Sean Arnold

For over 20 years, Sean Arnold has dedicated his career to serving the incredible students and educators of NYC Public Schools. Starting as a special educator and STEM/CS Coach in District 75, he has progressed to his current role as the Director of School Pathways, where he guides citywide future readiness efforts in computer science, AI, esports, and college/career readiness. He remains deeply committed to accessibly and equitably reaching ALL students through inclusive and innovative technology and practices, often focusing on gamification, hands-on challenges, and assistive technology. A highly sought-after public speaker, Sean shares his expertise as a keynote presenter and consultant for organizations globally, promoting learning that is personally meaningful, intrinsically motivating, and made for everyone. His work is shared widely on his site, BraveInTheAttempt.com. His dedication has earned him prestigious recognition, including the ISTE Outstanding Teacher Award, the ISTE Inclusive Learning Network Outstanding Educator Award, and being named a top 30 EdTech K-12 influencer by EdTech Magazine. He is also an ISTE Certified Educator, a Google Innovator, an Apple Distinguished Educator, and a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, among many other certifications. He is deeply involved in educational governance, serving on the boards of NYSCATE and the ISTE+ASCD Conference Committee. Outside of work, Sean is a father of two energetic young boys and enjoys riding bikes, coaching soccer, and playing games with them. However, the accomplishment his children most admire is that he once ate a live Madagascar hissing cockroach for free museum passes.