Hey folks! John here.
Okay—file this one under “you can’t make this stuff up.”
See that handsome fella’ with the questionable goatee on the far right of this photo?
Yup—that’s me (rocking some deeply regrettable early-2000s facial hair and wardrobe choices), standing alongside my brothers and none other than former World Wrestling Entertainment head honcho Linda McMahon—who, two decades later, would go on to become the United States Secretary of Education.
This shot was taken at a party just before WrestleMania XX at Madison Square Garden, that my brothers and I somehow scored an invite to (back when my biggest ambition was graduating from college and maybe landing a dream job as a WWE writer). Meanwhile, she was heading up the front offices of the biggest pro wrestling outfit on the planet. And as it turns out, she was just getting started.
These days? She’s the Secretary of Education, leading the federal team that’s shaping national education policy.
In life and in so many of the scripted antics that surround the pseudo sport of scripted combat, fate has a funny way of bringing things full circle. While I didn’t know it then, apparently when I wasn’t cheering like crazy for my favorite pro wrestlers (Shawn Michaels, all the way) or chowing down on a second helping of sweet, sweet, cheesy nachos from the MSG concession stand, I was networking with future federal cabinet members. Wild times.
But honestly? The more I think about it, the less surprising it feels. Politics and pro wrestling really aren’t all that different. Bold entrances. Elaborate speeches. Unexpected partnerships. Overly dramatic shouting matches, and the occasional steel chair to the head. (Kidding! Sort of.)
Anyway, flash forward to today (now just over a week removed from Wrestlemania 41). Michael and I were talking shop when we stumbled on a new press release from the White House—which singled out the work of an old friend of mine in none other than one Mrs. Linda McMahon—that really caught our attention. It starts with this line:
“President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order to create new educational and workforce development opportunities for America’s youth, fostering interest and expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) technology from an early age…”
Now, before anyone starts warming up their Twitter fingers, let me just say—this post isn’t about politics. It’s neither an endorsement nor an indictment of the current administration (though we’re still at a bit of a loss over at Secretary McMahon’s recent viral gaffe where she repeatedly confused “AI”—as in “artificial intelligence—with “A1”—like the steak sauce). It’s just an honest look at where we are, as a country, when it comes to the unlikely alliance of 21st century education and the ever-expanding role of AI. And maybe, in a weird way, a little bit like getting your hands on the promoter’s script before the big show.
If you read between the lines, this press release is basically a State of the Union for schools.
A national weather report for what’s coming next.
And what it’s telling us is simple:
The future of education is going to be fueled by AI. And—to quote the iconic tagline from Wrestlemania III— it’s shaping up to be… Bigger. Better. Badder.
Because no matter how you slice it, this executive order is pointing to a future where AI education isn’t optional—it’s essential.
And as we read through the press release, one quote in particular practically leapt off the page like a flying elbow from Randy Savage himself:
“Early training in AI will demystify this technology and prepare America’s students to be confident participants in the AI-assisted workforce…”
Our reaction?
Well dang—it’s like they’ve been reading our playbook.
If teachers are expected to manage the next generation of superstars inside and outside the classroom, success isn’t going to come from some one-day-wonder of a workshop or a blink-and-you-miss-it PD event that’s over faster than the main event of WrestleMania IX (sorry, Hulkamaniacs—Yokozuna was robbed).
To truly succeed in the era of artificial intelligence, teachers need a whole lot more than a pep talk.
They need sustained training.
They need real support.
And they need proven strategies to help create classrooms where curiosity and hard work can shine—and where students themselves can step proudly into the center spotlight where they belong.
Here at EMC² Learning, we’ve been building for this moment since day one.
From the minute we decided to join forces as a self-styled Megapowers of Student Engagement (we’re still workshopping our tag team name), Michael and I have spent years helping educators turn content into curiosity with classroom-ready activities that spark real engagement and bring deep thinking to life. From student voice and choice to collaborative problem solving, our platform is packed with close to a thousand different plug-and-play resources designed to help teachers lay the smackdown on today’s biggest challenges—and tomorrow’s, too.
And lately?
We’ve been leaning even harder into purposeful AI integration—the kind that helps students create with AI, not just consume it.
The kind that empowers educators to lead with confidence, not confusion.
The kind that keeps the learning human, even as the tools get more high-tech.
So yeah—when the White House calls for investments in AI literacy, teacher training, and real-world career pathways?
Tag. Us. In.
We’re already ringside—ready to roll up our sleeves and help schools bring the future into focus.
Because here’s the thing: This isn’t just about shiny gadgets or trendy buzzwords. It’s about preparing learners to thrive in a world of constant change. And that takes more than standards and syllabi. It takes a serious skill set.
Which brings us back full circle.
Wrestling fans know: the best champions aren’t crowned by accident. They’re the ones who put in the reps. Who make the towns. Who pay their dues. Who win the crowds. And who show up ready to steal the show every time the spotlight hits.
And here at EMC² Learning? We’re proud to offer an entire arsenal of signature maneuvers to help teachers deliver championship-caliber lesson plans, day in and day out—including:
- Self-paced Skill Builder Courses: Level up your practice
- Curated Pedagogy Playlists: Packed with classroom-ready strategies
- Next-Level Teacher Quests: Turn PD into an epic adventure
- Hive Summit Video Vault: Featuring interviews with some of the biggest names in our sport—err, profession
So if you’re looking for a seasoned pro that’s been training for this title match from the very start?
EMC² Learning is in your corner.
So ring that bell. And let’s get ready to rumble.
— “Jumpin’” Johnny Mayhem (and “Macho” Michael Matera too)
The activities featured in this blog post are just a handful of the 900+ resources available and on their way to arrive shortly in the EMC² Learning library. This entire library is available to all members with an active Engagement Engineer or Engagement Engineer PLUS account, and is included with your annual site membership. We hope you’ll consider joining us as an Engagement Engineer to unlock a full year of site access. For complete details including our exclusive limited time offer for annual site membership, click here.
