How can we redesign education to truly prepare students for the future of work?

“ Would we design a system where the high school diploma is the end goal for our secondary schools, or would we design a system that provides more avenues for industry credentials and early college credit and early planning? Would we design a system that is not engaging our students or providing them the agency that they need to be able to take ownership for their education? Or would we design a system that really personalizes and supports our students, meets them where they are, and provides them opportunities to plan and practice for their future?” -Roberto Rodriguez

In this episode of Lessons Learned Season 2, host Matt sits down with Roberto Rodriguez, former Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Education, to discuss how schools can better prepare students for the rapidly changing world of work.

Drawing on decades of experience in education policy and his personal journey as the son of public school educators, Roberto shares his vision for aligning K–12, higher ed, and industry to create a unified system of college and career readiness.

They explore how states like Indiana and Colorado are leading the way with dual enrollment, apprenticeships, and work-based learning — and why integrating workforce skills into high school curricula is key to equitable opportunity and economic mobility.

Together, they discuss:

• How to bridge the gap between education and workforce systems
• The role of educators in preparing future-ready graduates
• What it takes to design scalable, equitable career pathways
• Why collaboration across sectors is essential for long-term success

Whether you’re an educator, policymaker, or workforce leader, this conversation offers a hopeful, forward-looking perspective on reimagining education for a changing world.

Connect with our host:

• Matt Kennard’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-kennard-0ba4145/  

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4bzi3DLY1fCuBknsxWySw6 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/lessons-learned/id1714296987 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c715776e-3d77-4a8b-806b-207e01b861af 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@betterlesson4313 

What does the future of teaching look like in the age of AI?

“I've met so many people in the AI field who share a sense of responsibility and opportunity. You hear all the noise in the news, but many of us are working for a better future for all humans as a result of this technology.” - Luyen Chou

In this episode of Lessons Learned, host Matt sits down with Luyen Chou, Co-Founder and CEO of DeweyLearn, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way educators teach, learn, and grow.

Through multimodal AI, DeweyLearn helps educators analyze real classroom interactions—turning video, audio, and engagement data into actionable insights that strengthen instruction, combat bias, and support student success. Luyen shares how this technology bridges the gap between professional learning and classroom impact, providing educators with feedback that is timely, precise, and deeply human.

Together, they explore key topics such as:

• How AI can provide detailed, evidence-based feedback on teaching and learning
• The ethical considerations of using AI responsibly in schools
• Why AI should be viewed as a partner that enhances human capability—not a replacement for it
• How data-driven insights can accelerate professional growth and student outcomes

Whether you’re a teacher, instructional coach, or education leader, this conversation offers a grounded, optimistic look at how AI can empower, not overshadow, the human side of learning.

Connect with our guest:

• Luyen Chou’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luyen-chou-2647165/ 
• DeweyLearn’s Website: https://deweylearn.com/ 

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4bzi3DLY1fCuBknsxWySw6 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/lessons-learned/id1714296987 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c715776e-3d77-4a8b-806b-207e01b861af 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@betterlesson4313

How do we move beyond Participants’ Reactions when we evaluate PD?

“ It's not that teachers are afraid of change or reluctant to change. It is just they're so committed to learning in their kids that they're not going to sacrifice their wellbeing and their learning for the sake of something new. And so you must build into any innovation, some strategy whereby teachers can gain feedback to see if it's working.” -Thomas Guskey

In this episode of Lessons Learned, host Matt sits down with Dr. Thomas Guskey, one of the nation’s leading education researchers and the author of the Guskey Framework. Together, they unpack the connection between teacher growth, system support, and student achievement.

Dr. Guskey shares his unplanned journey into education—from middle school teacher to mentee of Dr. Benjamin Bloom—and how those experiences shaped his life’s work. He explains why professional development should start with student outcomes and why he believes principals are the most critical dimension of driving systemic, lasting change.

The conversation also explores how technology and AI are reshaping instructional practice, the growing need to demonstrate ROI from federal funding, and the importance of long-term, evidence-based planning for sustainable reforms.

Together, they explore key topics such as:

• Why professional learning must be designed with student outcomes at the center
• How Level 3: Organizational Support & Change (the often forgotten level) is critical to understanding if systems are enabling teacher success
• The evolving role of technology and AI in professional development and assessment
• Why clear, quick moments of success are critical for lasting school improvement

Connect with our guest:

• Thomas Guskey’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-guskey-9b458813/ 
• Thomas R. Guskey & Associates website: https://tguskey.com/ 
• Explore Thomas Guskey’s books: https://tguskey.com/toms-books/

Ways to tune in:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4bzi3DLY1fCuBknsxWySw6 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/lessons-learned/id1714296987 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c715776e-3d77-4a8b-806b-207e01b861af 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@betterlesson4313 

What does it take to transform early opportunities into lasting career mobility?

