Lessons Learned is a podcast by BetterLesson that takes a deep dive into the world of education through the eyes of K-12 district, state, and education leaders. Each episode focuses in on the real, innovative strategies school districts are employing to impact teaching and learning across the country. From rethinking the "portrait of a graduate" to building out systemic, sustained professional learning practices, our guests share the lessons they've learned along the way.
Redesigning Education for the Future Workforce ft. Roberto Rodriguez | Lessons Learned | Ep 20
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/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-kennard-0ba4145/)
Ways to Tune In:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4bzi3DLY1fCuBknsxWySw6 (https://open.spotify.com/show/4bzi3DLY1fCuBknsxWySw6)
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/lessons-learned/id1714296987 (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/lessons-learned/id1714296987)
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c715776e-3d77-4a8b-806b-207e01b861af (https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c715776e-3d77-4a8b-806b-207e01b861af)
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@betterlesson4313 (https://www.youtube.com/@betterlesson4313)
17 Oct 2025
Using AI to Tailor Professional Learning ft. Luyen Chou | Lessons Learned | Ep 19
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/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/luyen-chou-2647165/)
DeweyLearn’s Website: https://deweylearn.com/ (https://deweylearn.com/)
Ways to Tune In:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4bzi3DLY1fCuBknsxWySw6 (https://open.spotify.com/show/4bzi3DLY1fCuBknsxWySw6)
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/lessons-learned/id1714296987 (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/lessons-learned/id1714296987)
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c715776e-3d77-4a8b-806b-207e01b861af (https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c715776e-3d77-4a8b-806b-207e01b861af)
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@betterlesson4313 (https://www.youtube.com/@betterlesson4313)
2 Oct 2025
Why PD Must Start With Student Outcomes in Mind ft. Thomas Guskey | Lessons Learned | Ep 18
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/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-guskey-9b458813/)
Thomas R. Guskey & Associates website: https://tguskey.com/ (https://tguskey.com/)
Explore Thomas Guskey’s books: https://tguskey.com/toms-books/ (https://tguskey.com/toms-books/)
Ways to tune in:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4bzi3DLY1fCuBknsxWySw6 (https://open.spotify.com/show/4bzi3DLY1fCuBknsxWySw6)
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/lessons-learned/id1714296987 (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/lessons-learned/id1714296987)
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c715776e-3d77-4a8b-806b-207e01b861af (https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c715776e-3d77-4a8b-806b-207e01b861af)
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@betterlesson4313 (https://www.youtube.com/@betterlesson4313)
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4 ratings
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