Dr. Karen Beerer, an experienced educator and former senior executive at Discovery Education, reflects on her journey in education and the lifelong importance of learning. She emphasizes the many positive developments happening in classrooms across the United States and the need to amplify them. Karen shares her insights on what makes a great teacher—passion for instruction, adaptability, and a commitment to ongoing growth. She also highlights key challenges in professional learning, particularly the tendency to focus on programs over instructional practice.
In this conversation, Karen and Jason explore the parallels between district leadership and edtech, the evolving role of educators, and the importance of respectful political discourse. They discuss how teachers can facilitate meaningful conversations about values and ideas without reducing them to partisan debates. Karen also shares her perspective on school choice, the impact of digital literacy, and the shifts she envisions for the future of education—including expanded student learning options and structural changes to schooling. Above all, she expresses a simple but profound wish: that every child becomes a reader.
And for those who appreciate a great story, Karen leaves us with an unexpected recommendation—Netflix’s documentary on the creation of We Are the World, a fascinating look at collaboration, creativity, and the power of bringing voices together.
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Timestamps:
[00:00] The Importance of Open Dialogue
[00:45] Guest Introduction
[03:01] Overview of the Episode’s Topics
[04:01] Karen’s Career and Recent Work
[05:48] Balancing Retirement and Continued Service
[07:33] Karen’s Upbringing and Early Influences
[09:22] Being the First in Her Family to Attend College
[11:38] The Challenge of Affording College
[13:51] Karen’s Passion for Learning and Education
[15:21] Influential Teachers and Her Father's Impact
[17:16] The Path to a Career in Education
[19:39] Inspiring Educational Innovations
[21:23] Characteristics of the Best Classrooms
[24:15] Challenges of Implementing Change in Schools
[26:34] Flexibility and Innovation in Education
[28:26] The Role of Technology in Modern Classrooms
[30:34] Key Qualities of Great Educators
[33:05] The Importance of Coaching and Professional Development
[35:15] What Districts Get Wrong About Professional Learning
[38:49] Designing PD for Schools vs. EdTech Companies
[41:03] Lessons Learned from Large-Scale PD Initiatives
[42:57] The Role of Networking in Education Leadership
[45:31] Navigating Political Conversations in Education
[47:55] The Value of Discussing Values Over Politics
[49:39] Teaching Controversial Topics in the Classroom
[52:22] The Importance of Media Literacy
[54:47] The Need for Intellectual Humility in Political Discussions
[56:43] Karen’s Bipartisan Support and Election Experience
[58:01] Shifting Views on Public Education and School Choice
[01:02:10] The Future of Education: Structure and Flexibility
[01:06:51] Advice for Superintendents
[01:08:52] Book, Podcast, and Media Recommendations
[01:09:48] Closing Remarks & Acknowledgments