Meet the Former Sports Broadcaster Reinventing Math Lessons
An interview with Clement Townsend of Video Pro Learning,
A few years ago, I was chatting with a third grade teacher and she told me that her entire class wanted to be YouTubers when they grew up. At the time, that gave me an idea for a business - selling Teachers Pay Teachers math worksheets that used YouTube as the basis for word problems (“if 100 people watched your video on Monday and 200 on Tuesday, how many viewers do you have?”). I never did that business, but I always remembered the fact that many kids today want to be YouTubers.
That’s why, when I learned about a new EdTech startup that helps kids create their own videos - just like real YouTubers! - to learn concepts in math, I thought it was a fantastic idea.
So today, I am delighted to welcome Clement Townsend, founder of Video Pro Learning, a platform that allows students to create their own faceless videos about math concepts, making assignments more engaging and interactive, to Beck on Tech:
Your journey to becoming a software company founder is very unique. You spent almost 2 decades as a sports broadcaster, then became a public school teacher about 7 years ago. Where in this journey did you get the idea for Video Pro Learning?
The idea for Video Pro Learning began to take shape in 2018, when I started teaching digital media in several schools around Chicago. I watched students struggle to engage with traditional lessons…. until they were allowed to create. When they made videos, their enthusiasm for learning increased and the content became more relevant. After four years of seeing this powerful change up close, I knew this approach had to extend into core subjects in a way that fit teachers’ needs. That’s when the journey began to make a broader impact and bring this powerful learning experience to classrooms around the country.
Video Pro Learning helps motivate students to learn by creating video projects. Can you share more about the platform?
Video Pro Learning is helping students take ownership of their learning and engage with math in a whole new way. The platform allows teachers to assign faceless video projects that align with the elementary math curriculum they’re already teaching. This gives students a creative outlet to demonstrate understanding in a format that feels fresh and exciting. With ready-made model videos, templates, and rubrics, teachers can motivate students to approach math with confidence and make assignments truly memorable. Students strengthen their problem-solving skills, explain their thinking clearly, and learn from one another through peer collaboration. This isn’t just a helpful add-on; it’s a game-changer for classroom engagement and academic growth. For elementary math educators seeking to deepen learning and create meaningful connections to content, Video Pro Learning offers a powerful new way to inspire and empower students. I highly encourage teachers to explore what this platform can do for their classroom.
The software is currently live in schools in NY, GA, OK, and MI. That’s amazing. What are you learning right now in this early customer rollout?
In this early rollout, we’re seeing the powerful impact Video Pro Learning is having in classrooms. One standout insight came from a teacher who noted that students became more comfortable with word problems, which is an area that’s crucial for state testing. Another teacher shared that students who usually struggled were not only completing assignments but staying focused and excited to work together. The platform is encouraging collaboration, building confidence, and helping students engage with challenging topics like decimals and percentages in interactive and creative ways. We are making learning memorable. While we continue to enhance the product, the feedback we’re receiving shows we’re building something that truly connects with students and teachers. The response has us excited to continue moving forward.
You’re a graduate of the 4.0 Tiny Fellowship program. What is the most valuable insight you got from that experience?
The most valuable insight I gained from the 4.0 Tiny Fellowship was the importance of involving teachers and students every step of the way. We’ve made it a habit to regularly conduct interviews and surveys to make sure we're building something that truly meets their needs. That feedback shapes our product. I also connected with an amazing group of EdTech founders, and we still share ideas and support each other. It’s helped us stay focused and user-driven.
What was the most unexpected challenge in starting an EdTech software?
The most unexpected challenge was narrowing the focus of the product. At first, we worked with teachers in English and Science, but that was too broad. After talking to educators, we found math was a top priority, especially in elementary grades. We also learned that the best fit was tech-forward schools where teachers and students were already comfortable with digital tools. Figuring out the right subject, grade level, and type of school took time and we continue to evaluate those areas.
What’s your favorite tech tool that makes your life easier as a founder?
Tough question but I would say Canva. It’s incredibly versatile for graphic design, and the video editing features are a game changer. I use it for everything from presentations to marketing content. I think the video tools in Canva are still underutilized by many, but they’ve been a huge help in building and promoting Video Pro Learning efficiently. It saves time, looks professional, and makes content creation way easier.
Who do you want to connect with as you grow Video Pro Learning? Where can they go to learn more?
As we grow Video Pro Learning, I’m eager to connect with both elementary school leaders and elementary math teachers and instructional coaches. Building relationships on both levels helps us address the broader needs of schools while creating a solution that fits naturally into a teacher’s day-to-day workflow. Our goal is for Video Pro Learning to be the first tool teachers think of and reach for when planning end-of-unit assessments or looking to boost engagement and understanding in their classrooms.
Where can they go to learn more?
They can learn more by visiting www.videoprolearning.com or reaching out directly via email at videoprolearning {at} gmail.com. I’m always excited to connect with teachers and share how they can get started. Thank you so much for this spotlight. I’ll leave readers with this takeaway: when students create to learn, they remember for life.
Thank you so much for stopping by Beck on Tech, Clement!
-Molly Beck