Send us a text

Jean-Claude Brizard is President and CEO of Digital Promise, a global, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization focused on accelerating innovation in education. He is the former Chief Executive of Chicago Public Schools and Superintendent of Rochester, NY. Previously, he spent 21 years with the NYC Department of Education, serving as Regional Superintendent for 100+ schools and Executive Director for 400 secondary schools. He also served as Senior Advisor and Deputy Director at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, leading strategies to close racial and economic achievement gaps and supporting charter school growth.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Digital Promise’s focus on blending learning sciences, technology, and practice
Balancing national innovation with classroom realities
The impact of AI, quantum computing, and emerging tech on education
Preparing students for adaptable career pathways, not just jobs
Collaboration between philanthropy, government, and nonprofits to drive change

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:02:20] Digital Promise’s mission: teaching, learning, pedagogy, and assessment
[00:05:39] Strategic agility: linking national strategy with classroom practice
[00:07:28] Using a logic model to guide initiatives and goals
[00:09:53] Preparing schools for AI, quantum computing, and future tech
[00:13:10] Career pathways that foster adaptability over specific jobs
[00:16:11] Philanthropy vs. government: roles in education funding
[00:19:05] Digital Promise certifications for edtech founders
[00:22:28] Back-to-school advice: building coherent instructional systems

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders!

Follow our Podcast on:
Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.
Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!

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.

Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead.

As a tech-first company, Tuck Advisors has developed a suite of proprietary tools to serve its clients better. Tuck was the first firm in the world to launch a custom GPT around M&A.

If you haven’t already, try our proprietary M&A Analyzer, which assesses fit between your company and a specific buyer.

To explore this free tool and the rest of our technology, visit tuckadvisors.com.

Future-Proofing Education: AI, Quantum Tech, and Career Pathways with Digital Promise CEO, Jean-Claude Brizard

Edtech Insiders

Future-Proofing Education: AI, Quantum Tech, and Career Pathways with Digital Promise CEO, Jean-Claude Brizard