The Map Makers: Inside the Edtech Insiders' GenAI K-12 Education Market Map with Alex Sarlin, Laurence Holt & Jacob Klein

Send us Fan MailIn this special episode, we go behind the scenes of the Edtech Insiders GenAI K-12 Education Market Map, a first-of-its-kind framework connecting real classroom needs to AI-powered tools. Co-created by Alex Sarlin, Laurence Holt, Jacob Klein, and the Edtech Insiders team, this evolving resource helps educators, entrepreneurs, and researchers make sense of a fast-changing landscape. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why the GenAI Education Map focuses on pedagogy and learning needs over toolsHow to identify "white space" opportunities for AI in educationWhat makes AI feedback and teacher coaching some of the most promising use cases todayHow to move beyond the 5% of students typically served by EdTechWhy "team teaching with AI" might be the next big frontier✨ Episode Highlights: [00:02:36] Holt & Klein introduce the origin story of the Generative AI Use Case Map[00:03:29] Starting with teaching and learning needs, not tech capabilities[00:06:03] Why learning science and research-backed practices still aren't reaching scale[00:11:11] How and why the GenAI Map was built as a living, evolving framework[00:15:20] Imagining “team teaching” between human educators and AI assistants[00:20:16] The 5–10% problem: Why most EdTech tools miss the broader population[00:23:18] Personalization, motivation, and redefining what success in school can look like[00:30:05] From tool overload to comprehensive suites: the shifting EdTech landscape[00:34:12] AI-enabled feedback loops that support both teachers and learners[00:39:00] What’s ready for scale now—and what still needs real breakthroughs[00:44:55] Risks and red flags: from dopamine loops to student dependence on AI[00:48:35] Will GenAI in education be incremental or transformative?😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicSign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!🎉 Presenting Sponsors: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.