AI-Powered Speaking Practice for the English Language Classroom

In the latest episode of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, hosts Anna and Shé are joined by Matt Sussman, CEO and co-founder of FLOW Speak, an AI-powered English speaking practice app, for a conversation about a problem nearly every ESL teacher recognizes: students who do everything we assign and still hesitate when it’s time to speak. Drawing on 30 years in education and international exchange, from teaching English in Japan to working with Fulbright scholars, Matt asks what’s really missing between knowing English and feeling ready to use it.

The conversation takes on a question that’s hard to answer honestly: what happens when practice moves beyond the classroom, and where does the teacher fit once it does? Matt, Anna, and Shé trade ideas about what learners need before they ever hold a real conversation, and Matt shares a first-time announcement about where FLOW Speak is heading next.

“Teachers, in my mind, are irreplaceable. Learning is a human endeavor.” — Matt Sussman

This conversation is an invitation to rethink what speaking practice can look like in a world of AI tools, and what only teachers can do. Matt’s work reminds us that the goal isn’t more technology in the classroom, but more confident speakers walking out of it.

🎙️ Listen now on your favorite platform:

• The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast
• YouTube
• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts

🔗 Follow The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast on social media for more updates:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Bluesky
• TikTok
• LinkedIn