Breaking the Grade

Mike Lawrence: On Putting Students First, an Innovation Index and Ted Lasso

October 18, 2022 Josh Chernikoff
Breaking the Grade
Mike Lawrence: On Putting Students First, an Innovation Index and Ted Lasso
Show Notes

Growing up in California in the 1970's, Mike Lawrence was surrounded by technology. He was a fan of Jobs, Woz, and Apple before they had fans around the world. His love for tech was just a hobby - at first - and once he got older, he stayed in Cali and became an English teacher.  


But --  Mr. Lawrence - as the cool kids called him in English class - quickly learned that tech - specifically helping teachers with tech - would be his path and passion. 


By listening to our show today, you'll learn:


- What organization this Apple Distinguished Educator is leading today, and how is he well on his way to creating another engaged community passionate about tech in the classroom.


- Why California was (and still is) the perfect place for ed tech and enables Mike to do his magic in the classroom;


- And - you’ll hear stories Mike and Steve Jobs - and - how he channels Ted Lasso when leading teams today.  


Breakers band together and be ready to learn from this brilliant educator Mike Lawrence.  






Teacher in the OC

  • English, wrote curriculums 
  • Workshops for teachers with unboxing


CUE.org 

  • 13 years
  • Rockstar teacher camps
  • Impact CA and NV
  • 2k to 8k for conference 


Go to Google

  • Want to get into K12
  • Give them a list of options
  • Google Certified Innovator Program
  • Leverage Apple learning for Google


Power Up

  • Lead customer advocacy program
  • Started Council on Educational Innovation


Cali all the way

  • Worked at Disney
  • Sister been there 30 years


Apple all the way

  • 1981 Jobs rolls out initiative where each kid gets an Apple
  • Bought one for himself too
  • Why Apple? Adapts to human side 
  • Mental bicycle
  • Know Jobs?


Ted Lasso, not Jobs

  • positive work environment
  • Vulnerability 
  • How does Lasso translate to the classroom 


Music Man

  • Greatest Showman 

Jamf (Present)

  • Jamf's Purpose: Empower people with technology that puts humans first  
  • Mission: Help organizations succeed with Apple  
  • Values: Selflessness, Relentless Self Improvement