Edtech Insiders

Send us Fan MailTony Wan is Head of Platform at Reach Capital and co-founder and former managing editor of EdSurge. Betsy Corcoran is a writer, speaker, serial entrepreneur, and co-founder of EdSurge who explores AI and learning through her work and podcast, Future Fluent.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:How EdSurge helped shape the early edtech ecosystem.Why edtech needs more honest and nuanced storytelling.What the tech backlash gets right and where it misses the bigger picture.Why teacher-turned-founders and school leaders are critical voices in edtech.How AI can support education without becoming the focus itself.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:03:48] The origins of EdSurge and the need for an edtech “water cooler.”[00:13:49] Why teacher-turned-founders deserve a bigger voice in the tech backlash.[00:18:04] Starting with the “why” instead of treating technology as the solution.[00:23:58] Tony on the legitimate concerns around screen time and edtech.[00:26:23] Betsy on why edtech needs more honesty about what doesn’t work.[00:34:01] Why humility and learning from failure matter in edtech.[00:35:50] Tony on where AI can genuinely add value in education.[00:47:51] Betsy on the questions edtech should keep asking: Why, when, and when not to use technology.😎 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.

Send us Fan MailJoin hosts Ben Kornell and Alex Sarlin as they break down the biggest stories shaping educator confidence, tutoring, higher ed grading, AI models, education policy, and AI workforce development.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:02:47] Edtech Insiders heads to Teach For America’s 35th anniversary[00:05:19] HMH survey shows educator AI adoption reaches 80%[00:08:45] Varsity Tutors exits school-based tutoring[00:11:46] What makes tutoring effective?[00:13:00] MIT drops freshman grades as Harvard tightens grading[00:15:06] AI reshapes academic integrity and assessment[00:17:41] AI cheating accelerates competency-based learning[00:19:52] Open vs. closed AI models heats up[00:23:53] Could AI become a public utility?[00:28:11] New benchmarks measure AI tutoring effectivenessPlus, special guests:[00:29:40] Reg Leichty, Founding Partner of Foresight Law + Policy, on screen time and AI regulation [00:47:26] Mike Wales, Senior Director of AI Programs at CodePath, and Madison McCormick, CodePath leader, on AI apprenticeships and workforce development 😎 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.

Send us Fan MailJomayra Herrera is a Partner at Reach Capital, an early-stage venture fund investing across learning, health, and work. Previously, she worked at Emerson Collective and Cowboy Ventures, investing in companies including Handshake, Guild, Contra, and Career Karma.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why Reach Capital is doubling down on pre-seed and early-stage investing with its new $265M Fund V.How learning, health, and work intersect to create new opportunities for innovation.What Jomayra looks for in exceptional founders, especially in the age of AI.Why the strongest AI companies go beyond AI as a feature to create new capabilities and durable advantages.How B2C-to-B2B models and school choice are creating new opportunities across education.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:03:32] Reach Capital’s $265M Fund V and its renewed focus on pre-seed investing.[00:06:28] Why Reach is choosing to go earlier rather than later.[00:08:42] The intersection of learning, health, and work.[00:16:02] The founder traits that matter most in the age of AI.[00:24:47] What makes an AI company more than just an AI feature.[00:33:14] Pathfinder, ESAs, and the changing education marketplace.[00:39:06] Jomayra’s vision for the next 10 years of investing.[00:44:24] Why strategic acquisitions and private equity remain the most common exit paths.😎 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.

Send us Fan MailJoy Delizo-Osborne is President and CEO of Student Achievement Partners, where she works to improve instructional quality and connect evidence-based practices with curriculum and edtech. A former teacher, instructional coach, and principal, Joy brings more than 20 years of experience in education.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:How AI can support and not replace teachers and students.Why productive struggle still matters in AI-powered learning.What districts should consider when evaluating AI tools.How edtech can better fit into existing classroom practices.Why student agency should remain at the center of AI use.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:02:40] Student Achievement Partners’ role in improving instructional quality[00:07:37] Maintaining rigor and quality with AI-generated content[00:18:25] Closing the gap between edtech tools and real-world outcomes[00:24:27] Why edtech companies need to understand classroom realities[00:29:07] Building AI around existing curriculum and teacher practice[00:40:36] When should AI enter the learning process?[00:47:06] Putting student agency at the center of AI😎 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.

