Wednesday Mainstage

Annelise Cassar Tedesco is a passionate educator and artist. Representing the Louisiana First Foundation as a music ambassador, she serves students from all backgrounds and ability levels statewide by joining Louisiana’s First Lady to advocate for the importance of arts education. She also serves as the educator advisor to the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. In Louisiana’s Greater New Orleans region, Cassar teaches music and arts electives to grades 9-12 at Chalmette High School (CHS). She coaches multiple scholarship- and award-winning soloists and ensembles as the music director for CHS Voices.

Spencer Kiper is an instructional technologist for Caddo Parish Public Schools in Shreveport, Louisiana, and the 2019 Louisiana State Teacher of the Year. A regional and global STEM education and edtech advocate, Kiper believes in empowering students through culturally enriched and industry-based connections. His efforts to build a pipeline for STEM and career/technical education led him to create a student STEM lab, and his work as an educator crew trainer for the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and STEM Revolution has impacted educators from over 30 countries. A frequent conference presenter, Kiper holds advanced degrees in edtech, cyber education and educational leadership. He’s an adjunct professor and school partner to the teacher preparation and alternative certification programs at Louisiana State University in Shreveport, Nicholls State University and Reach University.

Juliana Urtubey is spending this year advocating for a joyous and just education for all students that celebrates their families, identities, and communities. Juliana, a National Board Certified Teacher, is known as “Ms. Earth” for her efforts to beautify schools and unify the community through murals and gardens. She is a special education co-teacher at Kermit Booker Elementary in Las Vegas, Nevada.