# The EdTech Startup Showcase: Trading the Classroom for a Startup

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/principalpln-171918/the-edtech-startup-showcase-trading-the-classroom-for-a-startup
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/principalpln-171918/the-edtech-startup-showcase-trading-the-classroom-for-a-startup.md
Podcast: [#PrincipalPLN](https://stenobird.com/podcast/principalpln-171918)
Published: 2026-03-02T15:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://ppln.bepodcast.network/episodes/the-edtech-startup-showcase-trading-the-classroom-for-a-startup
Audio file: https://media.transistor.fm/9827263f/7242882e.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/principalpln-171918/episodes/the-edtech-startup-showcase-trading-the-classroom-for-a-startup
Duration seconds: 2010

## Resource

In this episode of the EdTech Startup Showcase , host Jeff Bradbury interviews Mike Cronley, co-founder and CEO of Class Composer and former third-grade teacher. Mike shares his journey from the classroom to entrepreneurship, sparked by a casual conversation with his school's music teacher about students being incorrectly placed together. This "aha moment" led him to develop Class Composer, a software solution that helps elementary schools create balanced, equitable classroom rosters. Over seven years, Mike transitioned from teaching while developing his idea as a side project to fully committing to his startup. The conversation explores the challenges of the traditional paper-based class placement process, the importance of listening to customers, and advice for educators considering entrepreneurship. Learn more about today's sponsors, Renaissance, Playworks and IXL: Learn more about Renaissance: 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 . We’re proud to be sponsored by Playworks , a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play. If you’re a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that…

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## Transcript

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