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.

Send us Fan MailEdna Martinson is the Co-founder and COO of Boddle Learning, a gamified K–6 learning platform used by millions of students to build confidence in math, literacy, and science. She is passionate about combining great game design with research-backed learning experiences that teachers and students love.💡 5 Things You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy Boddle was built to compete with video games.How gamification drives learning and confidence.What teachers want from classroom technology.How AI is shaping Boddle's future.The next evolution of personalized learning.✨ Episode Highlights[00:03:18] How teachers fueled Boddle's growth.[00:05:47] Designing games kids genuinely love.[00:16:41] Why Boddle chose a 3D gaming experience.[00:19:21] Evidence behind Boddle's learning impact.[00:24:23] AI's role in content and personalization.[00:33:20] Boddle's unique parent-funded model.[00:41:50] The future of game-based learning.😎 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.

Send us Fan MailJoin hosts Ben Kornell and Alex Sarlin as they break down the biggest stories shaping AI, edtech investment, philanthropy, the future of work, and AI-powered learning.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:02:33] Bridges AI Summit brings district leaders together to discuss AI adoption, pilots, and edtech purchasing[00:05:19] Imagi raises $4.5M with backing from OpenAI, Lovable, Will.i.am, Kahoot!, and ElevenLabs[00:09:18] AI, cross-sector platforms, and portfolio consolidation drive edtech investment trends[00:10:40] Gates Foundation leadership shakeup signals a new chapter for education philanthropy[00:15:45] Gates Foundation and the future of philanthropy in an era of AI wealth[00:20:30] OpenAI report explores how AI is expanding workers’ roles beyond traditional job boundaries[00:21:00] OpenAI launches a campus leaders program to build student communities around AI tools[00:31:00] Y Combinator calls for startups building personalized AI tutors[00:37:35] Coursera invests $100M in a new AI-native learning company founded by Andrew Ng[00:41:15] Time’s top edtech companies list sparks debate over how the industry is rankedPlus, special guests:[00:44:39] Kavitta Ghai, CEO and Co-founder of Nectir, on AI in higher ed and K–12, student outcomes, and privacy[01:00:13] Aidan McDowell, Founder and CEO of UniqLearn, on personalized learning, career exploration, and student curiosity😎 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.

Send us Fan MailInside Columbia's First EdTech Showcase, Alex Sarlin sits down with the founders and leaders behind the inaugural Columbia EdTech Showcase to explore the startups, ideas, and innovations shaping the future of learning from AI-powered discussion tools to health education, learning science, and content curation.🎙️ Featuring insights from:[00:01:56] Pete Novak, Founder, Columbians in EdTech[00:14:48] Dan Wang, Co-Founder, CAiSEY[00:32:43] Kyleigh Sudlow, Lead Engineer, Puberry[00:41:22] Andrew Cohen, Founder & CEO, Brainscape[00:57:32] Kai Wright, Founder, TangramioDisclaimer: Columbians in EdTech is an independent community for individuals affiliated with Columbia University. It is not an official program of, endorsed by, or affiliated with Columbia University. For more information, visit ColumbiansInEdTech.org.😎 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.

