Episode 97

In this episode of The EdTech Disruptor Series, Leena Marie Saleh sits down with Amir Nathoo, co-founder and CEO of @Outschool, to discuss the evolving landscape of education, the rise of alternative learning models, and the role of AI in shaping the future of personalized education.

Amir shares his journey of founding Outschool, a platform that has revolutionized how students learn by providing engaging, interest-based online classes. He offers insights into the challenges and opportunities in education today, from school choice to AI-powered learning experiences.

This conversation is packed with expert insights on the intersection of technology and education. In this episode, you'll learn:

• How Outschool is redefining online learning for students worldwide
  The biggest challenges in traditional schooling and how to address them

• The role of AI in education—opportunities, concerns, and responsible implementation
• Why alternative education models like micro-schooling and homeschooling are growing
• The future of Outschool and its mission to support self-directed learning
• How educators can leverage platforms like Outschool to expand their impact

If you're passionate about the future of education and how technology is reshaping learning, this episode is a must-listen.

🔥 Don’t forget to follow the podcast for more episodes featuring education leaders and innovators!

Who is Amir Nathoo?

Amir Nathoo is the co-founder and CEO of Outschool, an online learning platform that empowers kids to learn on their own terms. A visionary tech entrepreneur, Amir has led Outschool from a startup to an EdTech unicorn, valued at $3 billion. He is passionate about self-directed learning and creating innovative solutions for the future of education.

Connect with Amir:

• LinkedIn: Amir Nathoo
• Email: [email protected]
• Outschool Website: www.outschool.com

I just want to say how much I appreciate each and every one of you who took the time to listen to this episode. I know how valuable your time and attention are, and I truly hope this conversation gave you something meaningful in return. Thank you so much for being here—it means the world to me!

About 'The EdTech Guru':

Leena Marie Saleh, aka The EdTech Guru, has spent well over a decade helping to drive change within the education space. She firmly believes that with access and equity, we can create even greater impact.

💌 Want to sponsor a podcast episode? Contact: [email protected]

(Disclaimer: The opinions shared in this episode are those of the guests and host alone.)

In this episode of the Teacher Transition Expert Series, Leena Marie Saleh sits down with Ben Erwin, an instructional designer and former educator, to discuss the realities of transitioning from teaching to instructional design. Ben shares his personal journey, the challenges of switching careers, and the strategies that helped him land his first ID role.

This conversation is packed with real talk and actionable insights for educators looking to pivot into instructional design—or any new field.

• The biggest misconceptions about instructional design as a career path
• How Ben leveraged his experience as a writing center director to transition out of academia
• The must-have skills for instructional design and how teachers can start building them today
• Why networking and content creation played a crucial role in Ben’s job search
• How to use portfolios, resumes, and transferable skills to stand out to hiring managers
• Why taking an entry-level role can be a strategic move for career growth

If you're an educator thinking about instructional design—or making any big career shift—this episode gives you practical steps to start your journey with confidence.

🔥 Listen now & take the next step in your transition!

Meet Ben Erwin:

Ben Erwin is an instructional designer with a background in journalism and higher education. After years as a writing center director, he successfully transitioned into ID, where he now collaborates with faculty to design engaging online courses. Passionate about supporting educators in career shifts, Ben shares real, no-fluff advice for those looking to break into new industries.

🔗 Connect with Ben:

• LinkedIn: Ben Erwin

About The Edtech Guru:

Leena Marie Saleh, AKA The Edtech Guru, has spent well over a decade helping to drive change within the education space. A firm believer in the power of access and equity, Leena is passionate about empowering educators to take their skills beyond the classroom and into high-impact roles.

Connect with Leena:

• Twitter/X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.twitter.com/leenamariesaleh⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.facebook.com/leenamariesaleh⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/leenamariesaleh⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Medium: ⁠⁠⁠⁠medium.com/@leenamariesaleh⁠⁠⁠⁠

• LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.linkedin.com/in/leenamariesaleh/⁠⁠⁠⁠

• TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.tiktok.com/@leenamariesaleh⁠⁠⁠⁠

Want to sponsor a podcast episode or know someone who would make a great guest? Contact: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

(Disclaimer: The Edtech Guru's opinions are hers and hers alone)

In this episode of theEdtech Disruptor Series, Leena Marie Saleh sits down withChris Hull, CEO and President ofOtus, to explore how AI-powered insights and student data are transforming education.

Chris shares his journey from seventh-grade social studies teacher to leading an edtech platform that’s reshaping how educators:
✅Use AI-driven insights to make data-informed decisions
✅Streamline assessments and personalize learning
✅Centralize student data to improve instruction
✅Enhance family engagement for student success
✅Navigate the future of AI in education over the next five years

This conversation dives deep into the evolution of classroom technology, showing how AI and data platforms can give teachers back valuable time while making learning more student-centered.

