Week in Edtech 8/5/26: Higher Ed Leadership Turnover Accelerates, OpenAI Expands Its Education Push, AI “Slop” Floods Teachers Pay Teachers, Students Propose AI Rules, and More! Feat. Janice Jackson of Aspen Institute

Send us Fan MailJoin hosts Ben Kornell and Alex Sarlin as they break down the biggest stories shaping higher education, AI adoption, school technology policy, and the future of learning.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:05:13] Higher ed leadership turnover accelerates amid political, financial, and AI pressures[00:11:00] OpenAI launches new AI tools for college students, professors, and K–12 educators[00:17:27] OpenAI pushes deeper into higher ed with AI-powered academic workflows[00:20:40] AI could reshape university research and accelerate scientific discovery[00:23:55] AI-generated “slop” floods Teachers Pay Teachers[00:25:41] Pew finds growing support for cell phone bans in schools[00:28:39] AI cheating arms race continues as professor catches students using ChatGPT[00:31:37] Students create the Students First Act to establish rules for AI in schools[00:35:27] Student AI policies call for human oversight, transparency, and protections against false accusationsPlus, special guest:[00:41:28] Janice Jackson executive director of the Aspen Institute's Education & Society program, on technology in schools, student voice, equity, trust, and the future of education😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.🎉 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.