Innovation distinguishes the leader from the follower.
Mark van de Mortel is a dynamic and innovative education professional with more than 30 years experience in education of which 20+ years in schoolmanagement. He is currently serving as principal at a middle and high school in the Netherlands.
Mark has a masters in Educational Management (MEM) and a diverse range of skills, including blended learning and integration of 1-1 devices in teaching.
His expertise is further highlighted through numerous certifications such as Apple Distinguished Educator (ADE, class of 2017), Google for Education Certified Innovator (#SWE17), Trainer & Champion.
Mark is also an accomplished online educational author, with focus on personalised learning and leadership in education. His extensive experience in various educational roles and his commitment to incorporating technology and AI in teaching methods mark him as a leader in educational innovation.
Read more about Mark on his LinkedIn profile
Services
Keynotes
Inspiring change with visionary keynotes tailored to ignite educational transformation.
Customized keynotes that resonate with educators and technologists alike, driving impactful discussions.
Consultancy
Expert consultancy in integrating technology seamlessly into educational frameworks.
Strategic consultancy offering practical, innovative solutions for education professionals.
Portfolio highlights
Google for Education
Upcoming:
Google Champions Symposium
Madrid, Spain
From October 29 to 31, I’ve been selected to attend the Google Champions Symposium in Madrid, Spain. I’m excited to join a group of international educators and innovators to explore the future of technology in education, share best practices, and help shape impactful strategies for schools worldwide.
Google for Education
Leader Series Summit
I attended the Google for Education Leader Series Summit, a high-impact gathering of school leaders, innovators, and education experts from across Europe. The summit focused on the future of education, showcasing best practices in digital transformation, AI in the classroom, and sustainable leadership. Through keynote sessions, hands-on workshops, and peer discussions, we explored how Google tools can support equity, student agency, and teacher wellbeing. It was an inspiring opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals and to shape a shared vision for more innovative and inclusive learning environments.
Google for Education
Panelist AI in education @ BETT
AI-Ready: Elevating Educators for the Future of Education
A panel discussion with educators around AI and education. AI isn’t just the future—it’s shaping our present. This session was dedicated to empowering educators by providing insights and tools necessary to harness AI’s capabilities in streamlining processes and reducing administrative hurdles.
artificial intelligence
AI Advisory Board
I started an AI Advisory Board at the where I’m principal. An AI Advisory Board is a group of students, parents/guardians and school employees who advise the management on matters related to AI. We choose how to deal with AI in education and discuss practical use cases and experiences through the lens of parents, teachers, students and staff.
Google for Education
Google Champions Symposium
Dublin, Ireland
I was selected to attend this symposium where I had the opportunity to explore the newest advances in educational technology – including the latest and future innovative education tools from Google, deepen my skills including the ability to increase my ability to support, inspire, and train colleagues, connect with some of the most innovative educators from around the world to learn from their experiences and share the successes from my community.
I gained insight into the latest emerging technologies and pedagogies, increased my skills to feed back into your system and connected with other transformational education leaders from around the globe.
Keynote & workshop
VMBO & MBO Technology Conference
Waddinxveen,
the Netherlands
On March 22 2024, I gave a TechTalk 🎙️ and hosted a World Café 🌎🗣️ on artificial intelligence during the 7th VMBO & MBO Technology Conference organized by Pijnenburg Techniek Scouting at the Bouwacademie Groene Hart & Coenecoop College in Waddinxveen.
A day filled with lively 🗣️ conversations with teachers, policy advisors, and school leaders about the use of AI in education 🧑🏻🏫 is truly energizing.
Organizing AI conference
AI & Technology Conference
Roermond,
the Netherlands
AI & Education Conference organizer
ROER College Schöndeln
For the second consecutive year, I successfully organized a large-scale conference on artificial intelligence and educational technology, welcoming over 300 participants from both within and beyond the education sector.
The event featured a rich program of keynote speakers, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities. Leading voices such as Bas Haring, Barend Last, Ilona Boomsma, and others explored practical applications of AI in primary and secondary education. The conference offered educators hands-on tools, fresh insights, and a collaborative space to reflect on the future of learning in an AI-driven world.
As the initiator and host, I was responsible for the overall concept, program curation, partner coordination, and on-site leadership throughout the event.
International workshops
Educational Leadership & Technology workshops
Nairobi, Kenya
In October 2023, I had the unique opportunity to travel to Kenya to facilitate a series of workshops for teachers and school leaders on educational leadership, with a focus on the role of technology in shaping future-ready schools.
During these interactive sessions, we explored leadership practices that foster collaboration, innovation, and growth. Together, we discussed the integrating technology into daily school life, and reflected on the global challenges and opportunities. It was an inspiring exchange of ideas, rooted in mutual respect and curiosity.
Daily activities as a principal
Fashion Meets Robotics Blending offline creativity with cutting-edge technology
In March 2023, a unique fashion line was unveiled — designed by students from my school in close collaboration with a company specializing in social robots for people with intellectual disabilities.
These robots are designed to respond empathetically to their users, offering companionship and support. By creating customized clothing for the robots, our students helped make them appear more human, friendly, and approachable — enhancing the emotional connection between the robot and the client.
This project is a powerful example of how I strive to merge hands-on, offline learning with meaningful applications of technology.
Daily activities as a principal
Reviving TEDxRoermond
Together with innovation expert Mike van Rijswijk, I brought new life to TEDxRoermond by connecting it directly to the school curriculum and turning it into a platform for students, by students. This unique approach transformed TEDxRoermond into more than just an event — it became a learning experience where education, technology, and creativity came together.