👤 Meet Chris Hull:
Chris Hull is theCEO and President of Otus, an edtech platform built to simplify student data and assessments. A former seventh-grade teacher, Chris co-founded Otus to solve real classroom challenges—giving educators a unified way to track student progress, analyze insights, and streamline instruction. Passionate about supporting teachers and advancing educational equity, Chris is driving innovation in edtech.

📲Follow Leena for More Edtech Insights:
🐦 Twitter:https://www.twitter.com/leenamariesaleh
📘 Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/leenamariesaleh
📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/leenamariesaleh
💼 LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/leenamariesaleh

💌Want to sponsor an episode or suggest a guest? Contact:[email protected]

(Disclaimer: The opinions shared in this episode are those of the guests and host alone.)

In this episode, Leena Marie Saleh, also known as the Edtech Guru, interviews Mike Yates from Teach for America’s Reinvention Lab. Mike is passionate about using artificial intelligence and innovative school models like Alpha and Unbound Academy to transform education.

What to Expect:
Mike’s background and journey as an educator and innovator

Connect with Mike:

About The Edtech Guru:

Leena Marie Saleh is passionate about empowering educators to transition their skills into high-impact roles. With over a decade of experience in education, she is dedicated to driving change and advocating for access and equity.

Connect with Leena:

🐦 Twitter/X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.twitter.com/leenamariesaleh⁠⁠⁠⁠

📘Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.facebook.com/leenamariesaleh⁠⁠⁠⁠

📸 Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/leenamariesaleh⁠⁠⁠⁠

✍️ Medium: ⁠⁠⁠⁠medium.com/@leenamariesaleh⁠⁠⁠⁠

💼 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.linkedin.com/in/leenamariesaleh/⁠⁠⁠⁠

🎥 TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.tiktok.com/@leenamariesaleh⁠⁠⁠⁠

💌 Want to sponsor a podcast episode or recommend a guest? Contact: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

(Disclaimer: The Edtech Guru's opinions are hers and hers alone.)

Episode 93:

In this episode of the Edtech Disruptor Series, Leena Marie Saleh, the Edtech Guru, sits down with Katherine Hamilton, Vice President of Programs at Ensemble Learning, to explore how equity and innovation are transforming education for multilingual learners.

Katherine shares her journey in education, the mission of Ensemble Learning, and practical strategies to support educators, students, and school communities. They discuss everything from improving classroom walkthroughs to leveraging Edtech for multilingual learners, offering actionable ideas to make meaningful changes in schools.

This episode is filled with insights for educators, leaders, and advocates who want to create opportunities where all learners can thrive.

About Katherine Hamilton:
Katherine Hamilton serves as Vice President of Programs at Ensemble Learning, leading initiatives that strengthen educational environments for multilingual learners. With degrees from Stanford and Yale, she brings a wealth of experience to her advocacy and leadership in education.

About Ensemble Learning:
Ensemble Learning partners with schools to create equitable opportunities for students, focusing on innovation, collaboration, and leadership development. Learn more at https://ensemblelearning.org.

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About The Edtech Guru:
Leena Marie Saleh is passionate about empowering educators to transition their skills into high-impact roles. With over a decade of experience in education, she is dedicated to driving change and advocating for access and equity.

Connect with Leena:
🐦 Twitter/X: ⁠⁠⁠www.twitter.com/leenamariesaleh⁠⁠⁠
📘 Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠www.facebook.com/leenamariesaleh⁠⁠⁠
📸 Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/leenamariesaleh⁠⁠⁠
✍️ Medium: ⁠⁠⁠medium.com/@leenamariesaleh⁠⁠⁠
💼 LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠www.linkedin.com/in/leenamariesaleh/⁠⁠⁠
🎥 TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠www.tiktok.com/@leenamariesaleh⁠⁠⁠

💌 Want to sponsor a podcast episode or recommend a guest? Contact: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

(Disclaimer: The Edtech Guru's opinions are hers and hers alone.)

In this insightful episode, Leena Marie Saleh, AKA The Edtech Guru, sits down with Stephanie Yesil, founder of Elevated Careers, to uncover the secrets behind a successful teacher transition. Stephanie shares her journey from the classroom to a six-figure corporate career and her mission to empower educators to break through the barriers of career change.

Join Leena and Stephanie as they dive into:

This episode is packed with actionable advice, inspiring stories, and practical tools to help educators take the next step in their professional journey. If you’ve been considering a career move, this conversation is one you can’t miss.

