Women Talkin' 'Bout AI From Classroom to the Cutting Edge: Marissa Sadler Holder on Teacher Empowerment
What happens when a passionate educator steps away from the whiteboard and into the world of AI? In this episode, we sit down with Marissa Sadler Holder, a former classroom teacher turned consultant/entrepreneur, and the founder of Teaching with Machines. With a master’s in e-learning and recognition as a two-time recipient of SVS’s Leading Women in AI, Marissa brings a grounded, human-centered approach to AI literacy in education.
We unpack her journey from teaching French to building a business, the emotional complexities of leaving the classroom, and why she believes teachers—not technologists—should be at the table when shaping the future of AI in education. From the power of small wins to the significance of that second “aha” moment, this conversation is a candid exploration of fear, hope, and the relentless pursuit of meaningful learning in an uncertain world.
📝 Show Notes:
Guest:
Marissa Sadler Holder
Founder of Teaching with Machines | Edtech Consultant | SVS Leading Women in AI (2024 & 2025)
Topics We Cover:
- How COVID catalyzed Marissa’s shift into e-learning and AI
- The founding story of Teaching with Machines: https://www.teachingwithmachines.com/
- What it really feels like to leave the classroom after 13 years
- How she supports teachers at every stage of AI literacy
- Why incremental change in classrooms matters more than big tech rollouts
- Two “aha” moments every educator has with generative AI
- The emotional weight of entrepreneurship vs. classroom stress
- The role of women’s voices in shaping AI discourse
- Bridging the AI gap between students, teachers, and parents
- Her upcoming project: Learning with Machines, focused on student + parent AI literacy
- Why we should stop aiming to “master AI” and start focusing on meaningful application
- Conference reflections: Why it's the people who make ASU+GSV unforgettable
Quotable Moments:
- “The goal isn’t to master AI. It’s to stay curious, stay human, and keep learning.”
- “Every teacher will hit that second lightbulb moment—where you realize AI isn’t just a tool. It’s a transformation.”
- “What we do in professional development should mirror what we do in great teaching: make it relevant, make it engaging, and meet people where they are.”
Links & Resources:
- Teaching with Machines (Marissa’s platform for educator-focused AI PD)
- Marissa on LinkedIn
- SVS Summit: Leading Women in AI
- Mentioned thought leader: Ethan Mollick’s Substack
Contact Jessica or Kimberly on LinkedIn: