AI Without the “Slop” with Brandon Cardet-Hernandez of Medley Learning

Send us Fan MailBrandon Cardet-Hernandez is the Founder and CEO of Medley Learning, a platform building AI-powered scaffolding tools for multilingual learners. A former multilingual learner himself, Brandon has served as a teacher, turnaround principal, Boston School Committee member, NYC education advisor, and edtech leader. His work focuses on closing the access gap, not lowering expectations.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why education has an access gap, not just an achievement gapThe dangers of over-scaffolding and “AI slop”How AI can embed rigor without lowering standardsA new workflow for supporting multilingual learnersWhy implementation determines impact✨ Episode Highlights:[00:01:58] Brandon’s journey and the educators who changed his life[00:10:50] The “ELL trap” and lowering cognitive demand[00:15:11] Student-controlled, embedded scaffolds in real time[00:23:58] Why strong district champions matter for implementation[00:27:24] AI’s promise: turning research into daily practice[00:30:02] The risk of “AI slop” in classrooms[00:31:52] Building AI policy around knowledge not fear 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: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. 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. 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.