Episode 100!!!! In this milestone episode of The EdTech Disruptor Series , Leena Marie Saleh sits down with Matt Dalio , CEO and co-founder of Endless Studios , to explore how game development, AI, and creative collaboration are reshaping education. Matt shares his passion for empowering students to become creators not just consumers, of technology and why traditional classrooms need to evolve to prepare learners for the modern workforce. Whether you're an educator, EdTech leader, or just curiou...
Jun 26, 2025•59 min•Ep. 100
Episode 99 In this episode of the Teacher Transition Expert Series , Leena Marie Saleh sits down with Tyrina Lassiter , a career transition coach who specializes in helping educators confidently explore life beyond the classroom. Tyrina shares her expert insight on the biggest hurdles teachers face when changing careers, how to identify and articulate transferable skills, and the practical steps needed to land roles in corporate and nonprofit sectors. If you’ve ever wondered what’s possible for ...
May 20, 2025•39 min•Ep. 99
In this special crossover episode, Leena Marie Saleh teams up with Chris Nesi , host of the House of #EdTech podcast, to break down everything educators need to know from Canva Create 2025 . From exciting updates like Canva Sheets, Magic Studio, and Canva Code to AI-powered classroom tools, this conversation is filled with practical insights to help teachers work smarter—not harder. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, instructional coach, or tech-savvy educator looking to level up your workflow ...
Apr 24, 2025•47 min•Ep. 98
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 oppor...
Apr 03, 2025•58 min•Ep. 97
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...
Mar 05, 2025•54 min•Ep. 96
In this episode of the Edtech Disruptor Series , Leena Marie Saleh sits down with Chris Hull , CEO and President of Otus , 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 fa...
Feb 13, 2025•41 min•Ep. 95
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 The inspiration and mission behind Alpha and Unbound Academy How AI is transforming classrooms to address core competency challenges Creative ways to combi...
Jan 21, 2025•47 min•Ep. 94
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 lever...
Dec 30, 2024•33 min•Ep. 93
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: The biggest challenges educators face when transitioning to corporate roles Psychology-backed str...
Dec 03, 2024•55 min•Ep. 92
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...
Nov 13, 2024•14 min•Ep. 97
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: Patrick’s background and journey in music and EdTech The inspiration behind MuseFlow and its unique approach How MuseFlow differs from traditional music programs The challenges of being a founder in the EdTech space Insigh...
Oct 18, 2024•50 min•Ep. 90
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: Rachel’s background and journey from teaching to tech The decision-making process behind her career shift Key steps she took to transition successfully How her life has changed since leaving the...
Aug 13, 2024•33 min•Ep. 89
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: How she ge...
Sep 07, 2023•44 min•Ep. 88
Episode 87 In this installment of the Teacher Transition Expert series, Leena Marie Saleh, the Edtech Guru, sits down with Jascelyn Gause. Jascelyn is a Teacher Transition Expert and a current Content Designer at Brainpop. In this interview, Leena and Jascelyn sit down to discuss: How you she where she is today? Why she transitioned out of the classroom? What steps she took to leave the classroom? What has her life been like post-transition? What does a career look like as a Content Designer? Ho...
Aug 22, 2023•54 min•Ep. 87
Episode 86 In this episode, Leena Marie Saleh (AKA the Edtech Guru) has the pleasure to sit down with Christopher Nesi, podcaster, educator, edtech enthusiast, professor, and founder of the Education Podcast Network, to discuss the power of podcasting in the classroom and beyond. Leena has been a superfan of Chris for a VERY long time, and it's his first time on the show. Leena and Chris discuss: How podcasting gives student choice How podcasting can be integrated into your everyday learning How...
May 23, 2023•41 min•Ep. 86
Episode 84: In this episode, Leena Marie Saleh (AKA the Edtech Guru) sits down with Tim Lo, Founder of @yournextjump9818 a career coach and resume services provider. Tim has an extensive background in helping others transition to new career pathways. In this interview, Leena and Tim discuss: Who Tim is, and how he got to where he is today? What a day in the life looks like Tim as a resume and professional career coach and entrepreneur Why Tim started supporting teacher transitioners? What resour...
May 18, 2023•37 min•Ep. 85
Episode 84 In this episode, Leena Marie Saleh (The Edtech Guru), sits down with Tisha Richmond, an education consultant and author who has made a name for herself in the world of Edtech. Tisha shares her journey of how she got started in education and eventually found herself drawn to the world of Edtech. Tisha talks about her passion for creating content and how she uses her platform to amplify the voices of other Edtech experts through her podcast. She also provides valuable insights on what t...
Apr 22, 2023•47 min
Episode 83 In this episode, Leena Marie Saleh (AKA the Edtech Guru) sits down with Fonz Mendoza an Instructional Technologist, Podcaster and Current Doctoral students to dive into Fonz's journey into education and edtech, as well as his podcast and work in amplifying the voices of those in the edtech community. In this interview, we discuss: How Fonz got started in Education How Fonz found yourself in Edtech Why he started doing content Fonz shares a bit about his podcast and the work he is doin...
Apr 12, 2023•59 min•Ep. 83
Episode 82 In this episode, Leena Marie Saleh (AKA the Edtech Guru) sits down with Martin Pearson, a principal on special assignment in Adams 14 in Colorado. Martin has been an educator for over 27 years. In this interview, you'll learn how Martin got his nickname "Mr. Pearson" and why Leena refers to him as such. He also shares his insights on the importance of real-world learning and how it can enhance the educational experience for students. As we delve deeper into the conversation, Mr. P tal...