“ We must all [school districts, nonprofits, workforce] be in collaboration. It's not a choice, it's a necessity. I'm not saying it's always easy, but it's not something we can opt out of. ” -Dr. Monique Perry-Graves

In this episode of Lessons Learned, host Matt welcomes Dr. Monique Perry-Graves, CEO of Road to Hire, an organization dedicated to guiding students from Title I high schools into high-paying careers. Under her leadership, Road to Hire equips young adults with the skills, confidence, and connections they need to achieve economic mobility.

Dr. Graves shares her inspiring journey—from an INROADS intern to corporate leader, consultant, and now CEO—and how those experiences have shaped her vision for preparing students for the future of work. She emphasizes why early career exposure matters and how educators and industry leaders must collaborate to equip students with both the technical and foundational skills demanded by a rapidly changing economy.

Together, we explore key topics such as:

• How workforce readiness can be woven directly into K-12 learning
• The role of AI and emerging technologies in shaping future careers
• Why local partnerships—like these in Charlotte—are critical for opportunity and mobility
• How continuous professional development supports both educators and leaders

Closing with a hopeful vision, Dr. Graves highlights how intentional investments in young adults today can create the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers tomorrow.

Connect with our guest:

• Dr. Monique Perry-Graves’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniqueperrygraves/ 
• Road to Hire Website: https://www.roadtohire.org/ 

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4bzi3DLY1fCuBknsxWySw6 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/lessons-learned/id1714296987 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c715776e-3d77-4a8b-806b-207e01b861af 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@betterlesson4313 

How can districts make the most of every dollar while still raising academic intensity?

“ If we want to be the future ready system of tomorrow, we have to look each other in the eye, have courageous conversations, and we have to create the school system of tomorrow.” - Superintendent Dr. Patrick Ward

This special episode of Lessons Learned comes from a recent virtual event featuring the superintendents of Visalia Unified School District (CA) and Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools (OH). Together, they unpack how district leaders can stretch resources further and reinvest them in ways that directly impact student success.

Both leaders share practical strategies that uncovered more than $5M in potential savings through scheduling improvements and resource reallocations—all while boosting academic rigor and student engagement.

In this conversation, you’ll hear:

• How auditing schedules revealed $5M+ in potential improvements
• Ways to align student pathways with high-wage, high-growth careers
• How they’re measuring academic rigor through an Academic Intensity Measure (AIM)
• Why professional learning is key to leadership capacity and buy-in

“You're talking about changing systems that have been in place for a long, long time, and so [we have to be] intentional about celebrating some of those wins along the way. That builds the appetite for this work to really catch on.” - Superintendent Kirk Shrum

Connect with our guests:

• Dr. Patrick Ward’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-ward-ph-d-4817052b/ 
• Willoughby-Eastlake Schools’ Website: https://www.weschools.org/ 
• Kirk Shrum’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirkshrum/
• Visalia Unified School District’s Website: https://www.vusd.org/ 

Ways to tune in:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4bzi3DLY1fCuBknsxWySw6 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/lessons-learned/id1714296987 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c715776e-3d77-4a8b-806b-207e01b861af 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@betterlesson4313

How can industry and education work together to prepare students for the future?

“ People at a younger age deserve to learn earlier what their opportunities are and deserve to be encouraged to think about and explore their interests.” -Matt Kellam

In this episode of Lessons Learned Season 2, host Matt sits down with Matt Kellam, Manager of Workforce Development at Dominion Energy, to explore the powerful connection between K–12 education and industry.

Drawing from his experience in the energy sector, Matt shares how intentional partnerships between schools and employers can expand student opportunities, strengthen local hiring pipelines, and prepare learners for success—whether their next step is college, the military, or immediate entry into the workforce.

Together, we explore key topics such as:

• Why rigorous, skill-based curricula are essential for postsecondary readiness
• How industry partnerships create real-world relevance in the classroom
• The diverse career pathways within the energy sector and beyond
• How Virginia’s career clusters and workforce consortia are shaping student opportunities
• The evolving role of AI and other technologies in future-ready education

Connect with our guest:

• Matt’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattkellam1775/ 
• Dominion Energy website: https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/

Ways to tune in:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4bzi3DLY1fCuBknsxWySw6 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/lessons-learned/id1714296987 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c715776e-3d77-4a8b-806b-207e01b861af 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@betterlesson4313 

What does effective instructional coaching really look like?

“If there’s no goal, it’s just a nice conversation.” -Jim Knight

In this special episode of Lessons Learned, host Matt welcomes Jim Knight, one of the most influential voices in instructional coaching and K-12 professional learning. With over 20 years of research and 10+ books authored, Jim reflects on his journey from aspiring English teacher to pioneering coach and how instructional support has evolved.

Throughout the conversation, Jim emphasizes the importance of clear, measurable, and motivating goals tied to the impact on students—and how K-12 schools can use these goals to ensure all of their professional learning is a meaningful use of budget.

