Filmmaker, Education Advocate & Founder of What School Could Be

Boston, MA, USA
Live Event: $20,000 - $30,000 Virtual Event: $5,000 - $10,000 More Fee Info

Ted Dintersmith Biography

Ted Dintersmith is an education advocate, author, filmmaker, and former venture capitalist who has dedicated more than 15 years to rethinking how American schools prepare students for the future. After earning a doctorate in engineering from Stanford University and a Bachelor of Arts with high honors in physics and English from the College of William and Mary, Dintersmith built a career in technology and finance. He served as a senior executive at Analog Devices before becoming a general partner at Charles River Ventures, where he spent more than two decades and was recognized by Business 2.0 as a top-performing venture capitalist in the United States. Dintersmith also served on the board of the National Venture Capital Association, chairing its public policy committee, and was appointed by the president to represent the United States at the United Nations General Assembly, focusing on global education and entrepreneurship.

Dintersmith's shift to education reform began when he identified a disconnect between what schools teach and what students need to thrive. His first major effort was organizing and funding "Most Likely to Succeed," a feature-length documentary directed by filmmaker Greg Whiteley. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and has been screened by more than 10,000 communities in approximately 35 countries, serving as a catalyst for conversations about transforming education. Dintersmith has also executive produced other films, including "The Hunting Ground," "College Behind Bars," "A Most Beautiful Thing," "The Bad Kids," and the documentary "Multiple Choice," which highlights innovative career and technical education in Winchester, Virginia.

In addition to his work in film, Dintersmith is an author. He co-wrote "Most Likely to Succeed: Preparing Our Kids for the Innovation Era" with Tony Wagner and followed it with "What School Could Be," an account of his journey to all 50 U.S. states during a single school year, visiting approximately 200 schools and holding about 1,000 meetings with governors, legislators, educators, parents, and students. His book "Aftermath: The Life-Changing Math That Schools Won't Teach You" challenges conventional math education and advocates for teaching mathematical thinking relevant in an age of artificial intelligence.

Dintersmith is the founder of What School Could Be, an online platform designed to empower educators and support student-led learning. A frequent keynote speaker at major conferences, including state superintendent meetings and a plenary session of the Finnish parliament, Dintersmith draws on real-world examples to articulate a vision for education that prioritizes purpose, agency, and deep knowledge over standardized testing. His experience in venture capital, technology, public policy, and grassroots education advocacy informs his perspective on education innovation and reform.

BOOK Ted Dintersmith

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 04/14/2026.

Ted Dintersmith Speaking Topics

  • The Art and Importance of Being Bold?

    This talk, designed for student groups, will change the lives of any young adult who takes the talk seriously. Dintersmith provides compelling examples of what young adults can accomplish if they retain a sense of audacity and “bold” in pursuing their goals.

    Workshop Option: The speaker works with students to help them clarify important goals in their lives, and brainstorm about how “bold” can help them achieve these objectives.

  • Why The Letters STEM Desperately Need The Letters A and CTE?

    Many schools have been forced to eliminate art from the student experience; others still offer art, but as a stand-alone class. In this talk and workshop, Dintersmith shows the essential importance of

    Art and creativity in developing science and math proficiency, STEM skills in pursuing the arts, and The role of hands-on learning (or CTE) for every student.

    Workshop Option: The speaker takes the audience through several exercises that highlight the power of integrating these disciplines, and the missed opportunity when they are isolated or ignored.

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Ted Dintersmith Videos

The Future of Math Education in the Age of AI | Aftermath Author Ted Dintersmith | Trending in Ed

The Future of Math Education in the Age of AI | Aftermath Author Ted Dintersmith | Trending in Ed

What if everything we’ve been told about math education is backwards? In this episode of ⁠Trending in Education⁠, Mike Palmer is joined by...

Ted Dintersmith: Are We Failing Our Kids? | Prof G Conversations

Ted Dintersmith: Are We Failing Our Kids? | Prof G Conversations

Ted Dintersmith, education advocate and author, joins Scott Galloway to argue that American schools aren't broken, they're just optimized for the...

Prepare Our Kids for Life, Not Standardized Tests | Ted Dintersmith ...

Prepare Our Kids for Life, Not Standardized Tests | Ted Dintersmith ...

As a leading venture capitalist, Ted Dintersmith lived and breathed the world of innovation. He has seen first-hand how quickly automation is ...

  • How do I book Ted Dintersmith to speak at my event?

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  • What are the speaker fees for Ted Dintersmith

    Speaking fees for Ted Dintersmith, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Ted Dintersmith are $20,000 - $30,000 for live events and under $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Ted Dintersmith, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Ted Dintersmith speak about?

    Ted Dintersmith is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Artificial Intelligence, Business, Business Leadership, Education, Education Reform, Educational Motivational, Finance, Innovation, STEM, STEM Education, Venture Capital
  • Where does Ted Dintersmith travel from?

    Ted Dintersmith generally travels from Boston, MA, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Ted Dintersmith for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Ted Dintersmith for your next private or corporate function.
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Ted Dintersmith is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as The Art and Importance of Being Bold?, Why The Letters STEM Desperately Need The Letters A and CTE?, Transforming School, What Every Parent Needs To Know About School, What Every Businessperson Needs To Know About Education and What School Could Be. The estimated speaking fee range to book Ted Dintersmith for your event is $20,000 - $30,000. Ted Dintersmith generally travels from Boston, MA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Ben Casnocha, Eduardo Briceño, Edith Yeung, Eduardo Saverin and Josh Linkner. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Ted Dintersmith for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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