Apr 06, 2023•54 min•Ep. 82
Episode 81 In this episode, Leena Marie Saleh (the Edtech Guru)interviews Locha Brooks, the CEO and Founder of First Class Educators, a school consulting firm providing staff development and assistance to educational organizations. Locha, a former educator, is passionate about promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in schools. She offers an 8-week course on how to start a school consulting firm through her School Consultant Accelerator program. The episode covers Locha's background, ...
Mar 10, 2023•39 min•Ep. 81
Episode 80 In this episode, Leena Marie Saleh (AKA the Edtech Guru) sits down with former educator turned Podcaster and Instructional Designer Holly Owens. Holly is a teacher transition expert who spends hours a week putting together job postings and a wealth of content and resources to support educators looking to move outside the classroom and into a life post-12 or higher ed. This was a fun interview shared with some laughs and serious insights on all it takes to make a transition a reality a...
Mar 02, 2023•47 min•Ep. 80
Episode 79 In this episode, Leena Marie Saleh (AKA the Edtech Guru) sits down with Kristen Addonizio a former high school math teacher turned Teacher transition expert and Project Manager. In this interview, Kristen and Leena Chat about: Why she left the education? How she made the transition? Why Edtech wasn't for her. What a day in the life looks like for her as a Project Manager What resources she has curated alongside Logan Langin. Tips and tricks to make your transition a reality. As always...
Feb 23, 2023•44 min
Episode 78 In this episode, Leena Marie Saleh (AKA the Edtech Guru) sits down with Kelsie Marks. Kelsie is a former PK teacher, and high school counselor who moved into helping teachers through Educated Exit. In this interview, Kelsie and Leena Chat about: Why she left the educator? How she made the transition? Why Edtech wasn't for her. What careers educators don't often explore. What a day in life looks like for you as a teacher transition coach? Why a resume is the last step. Resources/servic...
Feb 16, 2023•33 min
Episode 78 In this episode, Leena Marie Saleh (AKA the Edtech Guru) sits down with Cedric Scott, a former administrator turned Teacher Transition Expert and founder of EDU Hustle. This interview is filled with tips and tricks to make the transition out of the classroom a reality. We discuss: Why Cedric left teaching and why he wanted to make the transition What has life been like post-transition What does a day-to-day look like as a Project Associate Importance and power of networking How he bui...
Feb 08, 2023•44 min•Ep. 78
Episode 76 In this episode, Leena Marie Saleh (AKA the Edtech Guru) sits down with the dynamic duo Jenallee. Jeni Long and Sallee Clark are educators, innovative leaders, authors, and Edtech consultants who are on a mission to empower educators through the power of Edtech. This episode was jammed packed with insightful thoughts peppered with inspiration. In this interview, we talk about: How Jenallee got started What it's like to work in a pair Why Edtech is important, and why it's not as scary ...
Feb 01, 2023•47 min
Episode 75 Wow! We made it through another year! Last year was a huge growth year for Leena Marie. She started a new role at @canva and learned how to overcome imposter syndrome slowly. But on top of getting a new puppy named Onyx, Leena put together a few of her favorite series. The first series she did this year was meeting with and interviewing REAL life teachers who have moved out of the classroom and into the "corporate world'. Each interview is raw, open, and transparent about the steps th...
Jan 23, 2023•22 min•Ep. 75
Episode 74 In this episode, Leena Marie Saleh (AKA the Edtech Guru) sits down with Claire Smizer-Muldoon. Claire is currently the Associate Director of Curriculum at NueroMaker STEM. Leena and Claire sit down to discuss her story and how she has become a Teacher Transition advocate. In this interview, Leena and Claire discuss: - Who is Claire? - Why she left teaching and make her transition out of the classroom. - The steps she took to make her transition a reality. - What is life like as an Ass...
Jan 20, 2023•52 min
Episode 73 In this episode, Leena Marie Saleh (AKA the Edtech Guru) chats with Andrew Webb. Andrew is a former content and SEO marketer turned UX/Content designer. Andrew is a career pivoter himself and had curated a wealth of content for those who are looking for how to navigate career pathways post Higher Ed through the Employed Historian (a hidden gem for career transitoners). In the episode, Leena and Andrew spit truths and realities of what it really takes to make a career change. Each and ...
Dec 26, 2022•37 min•Ep. 73
Episode 72 In this episode, Leena Marie Saleh (AKA the Edtech Guru) sits down with none other than Gerard Dawson. Gerard is a former High School English teacher, podcaster, copywriter, and edtech marketer. In the episode, Leena and Gerard spit truths and realities of what a teacher transition really means. Each and every journey to a new career pathway is unique, and we hope that you are able to see yourself in one of our experts. In this episode, we discuss: How Gerard made his transition a rea...
Dec 09, 2022•33 min•Ep. 72
Episode 71 In this episode, Leena Marie Saleh (AKA the Edtech Guru) sits down on her first solo episode in a while to tell you the tips and tricks that you need to make the transition a reality. Leena sits down and tells you the skills and tips she needed for her day to day. In this episode: What her day-to-day looks like Why she isn't driven by money What a professional development manager is What she needed to upskill on for greater success What skills the classroom helped with post transition...
Nov 19, 2022•15 min
