From Classroom to Coding: Building an AI Reading Platform That Gets Kids Reading | Marc Graham

What does it look like when a classroom teacher becomes an EdTech builder — and uses AI to tackle one of the biggest challenges in schools: reading engagement and attainment?In this episode, Alex Gray sits down with Marc Graham, former teacher and founder of Everybody Reads (formerly Spark Education AI). Marc shares the story behind building an AI-powered reading platform designed to help students see themselves inside what they read — while keeping student agency, appropriate challenge, and data privacy at the centre.You’ll hear the moment literacy became Marc’s mission, how he moved from teaching into building with no-code tools like Bubble, the biggest “fail-forward” lesson he learned when gamification distracted students from reading, and why the future of AI in education won’t be the flashy tools — it’ll be the ones that feel like good teaching.Marc also discusses early school pilots, the importance of equity and access in EdTech adoption, and one practical way teachers can integrate AI meaningfully next lesson.Marc’s early teaching journey (and the student who shaped his view of literacy)Why interest-led reading matters more than “ability”Teacher → builder: how Marc started building with Bubble and no-codeFrom Spark Education AI to Everybody Reads: what changed and whyFail-forward moment: when avatars and coins became a distraction (and what he rebuilt)How the platform supports reading-age differentiation + structured comprehension practiceAI in schools: how to avoid dependency and protect student agencyWhy the best AI tools won’t feel like “AI” — they’ll feel like great learning designThe biggest barrier to EdTech adoption: equity, access, and opportunity gapsA simple “Monday-ready” classroom approach to using AI for literacy“Agency comes from choice — not from removing challenge.”“The tools that last won’t be the flashy ones. They’ll be the purposeful ones.”“Reading isn’t about intelligence — it develops when it’s connected to interest.”Website: everybodyreads.org.ukLinkedIn: Marc Graham (search “Marc Graham Everybody Reads”)Follow The International Classroom Podcast on Spotify, and leave a rating so more educators and leaders can find the show.Question for you: What’s one classroom problem you wish you could build a tool to solve?In this episode, we cover:Memorable lines:Connect with Marc / Everybody ReadsIf you enjoyed this episode…