Skip to content

Announcing our 2026 Keynote: Dr. Ruben Puentedura and the “New Renaissance”

We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Ruben Puentedura will be joining us as a featured keynote speaker for Vermont Fest 2026!

Ruben Puentedura speaking, gesturing excitedly with his hands
Ruben Puentedura, Researcher and Educator
• Keynote Speaker, Thursday November 5

Best known as the creator of the SAMR Model, Dr. Puentedura has spent decades helping educators move beyond using technology as a simple substitute, instead reaching for truly transformative “redefinition” in the classroom. This year, he brings a visionary new focus to our community: The New Renaissance.

A Vision for the Future of Learning

As AI continues to reshape the educational landscape, Dr. Puentedura challenges us to consider a future where technology doesn’t lead the way, but instead serves as a partner to our most human endeavors. He arrives with three essential questions for the Vermont community:

  • What if we put the humanities at the core of future learning, in full partnership with the arts and STEM?
  • What if we constructed rich uses for AI that support new pathways for exploration, creation, and reflection?
  • What if we did this for everybody—from our youngest to our oldest learners?

Join the Conversation: Keynote & Symposium

Dr. Puentedura’s presence at Vermont Fest will span two unique opportunities for engagement:

  • Wednesday, Nov. 4: The Leadership Symposium A special half-day intensive designed for district teams, curriculum leaders, and IT directors to move from theory to action. This is a “working session” to help districts build a unified plan for human-centered AI integration.
  • Thursday, Nov. 5: The Keynote Address Open to all attendees, this address will dive deep into the intersection of the Humanities, STEM, and AI, inspiring us to weave these elements into a new fabric of learning.

Don’t miss the chance to hear from one of the most influential voices in educational technology. For more details on Dr. Puentedura’s address (and our Friday keynote with Amanda Jones), visit our Keynote Speakers page.

To see how these sessions fit into the full conference experience, check out the Vermont Fest Agenda.

Registration for Vermont Fest will open this summer!

 

Vita-Learn Member
Login

New Member? Register here!