About The Edtech Guru: Leena Marie Saleh, AKA The Edtech Guru, has spent well over a decade helping to drive change within the education space. A firm believer in the power of access and equity, Leena is passionate about empowering educators to take their skills beyond the classroom and into high-impact roles.

Connect with Leena:

Want to sponsor a podcast episode or know someone who would make a great guest? Contact: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

(Disclaimer: The Edtech Guru's opinions are hers and hers alone)

In this heartfelt episode, Leena Marie Saleh, AKA The Edtech Guru, returns after 1.5 years with a raw and real life update. Sit down with Leena as she shares the journey that’s been unfolding behind the scenes—the highs, the lows, and the insights that have shaped her path as an educator and Edtech advocate.

Join Leena for an intimate chat where she dives into her experiences over the past year and a half, the lessons learned, and how her perspective on education, career, and personal growth has evolved. It’s like catching up with an old friend—grab a coffee, settle in, and let’s reconnect.

About The Edtech Guru:

Leena Marie Saleh aka The Edtech Guru has spent well over a decade helping to drive change within the education space. The Edtech Guru is a firm believer that with access and equity, we can drive even greater change.

Connect with Leena:

Want to sponsor a podcast episode or know someone who would make a great guest? Contact: [email protected]

(Disclaimer: The Edtech Guru's opinions are hers and hers alone)

In this episode, Leena Marie Saleh, also known as the Edtech Guru, interviews Patrick Boylan, co-founder of MuseFlow.ai. Patrick is passionate about transforming music education through innovative technology, making it more engaging and accessible for learners.

What to Expect:

Meet Patrick Boylan:

Connect with Patrick:

About The Edtech Guru:

Leena Marie Saleh aka The Edtech Guru has spent well over a decade helping to drive change within the education space. The Edtech Guru is a firm believer that with access and equity, we can drive even greater change.

Connect with Leena:

Want to sponsor a podcast episode or know someone who would make a great guest? Contact: [email protected]

(Disclaimer: The Edtech Guru's opinions are hers and hers alone)

#EdTech #MusicEducation #AI #GamifiedLearning #EdTechDisruptors

In this episode, Leena Marie Saleh, also known as the Edtech Guru, interviews Rachel Bodily, a former educator who successfully transitioned out of the classroom. Rachel is the founder of MYP Math Tutor and currently serves as the Associate Director of Learning & Engagement at Toddle.

What to Expect:

Meet Rachel Bodily:

With over a decade of experience as an IB MYP mathematics teacher and coordinator at the International School of Amsterdam, Rachel saw the need for tailored learning solutions and founded MYP Math Tutor. Now at Toddle, she combines her love for project management and event coordination with her passion for meaningful connections and EdTech.

Connect with Rachel:

About Leena Marie Saleh:

Leena, the Edtech Guru, is dedicated to driving change in education, focusing on access and equity. Tune in to our episodes on your favorite podcast platform.

Listen & Subscribe:

Connect with Leena:

Interested in sponsoring an episode? Contact Leena at [email protected].

#TeacherTransition #EdTech #EducationReform

Episode 88

In this episode, Leena Marie Saleh, AKA the Edtech Guru sits down with none other than Elisabeth (Lis) Bostwick. Lis is an author, podcaster, former educator and currently a Canva Learning Consultant. Leena and Lis sit down to talk about how you can empower students with choice in your classroom, tools to get started with in to integrate edtech in your classroom and why building a community is so important for educators.

In this interview Leena and Lis dicuss the following:

Who is Elisabeth Bostwick?

Elisabeth Bostwick is a multi-award-winning educator who is passionate about creating the conditions to spark curiosity and unleash creativity to empower learning. She is the author of, Take the L.E.A.P.: Ignite a Culture of Innovation and co-author of Education Write Now, Volume II: Top Strategies for Improving Relationships and Culture. As an Innovative Teaching and Learning Consultant and Canva Learning Consultant, Elisabeth works alongside educators to create classroom cultures where every learner thrives. With her passion for creating a long-lasting, positive impact on education, Elisabeth supports others to identify how we can cultivate systemic change and develop essential success skills to ignite a movement of inspired, confident learners.

Connect with Elisabeth Bostwick:

About The Edtech Guru:

Leena Marie Saleh aka The Edtech Guru has spent well over a decade helping to drive change within the education space. The Edtech Guru is a firm believer that with access and equity, we can drive even greater change.

Connect with Leena:

Want to sponsor a podcast episode or know someone who would make a great guest? Contact: [email protected]

(Disclaimer: The Edtech Guru's opinions are hers and hers alone)