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Matt Kennard is the CEO of BetterLesson (which offers High-quality K-12 professional development for educators and administrators, ensuring successful districtwide implementation of HQIM.) and former CFO & Head of Operations for LearnZillion, a K-12 digital core curriculum provider. At LearnZillion, he oversaw the expansion of curricular offerings through partnerships with leading OER curriculum providers and led the company's sale to Weld North Education. Previously, Matt led strategic M&A activity for iHeartMedia as the Director of Liquidity and Corporate Development. With a background in finance, strategy, and technology, Matt has held roles at Banc of America Securities, Investcorp Technology Partners, Rackspace, and TJX Companies. He holds a B.A. from Yale University in History and Political Science. Matt found his way into edtech in 2017 based on his desire to utilize his hard-earned expertise to build incredible businesses that make a difference in the lives of students and educators.
💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- The impact of High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) on K-12 education.
- How structured professional learning improves teacher retention and student success.
- The role of AI and data-driven decision-making in optimizing education systems.
- Why schools must embrace Career and Technical Education (CTE) and skills-based learning.
- How educators are regaining control in shaping the future of EdTech.
✨ Episode Highlights:
[00:02:28] Matt’s journey from finance to leading Better Lesson in professional learning.
[00:05:47] How Better Lesson helps schools implement effective teacher development.
[00:09:03] The HQIM movement and its role in improving curriculum quality.
[00:11:42] The shift towards skills-based learning and Career and Technical Education.
[00:16:36] Better Lesson’s acquisition of ABLE to enhance scheduling and resource use.
[00:24:21] Why data-driven decision-making is critical for education leaders.
[00:30:01] How AI and machine learning can improve education without increasing workload.
[00:36:52] The growing influence of educators in shaping the future
Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies. Frustrated by other M&A firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired, but couldn’t find. One who understands what matters to founders, and whose northstar KPI is % of deals closed. If you’re thinking of selling your EdTech company or buying one, contact Tuck Advisors now!
This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.
Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.
