Week in Edtech 1/28/26: SchoolAI in Classrooms, ChatGPT Blocked, OpenAI’s $30B Bet, Gemini vs Anthropic, China’s AI Literacy Push, Phone Bans Rise, Higher Ed Retention Challenges, and More! Feat. Jeremy Smith of pega6 & Stewart Brown of Code4Kids

Send us Fan Mail Join hosts Ben Kornell and Alex Sarlin, joined by special co-host Mike Palmer, host of Trending in Ed, as they break down the biggest stories shaping AI, K–12 policy, higher education, and the global future of education. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:03:34] SchoolAI study shows teachers using AI for reasoning and inquiry [00:09:58] Denver Public Schools blocks ChatGPT over safety and privacy concerns [00:12:20] SoftBank invests another $30B in OpenAI as ads roll out [00:13:24] Gemini and Anthropic lead the race for AI in education [00:20:36] China launches nationwide AI literacy for K–12 [00:29:58] Most U.S. states still lack formal AI guidance for schools [00:33:13] Phone bans spread rapidly across schools [00:38:44] Higher ed enrollment rebounds but retention remains weak Plus, special guests: [00:46:19] Jeremy Smith, CEO and Co-founder of pega6, on one-year AI-first career accelerators [01:11:29] Stewart Brown, K–12 Computer Science and AI Literacy Leader at Code4Kids, on CS as a core elementary subject 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: 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. 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. 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.