How Teachers Shape the Tools They Use: 4 Former Educators Weigh In

By: David Specht

It’s one thing to use edtech.
It’s another to build it.

At ISTELive+ASCD 2025, Otus hosted a no-slides, no-fluff “Ask Me Anything” session with a team of former educators (now working behind the scenes at Otus) who shared how their teaching past continues to shape the tools they help build and the way they support school communities today.

Let’s just say, this wasn’t your average PD.

Real talk: Edtech shouldn’t waste teachers’ time

The panel didn’t sugarcoat it. They’d all sat through the “click-here, click-there” product trainings. They’ve been the teacher frantically calling support while 30 students waited.

They’ve felt the “please just help me” moment.

That’s why they approach things differently now:

Training isn’t about features; it’s about solving real classroom problems.
Teacher feedback isn’t a checkbox; it’s the starting point for every product decision.
Every hour saved for a teacher matters. (Seriously, if Otus gives you time back, they consider it a win.)

Misconceptions? They’ve heard them all

One big myth they tackled: that teaching doesn’t prepare you for work outside the classroom.

In fact, the panel flipped that myth on its head: “Teachers are masters at translating one piece of information for four audiences – students, families, admins, and peers. That’s an incredible skill.”

They also reminded attendees that not all edtech companies are out of touch. Some, like Otus and Discovery Education, are led by educators, guided by empathy, and shaped by what teachers actually say they need.

What’s the “aha” moment for edtech folks?

No surprise: they all miss the magic of student lightbulb moments.

But these days, they chase a different kind of spark – when a teacher breathes easier after a product demo or sends a thank-you email after an Otus webinar helped them solve a real problem.

And yes, the occasional side comment during a training (“Oh my gosh, this is going to save me so much time”) still gives them a rush.