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

Send us Fan MailJean-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 practiceBalancing national innovation with classroom realitiesThe impact of AI, quantum computing, and emerging tech on educationPreparing students for adaptable career pathways, not just jobsCollaboration 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:Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicSign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!🎉 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.