Future Proof: AI, Learning & the Global Workforce

Everything But the Lesson Plan

In this episode of Everything But The Lesson Plan, host Franchesca Thompson sits down with AI expert Ben Tasker to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping education and the global workforce. From classrooms to careers, AI is changing what skills matter, how students learn, and how teachers prepare the next generation for a future that looks very different from today.

We’ll dig into emerging trends, ethical concerns, and the evolving role of teachers in an AI-driven world. What skills will employers demand in 2030? How do we balance technology with the human connections that make learning meaningful? And how can we ensure all students have access to opportunity in this new landscape?

Whether you’re an educator, parent, or leader, this conversation will give you tools and insights to prepare your students — and yourself — for the future of education and work.
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About Ben Tasker

Ben Tasker isn’t just talking about the future of learning — he’s actively building it at scale. He currently leads a Data & AI Academy at a global public-utility, designing programs that upskill and reskill more than 36,000 employees to be AI-ready and future-ready. His work sits at the intersection of innovation, equity, and impact, turning real-world workflows into applied AI learning pathways that count. Previously, he served as Dean of AI at Southern New Hampshire University, launching applied-AI certifications that reached over 225,000 learners and created university pathways that convert micro-courses into college credit. Earlier in his career, Ben worked as a healthcare data scientist, developing predictive AI tools that improved patient outcomes while helping shape responsible, human-centered AI products and practices.

*Social Media:

https://www.bentaskerai.com/media

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bentaskerai/

IG: @bentaskerai

About Franchesca Thompson

Franchesca Thompson is the owner of Thrive12 and host of Everything But The Lesson Plan. With a passion for supporting teachers in and out of the classroom, she shares real stories, resources, and conversations that inspire educators to thrive personally and professionally.

• LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/franchesca-thompson95/⁠

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• Instagram: ithrive_12

• Website:⁠ ⁠⁠www.thrive12.com⁠

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