Why Teachers Don't Need to be the Expert in the Classroom with Stewart Brown

Why Teachers Don't Need to be the Expert in the Classroom with Stewart Brown

Author: Matt Karabinos August 25, 2026 Duration: 58:14

Matt sits down with Stewart Brown, from Code for Kids (c4k.io), to dig into why so many schools are unprepared to teach AI literacy and computer science—and what it actually takes to build a foundation that sticks. From debunking the myth that CS doesn't belong in every district to rethinking what "expert in the room" even means for teachers, this conversation goes way deeper than tech tools. It's about curiosity, vulnerability, and what gets lost when we let AI do too much of the thinking for us. 

Timestamps: 
2:43 | The real gap in K-8 schools: why computer science often doesn't exist as a real subject
15:12 | Stewart's no-BS way of explaining AI: "It's a machine brain."
18:07 | Matthew's viral hallucination analogy — what your breakfast 20 years ago has to do with AI
19:38 | Unpacking "future-ready education" — and why it's more than a buzzword
21:54 | The mindset shift every teacher needs before stepping into an AI-driven classroom
30:56 | A college classroom story that changed how Matthew thinks about teaching
35:09 | How Code for Kids actually started — an origin story with a wild twist
40:23 | What happens to classroom engagement when teachers admit they don't know everything
47:48 | Stewart gets curious: the big open questions driving his work
51:49 | The one thing about AI that fascinates (and unsettles) everyone in the field
57:28 | Where to find Stewart and Code for Kids


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As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.


IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:

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Hosted by educator and researcher Eli Davis, Artificial Intelligence: Real Talk cuts through the hype to explore how these tools are actually being used in schools. This isn't a theoretical discussion about the future; it's grounded in the present reality of classrooms. Each episode features conversations with the teachers, specialists, and leaders who are integrating AI into their daily practice. You'll hear honest stories about what works, what doesn't, and the nuanced challenges that come with new technology. The focus is on practical application-how AI can serve as a collaborative thought partner to enhance teaching, not replace it. Davis guides discussions toward critical questions of equity, bias, and accessibility, ensuring the dialogue centers on improving outcomes for every student. This podcast provides a necessary space for educators to share their on-the-ground experiences, offering listeners a clearer understanding of both the potential and the pitfalls. It’s for anyone in the field of education who wants to move beyond fear or fascination toward a more informed and intentional use of artificial intelligence. You'll gain actionable insights and a more balanced perspective from people who are navigating this landscape right now.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 48

AI Real Talk: The Curiosity Connection
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