My EdTech Life
Jacob Kantor Profile Photo

Chief DODO

Jacob Kantor is a nationally recognized K–12 EdTech advisor, connector, and founder of JK K12, where he helps education companies earn trust, access, and traction with district and state education leaders. Known across the ecosystem as Chief DODO (District Office Door Opener), Jacob specializes in translating innovative solutions into real-world district adoption through relationships, credibility, and execution.

With 18+ years across K–12 education, publishing, test prep, and EdTech sales and partnerships, Jacob has worked with organizations ranging from early-stage startups to national nonprofits and foundations. His work focuses on helping companies navigate complex district buying cycles, align with superintendent priorities, and move from pilot to scale—while staying grounded in equity, efficacy, and human impact.

Jacob serves on the boards of the ASU+GSV AI Summit and National AI Literacy Day, contributing to national conversations around responsible AI adoption, AI literacy, and the future of learning. He frequently speaks, moderates, and convenes candid conversations between district leaders, innovators, and policymakers at conferences and private leadership sessions across the country.

Based in Los Angeles, Jacob is a husband and father of two young boys. He believes the future of education—and education technology—will be shaped not by hype, but by trust, relationships, and a deep respect for the people doing the work inside schools.

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Sept. 29, 2026

Whose Problem Is EdTech Solving? | My EdTech Life 374

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.
Guest: Jacob Kantor