Heather Brantley

Biography

Heather Brantley is an accomplished educator, instructional technologist, consultant, and founder of HeatherTechEdu, dedicated to helping educators and students harness the power of technology to create engaging, innovative, and meaningful learning experiences. With a strong background in instructional design, technology integration, and classroom education, Heather has built a career around empowering teachers to embrace emerging technologies while keeping student voice, creativity, and curiosity at the center of learning. Throughout her career, Heather has served in a variety of educational roles, including teaching mathematics and gifted and talented students, working in career and technical education, contributing to leadership teams, and supporting nonprofit community initiatives. Her diverse experience as both a classroom educator and technology advocate gives her a unique understanding of the challenges educators face and the practical ways technology can enhance instruction. She has particularly championed the use of AI, augmented and virtual reality, coding, and creative learning tools to help students become active participants in their education. Through HeatherTechEdu, Heather provides educational technology consulting, instructional design services, and professional presentations focused on AI, AR, VR, and innovative approaches to teaching and learning. She is also an experienced presenter and industry speaker who shares practical strategies with educators and school districts around the country. Her work reflects a belief that technology should not replace the human connection at the heart of education, but instead serve as a tool for strengthening engagement, creativity, collaboration, and student agency. Heather has also distinguished herself through innovative STEM and global learning initiatives. She played a key role in bringing the LEGO Build the Change initiative to her district, helping establish it as the first school district in the world to participate in the TAG/LEGO Build the Change School initiative. The program encourages students to use creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on design to develop solutions to real-world challenges. Her leadership in this work earned recognition through an Innovative Leader Award for Innovative STEM Program from Tech & Learning. A lifelong learner herself, Heather believes that every student has the potential to make a meaningful impact on the world. She is passionate about creating opportunities that allow young people to discover their strengths, develop their voices, and see themselves as capable creators and problem-solvers. Her approach to education is grounded in curiosity, relationships, creativity, and the belief that learning should prepare students not only for the future, but to actively shape it. Heather continues to expand her impact through education, professional development, speaking, and educational technology advocacy. She remains committed to supporting educators, inspiring students, and helping schools thoughtfully integrate innovative technologies into learning environments where both teachers and students can thrive.