Sal Khan, founder and CEO of Khan Academy and Vision Steward and board member of TED, has spent nearly two decades expanding access to high-quality education worldwide. What began as online tutoring for his cousins has grown into a free learning platform serving learners in more than 190 countries and 50 languages.

As AI reshapes education, Khan believes it can become one of the most powerful tools ever available to students and educators. In his keynote, “AI Won’t Destroy Education … It’ll Save it,” he will explore how schools can use AI to provide every student with personalized support, give every teacher an intelligent teaching assistant, and create new opportunities for learning — while addressing the ethical and practical questions that come with this rapidly changing technology.

Recognized as one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People, Khan is the author of The One World Schoolhouse and Brave New Words and co-author of Teaching Students to Use AI Ethically & Responsibly.

Roosevelt Nivens, TASA president and superintendent of Lamar CISD, was named the 2026 National Superintendent of the Year by AASA. He is the first Texas superintendent to receive the nation’s highest honor for school system leadership in 25 years.

Nivens has spent nearly three decades in public education, beginning as a teacher and serving in campus and district leadership roles before becoming a superintendent. Since joining Lamar CISD in 2021, he has led one of Texas’ fastest-growing school districts, serving nearly 50,000 students.

Long before he became the nation’s top superintendent, Nivens was a child who struggled in school and faced a difficult childhood. While some doubted his potential, other educators believed in him and helped change the direction of his life.

In this deeply personal keynote, Nivens will share how he overcame obstacles to become an award-winning education leader. His story is a powerful reminder of the lasting influence educators can have — and what becomes possible when someone believes in a child.