Together, we explore key topics such as:

• Why student-centered goals drive sustained improvements in teaching and learning
• How instructional coaching should balance clarity, accountability, and compassion
• The role AI can play in accelerating—not replacing—the human side of coaching
• Why documenting coaching’s impact on student outcomes is essential for demonstrating impact

Connect with our guest:

• Instructional Coaching Group website: https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/
• Attend the Teaching Leading Coaching Conference: https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/2025-tlc-conference/ 
• Contact the ICG team: [email protected]

Ways to tune in:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4bzi3DLY1fCuBknsxWySw6 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/lessons-learned/id1714296987 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c715776e-3d77-4a8b-806b-207e01b861af 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@betterlesson4313 

What does it really mean to be an instructional leader?

“Systems over goals. If you want instructional leadership to be a focus—create a system to make it happen. We can get bogged down in the small fires…because if we don’t, [they can] become a whole wildfire. But when we create a system to focus on the things that need to be a priority—like instructional leadership—then we no longer have to say, ‘Ooh, how do I find time for that?’ You're doing it. You've created it already.” -Chelsea Gallagher

In this episode of Lessons Learned, host Matt sits down with Chelsea Gallagher, Principal of Mount Spokane High School and the 2025 Washington High School Principal of the Year, to explore the role principals play as instructional leaders.

Under Chelsea’s leadership, Mount Spokane has become a beacon in the state—marked by rising graduation rates, stronger test scores, and thriving student career engagement. She shares how she’s focusing on building systems that foster continuous growth.

From setting aside time for instructional support to shifting schedules to guide more students into four years of math, Chelsea illustrates how structured systems can help leaders stay focused on impact while fostering trust, consistency, and continuous growth.

Together, we explore key topics such as:

• Why work-based learning is so important for building relevance for students
• How protecting time for instructional support drives trust, buy-in, and alignment
• Why sustainable leadership requires systems rather than goals alone
• The role intentional scheduling plays in preparing students for postsecondary success—and how small steps can lead to systemic gains

Connect with our guest:

• Website: https://mtspokanehs.mead354.org/ 

Ways to tune in:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4bzi3DLY1fCuBknsxWySw6 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/lessons-learned/id1714296987 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c715776e-3d77-4a8b-806b-207e01b861af 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@betterlesson4313 

How can we make math more accessible, engaging, and future-focused?

“When someone’s asking, ‘Hey, when am I gonna use this math?’ you can be like, ‘Have you ever played a video game? Because they used math to make that video game'. And not only did they use math—they used Desmos to do this. They use the exact same tool that we're using today.” -Eli Luberoff

In this episode of Lessons Learned, host Matt sits down with Eli Luberoff, founder and CEO of Desmos Studio, to explore how one of the most widely used math education tools in the world is transforming the way students learn.

Eli shares his journey from aspiring physics professor to pioneering edtech entrepreneur, reflecting on the “happy accidents” that led to Desmos becoming a platform used by over 75 million learners. At the heart of his story is a commitment to making math less intimidating, more joyful, and deeply relevant to students’ futures.

Together, we explore key topics such as:

• Why removing barriers to entry is critical to fostering a love of math
• How Desmos is democratizing access by offering a free, modern alternative to outdated tools
  The importance of connecting math lessons to real-world applications and career opportunities
• How technology can empower—not replace—educators in the classroom

Connect with our guest:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eluberoff/ 
• Website: https://www.desmos.com/ 

Ways to tune in:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4bzi3DLY1fCuBknsxWySw6 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/lessons-learned/id1714296987 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c715776e-3d77-4a8b-806b-207e01b861af 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@betterlesson4313 

How can districts prepare students for both college and career success—and what does it require from our instructional leaders? 

“As a leader—getting the [support] that you need, that’s tailored to what is important to you—that's when you make your most growth, and that’s something that can’t be found with a one-size-fits-all PD opportunity.” - Adam Bowen

In this episode of Lessons Learned, host Matt sits down with Adam Bowen, Superintendent of New Buffalo Area Schools, for a candid conversation on building systems that equip students for life after graduation—whether that path leads to higher education, the workforce, or both.

Drawing on a career in education that began in high school, Adam shares how his district combines academic rigor with practical readiness, leveraging partnerships with a local career technical academy and individualized development plans to align coursework with each student’s career interests. He emphasizes the importance of early career conversations, starting in middle school, as well as ongoing professional learning for educators and non-traditional leaders.

Together, we explore key topics such as:

• How early planning helps students connect classroom learning to future goals
• Why community engagement is central to building successful pathways
• The role of professional development in strengthening both teaching and leadership capacity
• How to prioritize programs that deliver direct student impact, even amid financial uncertainty

Connect with our guest:

• Website: https://www.nbas.org/ 

Ways to tune in:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4bzi3DLY1fCuBknsxWySw6 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/lessons-learned/id1714296987 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c715776e-3d77-4a8b-806b-207e01b861af 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@betterlesson4313