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.