions that lead to exceptional student learning. He goes onto identify change models that enable a school, district, or even a state to effectively transform classrooms at scale.
Workshop Option: The speaker takes the audience through several exercises that bring insight into the purpose of school, and ways to effect change through agile, low-risk “hacks” (small innovations).
-
What Every Parent Needs To Know About School
Parents face hard choices when it comes to school and their children. Do we push our kids to excel in the current system, or encourage them to find their own path forward? They are generally at odds, and the choices parents make have lifetime consequences for their child. Innovation expert (and parent of two) Ted Dintersmith has immersed himself in schools. In this talk, he shares insights into learning environments, parental priorities, and a child’s life prospects.
-
What Every Businessperson Needs To Know About Education
Former venture capitalist and entrepreneur Ted Dintersmith knows innovation, and what skillsets and mindsets will be needed for the jobs of the future. In this talk, he connects the dots between workforce readiness and an education system that, in theory, prepares students for career but, in practice, impairs their life prospects. Any businessperson -- whether their focus is on workforce readiness, their own children or grandchildren, or the stability of our democracy -- will find this talk of immense interest.
VIDEO
Ted Dintersmith Videos
BOOKS
FAQS
-
How do I book Ted Dintersmith to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Ted Dintersmith 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 Ted Dintersmith, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Ted Dintersmith or any other speaker of your choice. -
How much does it cost to book Ted Dintersmith for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Ted Dintersmith, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Ted Dintersmith are $20,000 - $30,000 for live events and Below $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Ted Dintersmith, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Ted Dintersmith speak about?
Ted Dintersmith is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Education, Educational Motivational, Education Reform, Innovation, STEM, STEM Education, Finance, Venture Capital, Business, Business Leadership and Artificial Intelligence. -
Where does Ted Dintersmith travel from?
Ted Dintersmith generally travels from Boston, MA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. -
Who is the agent for Ted Dintersmith?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Ted Dintersmith 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 1.855.383.8805, and one of our agents will assist you to book Ted Dintersmith 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 Ted Dintersmith 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.
BOOK TED DINTERSMITH
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 1.855.383.8805 if need immediate assistance.
We respond to most inquiries within 4 hours. Under special circumstances, it may take up to 24 hours.
We are happy to help! Call us to speak with a booking agent about your event or specific speaker request.
Gauge Interest and check availability for appearances, speaking engagements, or corporate events.
Provide you with speaking fee to book Ted Dintersmith or other celebrity appearance fees
Give you personal recommendations for the best keynote speakers or celebrities
Assist you with any questions you have throughout the talent booking process
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.
