Whose Problem Is EdTech Solving? | My EdTech Life 374

In Episode 374 of My EdTech Life, Dr. Alfonso Mendoza Jr. sits down with Jacob Kantor, the Chief DODO, or District Office Door Opener, to explore what it takes to earn educators’ attention, build trust, and serve schools.

Drawing on 19 years in EdTech, Jacob explains why district doors stay closed, how sales targets can get in the way of listening, and why even well-liked vendors can lose contracts when budgets tighten. We discuss involving educators in product development, asking better questions, and showing up when implementation gets complicated.

Jacob also shares the personal motivation behind his work: arriving from Ukraine without knowing English and now using that experience to encourage his son through speech therapy. His story brings the conversation back to the children and families affected by the decisions adults make.

If you’re an educator, district leader, EdTech founder, or someone working alongside schools, this episode offers a candid look at what meaningful partnership requires.

Time
00:00 Welcome to My EdTech Life
01:00 Sponsor Thanks and Introducing Jacob Kantor
03:00 Jacob’s Journey into Education and EdTech
04:00 Becoming the Chief DODO
07:00 Connecting District Needs with Relevant Solutions
10:00 Why District Doors Stay Closed
14:00 When the Sales Pitch Replaces Listening
16:00 Budget Cuts and Difficult District Decisions
18:00 Showing Up and Understanding Educators’ Needs
20:00 Whose Problem Is EdTech Solving?
22:00 Building Products Alongside Educators
25:00 Trust When Implementation Gets Difficult
28:00 Relationships Beyond the Sales Conversation
32:00 Asking Better Questions and Making Connections
35:00 When a Company Isn’t Ready for District Introductions
37:00 Evidence, Fit, and Setting Boundaries
40:00 Client Commitments and Conflicts
42:00 Listen More and Give People Permission to Stop Pitching
44:00 The Five-Year-Old Behind Jacob’s Work
46:00 Final Reflections and Closing

💬 What is one problem you wish EdTech companies would listen to educators about? Tell us in the comments.

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