Schools Are Teaching Kids the Wrong Things — with Ted Dintersmith

In this episode of The Prof G Pod, Scott Galloway sits down with Ted Dintersmith, an education advocate, author, and filmmaker, to dissect the fundamental flaws in America's education system. Dintersmith argues that while the current model is 'working' in the sense that it consistently produces the same outcomes, it's based on an obsolete 1893 industrial-era framework designed to produce obedient workers, not creative problem-solvers. He critiques the overemphasis on standardized testing, rote math and reading drills, and the misalignment between what schools teach and what adults actually need in the real world—especially in the age of AI. He calls for a radical shift toward project-based learning, real-world career exploration, and the integration of AI as a tool, not a threat. Dintersmith also highlights deep inequities in school funding, the gender gap in education, and the stigma around vocational training. He champions a system that values purpose, creativity, and individual passion over rankings and conformity, urging parents and educators to support kids in finding their own paths rather than chasing elite college admissions. The conversation culminates in a powerful call to action: schools should focus on helping every student develop a sense of purpose and a hireable skill by graduation, not just test scores. Dintersmith shares personal stories from his own upbringing and visits to schools across the country to illustrate how students thrive when given autonomy and real-world challenges. He challenges the myth that college is the only path to success, emphasizing that vocational and entrepreneurial paths are equally valuable. Ultimately, the episode is a passionate plea to reinvent education—not by going back to basics, but by unlocking the 'creative beast' in every child and building a system that prepares them for the future, not the past.