In this episode of The Active Listener by Lightspeed, Dominique speaks with Dr. Matthew Woods - deputy superintendent, lifelong educator, and podcaster- about the powerful relationship between strong instructional strategy and the technology that supports it. Dr. Woods shares how his early experiences shaped his path into education, what he learned transitioning from teacher to administrator, and why the most effective instructional practices remain grounded in timeless fundamentals even as classrooms evolve.
Together, they discuss how leaders can scale high-quality instruction, build genuine teacher buy-in, and use tools like instructional audio to amplify the strategies educators already rely on. Dr. Woods also reflects on the growth of his education podcast and the importance of preparing students to think critically in an increasingly tech-driven world. This episode is essential for educators and leaders who want to integrate technology thoughtfully to elevate teaching, learning, and student access.