Send us Fan MailDrew Bent leads Education at Anthropic, where he oversees education initiatives including Claude for Teachers. A former math teacher, Khan Academy engineer, and co-founder of Schoolhouse.world, Drew focuses on applying AI to improve teaching and learning.Sandra Liu Huang is President of Learning Commons, where she leads the development of open AI datasets and learning science infrastructure for education. She previously held product leadership roles at Google, Facebook, and Quora.💡 5 Things You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy Anthropic built Claude for Teachers exclusively for educators.How Learning Commons grounds AI in standards, curriculum, and learning science.The role of open datasets, AI skills, and shared infrastructure in improving educational AI.How Claude integrates with leading edtech tools through new connectors.What's next for Claude for Teachers, including district partnerships and future AI capabilities.✨ Episode Highlights[00:03:27] Why Anthropic chose to build AI for teachers first.[00:05:50] How Learning Commons powers AI with standards and learning progressions.[00:08:52] Inside Claude for Teachers' integrations with leading edtech platforms.[00:14:41] Building open AI teaching skills and evaluation frameworks.[00:17:26] How AI can support meaningful lesson differentiation.[00:20:54] The vision for open educational AI infrastructure.[00:22:42] What's next for Claude for Teachers, including district partnerships and research.😎 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. 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.

Send us Fan MailJulie Young is the Founding CEO of Florida Virtual School (FLVS), where she helped pioneer online public education and expand access to millions of learners. She later founded ASU Prep Digital and is the author of Say Yes: How Virtual Became Reality, continuing to shape the future of student-centered learning.💡 5 Things You'll Learn in This Episode How Florida Virtual School grew from a small pilot into a global model for virtual education.  Why putting students and not systems at the center changes everything about school design.  Lessons for driving innovation within public education while earning trust and support.  How ASU Prep Digital is blurring the lines between K-12 and higher education.  Why AI should be a catalyst for redesigning education, not simply automating existing practices. ✨ Episode Highlights[00:02:42] Why Julie wrote Say Yes and the philosophy that shaped her career. [00:03:46] The origins of Florida Virtual School and overcoming skepticism about online learning. [00:10:56] Building innovation inside public education without working against the system. [00:23:09] How ASU Prep Digital is rethinking the transition from high school to college. [00:32:01] Why AI challenges the very purpose of school and creates an opportunity to redesign learning. [00:37:20] The rise of robotics, coding, and authentic assessment as the future of education. [00:39:33] Julie's recommended books for educators and innovation leaders. 😎 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.

Send us Fan MailJoin hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they discuss the latest developments in education technology, from growing AI skepticism in schools and major policy shifts to Anthropic's education strategy and conversations with founders tackling literacy and AI tutoring.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:05:49] New York City pauses AI procurement across its school system[00:11:28] New study questions AI's impact on teaching quality and student engagement[00:18:00] Norway introduces strict limits on generative AI for younger students[00:21:41] Anthropic launches Claude for Teachers with major edtech partnerships[00:23:27] Why partnerships and AI ecosystems may define the future of edtech[00:30:52] How AI infrastructure could help smaller edtech companies compete[00:33:31] Learning Commons and connected platforms point toward a more integrated edtech ecosystemPlus, special guests:[00:37:40] Louise Baigelman, Founder & CEO of Storyshares, on expanding adolescent literacy beyond the science of reading[01:01:02] Ashish Bansal, Founder & CEO of StarSpark.AI, on building AI tutors that promote learning instead of answer-giving😎 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.

Send us Fan MailMichael Preston, Executive Director, Medha Tare, Senior Director of Research, and Liza Gak, Postdoctoral Fellow at the Joan Ganz Cooney Center, are leading researchers focused on child-centered educational technology. Together, they are helping edtech organizations design better products by combining learning science, participatory co-design, and thoughtful approaches to AI.💡 5 Things You'll Learn in This Episode Why involving children early in product design leads to better edtech.  How the Joan Ganz Cooney Center's co-design methodology differs from traditional user testing.  What children's feedback reveals about AI tutors, reading buddies, and learning experiences.  Why learning science and child-centered design should guide AI-powered products.  Practical ways edtech teams can adopt co-design to build more engaging and effective learning tools. ✨ Episode Highlights[00:03:35] Introducing the Co-Design with Kids Toolkit and why child-centered design starts before user testing. [00:06:22] How learning science and the Translating Literacy Research to EdTech framework shape stronger products.[00:11:14] What participatory co-design actually looks like in practice. [00:20:53] Surprising insights from children including why "less is more" with AI. [00:24:15] How educators and product teams should think differently about AI in learning. [00:31:53] Practical advice for bringing co-design into every stage of product development. [00:39:20] What's next for AI, child-centered design, and the future of edtech. 😎 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.

