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The Business of Education
Welcome to "The Business of Education" hosted by serial entrepreneur and visionary leader, Kyle Wallgren!
In this engaging podcast series, Kyle delves into the dynamic world of business strategies, startups, and the intricacies of creating and running your own company, specifically focusing on the landscape of education. With a track record spanning rugged oil fields, rodeo productions, and a multimillion-dollar manufacturing enterprise, Kyle brings a wealth of real-world entrepreneurial experience to the table.
Join Kyle as he invites industry experts, successful entrepreneurs, and thought leaders to share invaluable insights, practical tips, and strategies for navigating the unique challenges and opportunities within the education sector.
The Business of Education
Episode 49 | Michelle Rhee on The Future of Teacher Recruitment and Retention
Summary
In this episode of the Business of Education podcast, host Kyle Wallgren interviews Michelle Rhee, a venture partner at EO Ventures and former chancellor of Washington DC public schools. They discuss Michelle's journey from teacher to education reformer, the evolution of teacher recruitment, the role of technology in education, and the importance of building strong relationships in the venture capital space. Michelle shares insights on the challenges faced by teachers, the need for innovation in hiring practices, and the significance of networking for career development.
Takeaways
- Michelle Rhee's journey into education began with Teach for America.
- The New Teacher Project evolved to address hiring challenges in education.
- Recruitment is not the only issue; selection and placement are critical.
- Innovative approaches are needed to attract and retain teachers.
- Technology can help alleviate burdens on teachers and improve education.
- Building relationships with investors is crucial for founders.
- Understanding the education market is key for EdTech startups.
- Networking is essential for career growth and opportunities.
- Genuine communication is valued in investor-founder relationships.
- Teachers should be involved in the development of educational technologies.
Sound Bites
"I never thought I'd say I wanted to be a teacher."
"I am super bullish right now."
"Teachers are feeling incredibly overburdened."
"We need to set up structures for teachers to help."
"We want to be the first call that founders make."
"Did you build this product trying to solve a problem?"
"Talent and people are everything."
"I can smell out genuine pitches."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Michelle Rhee and Her Journey
02:59 The Evolution of Teacher Recruitment
05:57 Innovations in Teacher Hiring and Education Technology
08:53 The Role of Technology in Education
12:01 Navigating the EdTech Landscape
14:59 Building Relationships in Venture Capital
18:02 The Importance of Founder-Investor Relationships
20:54 Understanding the Education Market
23:46 The Value of Networking in Career Development
About Michelle
Michelle Rhee Johnson is a Venture Partner at EO Ventures and Former Chancellor of Washington DC Public Schools. Michelle started as a teacher in Baltimore and went on to create The New Teacher Project, helping bring great teachers into classrooms nationwide. As Chancellor, she transformed DC Public Schools, making it one of the fastest-improving districts in the country.
Connect with Michelle
Linkedin: MichelleRhee
X: @MichelleRhee