From chalkboards to boardrooms: Rethinking how EdTech meets education

Chalk and Code

In the premiere episode of Chalk and Code, host Theron Davis sits down with Doug Roberts, a former classroom teacher turned edtech entrepreneur, to explore the evolving relationship between public education and technology. As founder of the Institute for Education Innovation (IEI), Doug shares a candid look at what it takes to connect the dots between superintendents and tech innovators and why the current model of edtech sales is due for a radical rethink.

From his early career as a high school social studies teacher to pioneering one of the few platforms that brings district leaders and edtech startups together on equal footing, Doug unpacks the real-world challenges and surprising opportunities in K–12 innovation. Along the way, he reflects on his journey, the purpose behind IEI, and what the future holds for AI in education, digital learning tools, and district-level decision-making.

Key Moments

03:48 Career Journey in Edtech Sales
09:35 Embracing Educational Technology Startups
11:51 Creating Choice-Centric Networking Events
18:08 Fostering Leadership in Public Education
20:25 Enhancing EdTech Collaboration and Innovation
22:53 EdTech Summit's Startup Pitch Event
27:32 Efficacy vs. Practical Impact in EdTech
29:45 Edtech Gap and Funding Challenges
33:46 AI in Education: Balancing Concerns
37:15 "Superintendent Podcast Revival"

Why You’ll Love This Episode

If you're tired of the hype around educational technology and ready for a grounded, insider look at what actually works in K–12 innovation, this episode is for you.
Doug Roberts brings rare insight from both sides of the education-technology divide, as a former teacher and now a connector of district leaders and edtech startups. You’ll hear how he’s helping superintendents make smarter decisions, why the sales process in education needs a revolution, and how trust, not just tech, is the real game-changer.
Whether you're a school leader, entrepreneur, investor, or educator with an eye on the future, you’ll walk away with a fresh perspective on what it really takes to create impact—and why the best innovations often start with a simple conversation.

Connect with Doug Roberts
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougrobertsiei
Website: www.instituteforedinnovation.com

Connect with Us
Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flexion-inc
Company Website: https://flexion.us/

If this conversation sparked a new idea or challenged your assumptions, share this episode with a colleague and subscribe for more thoughtful discussions at the intersection of learning, leadership, and technology.
Join us next time on Chalk and Code, where the science of learning meets modern technology.