Ted Dintersmith

Ted Dintersmith is an influential figure in the realms of innovation, entrepreneurship, and education in the United States.

Ted Dintersmith has a distinguished background that spans over two decades in venture capital, where he was notably ranked by Business 2.0 as the top-performing U.S. venture capitalist for the period 1995-1999. His career also includes a pivotal role at Analog Devices from 1981 to 1987, which contributed to the digital revolution. In the public sector, he served as a staff analyst for the U.S. House of Representatives from 1976 to 1978. Additionally, he was appointed by President Obama to represent the U.S. at the United Nations General Assembly in 2012. His academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Engineering from Stanford University and a B.A. with High Honors in Physics and English from the College of William and Mary.

As a staunch advocate for transformative educational policies, Dintersmith emphasizes the integration of creativity, innovation, motivation, and purpose in schooling. He has extensively explored how education can evolve to better prepare students for a future dominated by innovation. His efforts are not only theoretical but also practical, as demonstrated by his travels during the 2015/16 school year to all fifty U.S. states, where he engaged with a wide array of stakeholders in the education sector. His work in education is further highlighted through his role as an executive producer for the documentary "Most Likely to Succeed," and through his books "Most Likely to Succeed: Preparing Our Kids for the Innovation Era" and "What School Could Be: Insights and Inspiration from Teachers Across America," authored with Tony Wagner.

Dintersmith is a prolific speaker, often incorporating screenings of his documentary to enhance the impact of his presentations at various significant educational gatherings, including state superintendent meetings and other major events. His talks frequently address the need for project-based learning initiatives and the integration of arts into STEM education to foster creativity. His advocacy extends into articles and public appearances, where he discusses topics such as fairer college admissions processes and the broader purposes of modern schooling. His keynote speeches and workshops are designed to inspire and provoke thoughtful discussion among educators, policy makers, and students alike.