Supporting teachers first: Joe Cotter to build Teaching Channel & rethinking professional learning

In this episode of Chalk and Code, host Theron Davis, sits down with Joe Cotter, Founder in Residence at Teaching Channel, to explore what it really takes to support teachers in a changing education landscape. A former middle school social studies teacher, Joe shares how his frustration with traditional continuing education led to the creation of Learners Edge, which grew into the largest direct-to-teacher continuing education company in the United States.Joe unpacks the early days of building teacher-centered learning experiences before online learning became mainstream, and why practical application, energy, and relevance matter more than tests and papers. He also shares how the organization evolved through acquisitions into a broader ecosystem now known as K12 Coalition, with the Teaching Channel at the center of teacher development, coaching, and video-based learning.If you're curious about what teachers actually need from professional learning, how education companies can build strong culture while scaling, and how AI will shape teaching without replacing the human connection at its core, this conversation is a must-listen.Key Moments03:09 Building an Education Powerhouse09:28 "Understanding Teachers and Their Needs"13:57 "Meeting Teachers' Evolving Needs"18:33 Hiring Challenges and Leadership Lessons20:28 "Building Trust and Leadership"24:46 "Pivoting and Supporting Transition"28:14 "Staffing, Vision, and Responsibility"29:37 Empathy in Leadership Decisions35:57 Igniting Passion for Teaching38:34 Alternative Certification for Teachers41:48 "AI Instructors: Passion vs. Human Touch"45:06 "Teaching: From Expert to Facilitator"Why You’ll Love This EpisodeThis episode is a grounded, founder-level look at what teacher support should actually mean—especially in a time when teacher retention is one of the biggest challenges in education. You’ll hear how Joe Cotter built professional learning around classroom realities, and why the future of edtech depends on strengthening the human systems that keep great teachers in the profession.Joe also shares:Why professional learning works best when it’s practical, applied, and classroom-readyHow mission and culture shape hiring, growth, and long-term impactWhy teachers are facilitators and coaches now, not just “information deliverers”How AI can support learning without replacing the human heart of teachingConnect with Joe CotterLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-cotter-5b309714/Website: https://www.teachingchannel.com/ Connect with UsCompany’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flexion-incCompany 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 educational technology.Join us next time on Chalk and Code, where the science of learning meets modern technology.