Episode:
17
guest episode
February 4, 2025
Andy Schaefer: Lessons in Leadership, Edtech and Applied Learning
Leadership in Education
Edtech Strategy
Education Policy
Listen or watch on your favourite platform
In this episode of Education Matters, I sit down with Andy Schaefer to explore the lessons he’s learned from a career at the intersection of education and technology. We dive into his early experiences, the moments that shaped his passion for learning, and his journey into the world of edtech.
Andy shares his perspective on what makes a great leader—highlighting inspiration, courage, and the ability to build future leaders. We also discuss the evolution of edtech, the common mistakes companies make, and the real challenges districts face when implementing new technology.
Looking ahead, we talk about the future of education, the need for systemic coherence in school districts, and why career-connected learning will be essential in building a more equitable system. Along the way, Andy recognizes the education leaders who’ve inspired his work and offers insights into what’s next for edtech and professional learning.
podcast recommendations
- Acquired Podcast
- Episode Recommendation: The History of the NFL, Season 12, Episode 1
- Discusses how Teddy Roosevelt played a role in shaping modern football.
- Episode Recommendation: The History of Costco, Season 13, Episode 2
- Covers the origins and evolution of Costco and its impact on retail.
- Episode Recommendation: The History of the NFL, Season 12, Episode 1
book recommendations
- "King: A Life" by Jonathan Eig
- A biography of Martin Luther King Jr., featuring new insights and previously unavailable details about his life and philosophy of nonviolent protest.
- "The Last Hero: A Life of Henry Aaron" by Howard Bryant
- A biography of Hank Aaron, focusing on his baseball career and impact on sports history.
recommended
resources
About The Guest
Andy Schaefer
A respected industry leader and spokesperson on the use of educational technology to transform student achievement, Andy Schaefer serves as President of Defined Learning.
Schaefer brings over 25 years of K-12 experience, partnering with school districts, states and provinces throughout North America to transform education with digital learning solutions, professional development and assessment to accelerate student achievement.
Prior to joining Defined Learning in 2019, Schaefer spent 20+ years with Discovery Education. He has been involved in the launch of several groundbreaking products and services including UnitedStreaming, the education industry’s first widely distributed digital video library, the Techbook series of digital textbooks, the Discovery Education Experience, Defined Careers, Defined Goals, and many more. Schaefer’s expertise as an early pioneer in using digital content for instruction informs his collaborations with educators and administrators.
In 2019, Schaefer was honored at the Horace Mann League annual meeting as Outstanding Friend of Public Education.
Schaefer brings over 25 years of K-12 experience, partnering with school districts, states and provinces throughout North America to transform education with digital learning solutions, professional development and assessment to accelerate student achievement.
Prior to joining Defined Learning in 2019, Schaefer spent 20+ years with Discovery Education. He has been involved in the launch of several groundbreaking products and services including UnitedStreaming, the education industry’s first widely distributed digital video library, the Techbook series of digital textbooks, the Discovery Education Experience, Defined Careers, Defined Goals, and many more. Schaefer’s expertise as an early pioneer in using digital content for instruction informs his collaborations with educators and administrators.
In 2019, Schaefer was honored at the Horace Mann League annual meeting as Outstanding Friend of Public Education.
additional information
The Role of Courage in Education
Guest Introduction
Andy's Background and Career Overview
Growing Up in Marquette, Michigan
Childhood Play and Outdoor Activities
Learning Through Unstructured Play
The Impact of Technology on Kids Today
Developing Social Skills Through Peer Groups
Andy’s Education Journey
Early Love for History and Math
The Time Machine History Project
Reflections on Education and Career Choices
Career Path: From United Learning to Define Learning
Define Learning’s Mission and Approach
Connecting Education to Real-World Careers
What Great Classrooms Look Like
Most Inspiring Educational Leadership Stories
Mark Edwards’ Pioneering One-to-One Laptop Program
The Role of Inspirational Education Leaders
Key Traits of Effective Education Leaders
Evolution of EdTech Over 25 Years
What Makes a Great EdTech Company
Common Mistakes EdTech Companies Make
Challenges in EdTech Implementation
What Education Leaders Should Know About EdTech
Best Practices for Successful Implementations
The Future of Education in 50 Years
The Growing Role of Career-Connected Education
Declining College Enrollment and Higher Ed Challenges
Magic Wand: Fixing Education Inequities
Podcast and Book Recommendations
Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts
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