Throw Away the Coffee: Cary Wright on AI, Teacher Well-Being, and Better Lesson Plans

Cary Wright, a 30-year veteran educator and co-founder of T.E.A.C.H., joins us to share how he’s helping teachers go from overwhelmed to empowered through practical, responsible AI use. From streamlining lesson planning to unlocking data insights, Cary explains how he and his co-founder, Tyler Hunt, are building a future where AI supports educators. In his role as K-12 Coordinator of Humanities in Martinsville, Virginia, Cary has seen firsthand the emotional toll of teaching, and the real impact AI can make. In this candid and energizing conversation, he unpacks the simple workflows that save hours, the mindset shifts required to adopt new tools, and the deeper why behind his mission: keeping teachers in the classroom and helping students thrive in an AI-powered world. Whether you're a classroom teacher, school leader, or just curious about what AI really looks like in K-12, this episode offers a hopeful, human-centered look at what’s possible. Highlights: The story behind T.E.A.C.H. and its grassroots beginnings A teacher trades coffee for wine after a lesson-planning breakthrough How AI can amplify veteran educator expertise Navigating ethical data use and student privacy Preparing students for a future alongside AI