In this episode, we sit down with Paul Matthews—an Australian classroom teacher, writer, TED Talk speaker, and leading voice at the intersection of AI and Christian education—to tackle the question so many educators are asking: Is AI going to harm learning…or can it actually help?
Paul shares the conviction that “AI should make education more human, not less,” and explains what that looks like in real classrooms. You’ll hear practical, approachable examples for teachers who are brand new to AI (including a simple way to differentiate texts in minutes), plus wise guidance for school leaders navigating student use, academic integrity, and clear expectations.
This conversation is hopeful, grounded, and deeply formative—because the goal of education isn’t just producing work, it’s producing a person. Whether you feel excited or anxious about AI, you’ll walk away with language, frameworks, and next steps to move forward with clarity and confidence under the lordship of Christ.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why AI can make teaching more human (not less)
- A practical “first step” any teacher can try this week
- How to set clear AI expectations for students (without constant policing)
- Why foundational skills still matter more than ever
- How Christian faith shapes a wise, steady approach to tech change
Connect with Paul:
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Website: https://paulmatthews.ai/
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ChatGPT Features Guide: https://paulmatthewsai.gumroad.com/l/FeaturesGuide
Dr. Andy Goodwin
Dr. Andy Goodwin has dedicated his career to excellence in Christian education. He has served on various community and education-related boards and has held roles such as teacher, coach, Department Chair, Student Travel Coordinator, Academic Dean, Principal, and CEO. In each position, he has focused on building cultures of professionalism, sustainability, innovation, and growth, which have led to high staff and faculty retention and effectiveness.
Andy has led teams in strategic planning for shaping organizational culture, immersive teaching methods, innovative programs, staff development and retention, sustainable financial models, and crisis management. He has also managed multiple accreditation cycles, most recently earning a rare Exemplary Accreditation from the Association of Christian Schools International. He believes that a healthy and successful organization must have a clear and shared identity that is defined, understood, embraced, and lived by every program and team member. This approach to organizational culture has resulted in his team at Covenant Christian High School (Indianapolis) being recognized as a “Indy Star Top Workplace” and a "Best Christian Workplace” at the Flourishing Level.
Andy has received numerous honors, including the Lilly Teacher Creativity Fellowship, the Battey National Educator Award, and Teacher of the Year from the Indiana Foreign Language Teachers Association. He holds advanced degrees in Spanish, pedagogy, business, and educational leadership, as well as certifications in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and Christian education.
Andy is the author of Walking Slowly: Being a Present Husband and Father in a High-Demand World. The book helps dads and husbands in high-demand professional roles discover everyday ways to be mentally, emotionally, and physically present with their families. Each chapter offers personal anecdotes to illustrate broad applications of thinking more intentionally about how we spend our time. Chapters conclude with reflection questions to help readers consider their own journeys of walking slowly through life. Andy hopes that readers find everyday types of ways for their loved ones to receive the best of them and to know that their best self is for their families first.
Andy is also the host of the Transforming Lives Podcast, which celebrates stories of transformation through excellent, Christ-centered education.
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