Lessons Learned

BetterLesson

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.

  1. How Can Industry & Education Build Future-Ready Students? ft. Matt Kellam | Lessons Learned | Ep 15

    3 DAYS AGO

    How Can Industry & Education Build Future-Ready Students? ft. Matt Kellam | Lessons Learned | Ep 15

    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 KellamIn 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 readinessHow industry partnerships create real-world relevance in the classroomThe diverse career pathways within the energy sector and beyondHow Virginia’s career clusters and workforce consortia are shaping student opportunitiesThe 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

    43 min
  2. Why Student Impact Must Drive Instructional Coaching ft. Jim Knight | Lessons Learned | Ep 14

    4 SEPT

    Why Student Impact Must Drive Instructional Coaching ft. Jim Knight | Lessons Learned | Ep 14

    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 learningHow instructional coaching should balance clarity, accountability, and compassionThe role AI can play in accelerating—not replacing—the human side of coachingWhy 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: hello@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

    40 min
  3. Why Principals Must Be Instructional Leaders First ft. Chelsea Gallagher | Lessons Learned | Ep 13

    28 AUG

    Why Principals Must Be Instructional Leaders First ft. Chelsea Gallagher | Lessons Learned | Ep 13

    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 GallagherIn 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 studentsHow protecting time for instructional support drives trust, buy-in, and alignmentWhy sustainable leadership requires systems rather than goals aloneThe role intentional scheduling plays in preparing students for postsecondary success—and how small steps can lead to systemic gainsConnect 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

    33 min
  4. How to Make Math Less Intimidating & More Relevant for Students ft. Eli Luberoff | Lessons Learned | Ep 12

    21 AUG

    How to Make Math Less Intimidating & More Relevant for Students ft. Eli Luberoff | Lessons Learned | Ep 12

    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 LuberoffIn 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 mathHow Desmos is democratizing access by offering a free, modern alternative to outdated toolsThe importance of connecting math lessons to real-world applications and career opportunitiesHow technology can empower—not replace—educators in the classroomConnect 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

    38 min
  5. Connecting Education to Workforce Needs ft. Adam Bowen | Lessons Learned | Ep 11

    14 AUG

    Connecting Education to Workforce Needs ft. Adam Bowen | Lessons Learned | Ep 11

    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 BowenIn 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 goalsWhy community engagement is central to building successful pathwaysThe role of professional development in strengthening both teaching and leadership capacityHow to prioritize programs that deliver direct student impact, even amid financial uncertaintyConnect 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

    28 min
  6. Aligning K-12 Education with the Future of Work ft. Chike Aguh | Lessons Learned | Ep 10

    7 AUG

    Aligning K-12 Education with the Future of Work ft. Chike Aguh | Lessons Learned | Ep 10

    How do we prepare students for jobs that don't exist yet? “What I'm hopeful for is that always—no matter how challenging the circumstance—there is someone who is teaching and there are students who are learning.” -Chike AguhIn this episode of Lessons Learned, host Matt tackles this question with Chike Aguh, Senior Advisor of The Project on Workforce at Harvard. As a former Chief Innovation Officer at the U.S. Department of Labor and nationally recognized education leader, Chike has seen firsthand what it takes to align K–12 learning with the demands of today’s economy. From apprenticeships and technical education to AI and emerging technologies, he makes the case for a future-ready system that prepares students for both opportunity and disruption. Together, we explore key topics such as: Why work-based learning and CTE are critical to building economic mobilityHow AI and emerging tech will reshape the future of learning and workWhat it means to lead with trust, shared purpose, and empowered executionHow states like Ohio and Louisiana are building effective education–workforce pipelinesWhat the U.S. can learn from global models like Switzerland’s apprenticeship systemConnect with our guest: LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/chike-aguh/ Website: https://pw.hks.harvard.edu/ 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

    53 min
  7. Rethinking Academic Pathways to Drive Real-World Readiness ft. Dr. TJ Vari | Lessons Learned | Ep 9

    31 JUL

    Rethinking Academic Pathways to Drive Real-World Readiness ft. Dr. TJ Vari | Lessons Learned | Ep 9

    How can we align K–12 pathways with real economic opportunity? “The definition of leadership is influence. The challenge of leadership is conflict. The result of leadership is change. And when there's a lot of change, we're gonna experience a lot of conflict, and that's going to require stronger leadership.” -Dr. TJ VariIn this episode of Lessons Learned, host Matt sits down with Dr. TJ Vari, Senior Director of Product Strategy at MaiaLearning, to explore how schools can design college and career pathways that truly prepare students for life after graduation—starting as early as kindergarten. Drawing on his experience as a teacher, principal, superintendent, and now product strategist, Dr. Vari shares how early career awareness, work-based learning, and tighter alignment with local industry can drive more meaningful outcomes for students. From simplifying graduation requirements to building intentional post-secondary plans, he outlines a vision for pathways that are both rigorous and relevant. Together, we explore key topics such as: Why reducing the number of academic pathways can increase clarity and impactWhat career exploration looks like at the elementary, middle, and high school levelsHow a “portrait of a graduate” can guide school and district-wide decision-makingThe role of industry partnerships in creating high-value learning experiencesHow to use data to align educational offerings with workforce needsWhether you’re a district administrator, counselor, or CTE leader, this episode offers practical insights for designing systems that support student success—both in the classroom and beyond. Connect with our guest: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-t-j-vari/ Website: https://www.maialearning.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

    40 min
  8. Designing and Sustaining Relevant Math Instruction for Every Student ft. Dan Meyer | Lessons Learned | Ep 8

    24 JUL

    Designing and Sustaining Relevant Math Instruction for Every Student ft. Dan Meyer | Lessons Learned | Ep 8

    How can we make math instruction more engaging and relevant for every student? “Kids need fewer commercials for math's power in their jobs later and more actual, tangible experiences of math's power now in their education.” -Dan MeyerIn this episode of Lessons Learned, Season 2, host Matt is joined by Dan Meyer, former high school math teacher and current VP of User Growth at Amplify, widely known for his groundbreaking work with Desmos. Dan shares his personal journey from teaching ninth grade to helping transform math instruction at scale. With a deep passion for student-centered learning, he unpacks the systems approach required to make math instruction more meaningful, experiential, and empowering. Together, we explore key topics such as: Why building subject relevance relies on experiential learning and authentic connectionThe most exciting uses—and limitations—of generative AI for improving teaching and learningHow even the most “mathematically challenged” instructional leaders can support educatorsThe importance of sustained, job-embedded PD in rolling out high-quality curriculumWhether you're a classroom teacher, curriculum leader, or innovator in education, this episode offers fresh perspectives and actionable strategies for making math more connected to students’ lives and futures. Connect with our guest: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-meyer-02922a109/ Website: http://www.amplify.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

    38 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    BetterLesson
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Lessons Learned

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