Will Richardson

A former public school educator with 22 years of experience, Will Richardson has devoted the last 15 years to developing an international reputation as a leading thinker and writer about the intersection of social online learning networks, education, and systemic change. He is a co-founder of The Big Questions Institute, which supports educators in using "fearless inquiry" to navigate complex and uncertain times. In 2017, Richardson was recognized as one of 100 global "Changemakers in Education" by the Finnish site HundrED and was listed by Forbes as one of the Top 5 "Edupreneurs to Follow." He has delivered keynote speeches, led breakout sessions, and offered coaching services in over 30 countries across six continents.

Richardson has authored six books, including "9 Big Questions," that have collectively sold over 200,000 copies worldwide. He is a respected voice in reimagining educational approaches and has delivered notable TEDx Talks in New York, Melbourne, and Vancouver, with his most recent talk titled "The Surprising Truth About Learning in Schools." His work emphasizes the need for integrating online safety and information literacy into school curricula and transforming learning environments into networked spaces where every student can contribute knowledge globally.

Living in rural New Jersey with his wife Wendy, Richardson advocates for a fundamental redesign of educational institutions to reflect the abundance of knowledge and teaching resources available online. He highlights the evolving role of school leaders in embracing new educational realities and integrating them into effective school practices. His discussions often cover the importance of Personal Learning Networks (PLNs) and their role in education, stressing how these networks can foster interconnected and widely accessible learning opportunities.