AI as an Extra Set of Hands: Redefining Classroom Roles with Matt Miller of OKO Labs

Send us Fan MailMatt Miller is the CEO and Co-Founder of OKO Labs, an innovative EdTech company developing human-centric, pro-social AI to power collaborative learning in K-12 classrooms. With a background as CTO and VP of Labs at Amplify Education and VP of Product at Flatiron School, Matt brings deep technical expertise and a passion for leveraging technology to solve real-world educational challenges. Holding BS and MS degrees in Computer Science and Intelligent Systems from Columbia University, Matt co-founded OKO in 2020 to address the critical need for scalable, engaging, and equitable small-group learning solutions, starting with a focus on math intervention. He leads OKO's mission to foster not only academic growth but also essential skills like teamwork and communication, driven by a commitment to evidence-based practices and rigorous R&D. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why small group learning is a critical—and underserved—area in K-12 educationHow OKO uses AI to foster real-time collaboration and discourse among studentsThe benefits of integrating AI to support, not replace, educatorsHow rigorous research and efficacy studies shaped OKO’s product designInsights into OKO’s 30x classroom growth and founder-led sales strategy✨ Episode Highlights:[00:03:07] Origin of OKO: Solving the challenge of small group instruction[00:05:17] Using AI bots to facilitate collaborative student learning[00:10:18] What a typical AI-powered OKO math session looks like[00:14:47] Research partnership with WestEd shows strong early results[00:19:42] Making efficacy a sales advantage in founder-led growth[00:25:59] Combining grant funding and equity to scale responsibly[00:31:37] Defining a new edtech category: small group AI instruction[00:36:22] Future plans for subject expansion and deeper SEL integration[00:40:14] Vision for AI-enabled, pro-social, human-centered classrooms😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicSign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com. This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead.