In this edition of The Educator, we sat down with Brett Salakas, HP’s Education Ambassador for Australia and New Zealand, who was named one of The Educator’s Most Influential Educators for 2024. This recognition highlights Salakas’ efforts to blend technology with human connection in the classroom, transforming how teachers engage with students in today’s digital world.
Salakas believes that while technology is a powerful tool, it’s the relationship between teachers and students that truly drives learning. “No amount of AI or technology can replace the connection a teacher builds with a student,” he explained. “Learning happens because a teacher makes it engaging, not just because a computer screen says, ‘Let’s do linear equations.’ That humanity, that relationship, is more powerful than ever, especially as technology continues to evolve.”
As HP’s Education Ambassador, Salakas has led several initiatives across Australia and New Zealand. His work focuses on amplifying successful digital teaching practices and strengthening teacher training. A standout project is Reinvent the Classroom, which helped Berry Springs Public School in the Northern Territory win a global edtech award for its digital transformation. “Seeing the school move from traditional teaching methods to contemporary, tech-driven approaches, and the resulting improvements in student engagement and attendance, was remarkable,” Salakas shared.
In addition to his role at HP, Salakas is well known for building educator communities. He founded the #OzzyEd movement on Twitter (now X), which brought together thousands of teachers to share best practices within the industry. “No individual teacher can keep up with the rapid pace of change alone,” he said. “Community and collaboration are crucial. Sharing what works in classrooms is how we’ll create large-scale educational change.”
As one of The Educator’s Most Influential Educators for 2024, Brett Salakas is continuing to reshape how technology is used in education while emphasizing the importance of human connection.
To learn more about HP and Brett Salakas’ award-winning approach, click here to watch the full interview.