Send us Fan MailSue Khim is the Co-founder and CEO of Brilliant, the interactive learning platform that has helped millions of learners build deep understanding in math, science, and computer science. In this episode, she shares how Brilliant's new AI tutor, Koji, is designed to develop critical thinking rather than simply provide answers.💡 5 Things You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy the best AI tutors ask questions instead of giving answers.How Brilliant applies active learning and game design to STEM education.The philosophy behind designing AI that builds intelligence rather than dependence.What personalization should look like in the next generation of AI tutoring.Why learning should feel like a "climbing wall" instead of an answer machine.✨ Episode Highlights[00:02:32] The origin story of Brilliant and its active learning philosophy[00:05:31] Introducing Koji: an AI tutor designed to help students think.[00:11:07] Why concentration, challenge, and flow are essential for learning[00:15:48] Designing AI that guides students without giving away the answer[00:19:40] Early reactions to Koji and why parents are embracing this approach[00:25:30] What game design can teach us about building better learning experiences.[00:35:05] Sue's vision for the future of personalized AI tutoring.😎 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.

Send us Fan MailJoin hosts Ben Kornell and Alex Sarlin as they cover major edtech acquisitions, the biggest AI announcements from ISTE, the future of assessment, and how AI is reshaping teaching and learning.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:04:15] ETS acquires ACT, reshaping the future of assessment and college admissions[00:08:02] Handshake acquires Uplimit to expand AI upskilling and workforce learning[00:11:55] The debate over screen-free learning and the rise of Yoto[00:17:41] ISTE rebrands and launches a new Edtech Index[00:19:07] Google unveils Gemini Notebooks and new AI tools for classrooms[00:21:10] MagicSchool and Brisk expand their AI platforms for schools[00:27:15] Microsoft survey finds AI adoption reaches 92% of students and 88% of educatorsPlus, special guests:[00:32:10] Karlo Young, CEO of Teachstone, on why human relationships remain the foundation of great teaching in the age of AI[00:53:46] Tom Sayer, Co-founder and CEO of Ello, on building AI tutors that teach like great educators😎 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.

Send us Fan MailSmita Saxena is the Founder of Maestro, an AI coaching platform helping K-12 STEM teachers improve instruction and student outcomes. Alexia Lewis is an 8th Grade Algebra I teacher at KIPP Polaris and a Maestro coach whose students achieved remarkable gains using the platform.💡 5 Things You'll Learn How AI coaching saves teachers hours every week.  Why human coaching + AI outperforms either alone.  How AI supports differentiated instruction.  Using AI to turn assessment data into action.  Practical ways AI can reduce teacher burnout. ✨ Episode Highlights[00:02:22] What Maestro's human-in-the-loop AI coaching model is. [00:04:21] Saving 4–8 hours a week on lesson planning. [00:08:20] Why AI works best alongside teacher coaches. [00:21:28] Using AI to simplify data analysis and reteaching. [00:23:38] How AI-powered instruction led to dramatic student growth. [00:29:08] Scaling teacher coaching through experienced educators. [00:35:41] The biggest surprises from implementing Maestro.😎 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.

Send us Fan MailJoin hosts Alex Sarlin and special guest host Daniela Pico, Head of Platform at Forum Ventures, as they discuss the AI backlash, workforce transformation, AI literacy, social media regulation, and the evolving future of education technology.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:03:37] Anthropic launches a $150M Claude Core fellowship program for AI workforce development[00:09:09] Why organizations need AI implementation strategies and not just AI licenses[00:15:13] The rise of dedicated AI teams and AI leadership inside organizations[00:16:35] OECD and the European Commission introduce an AI literacy framework for K–12[00:26:10] Bradley County Schools wins a $27M social media lawsuit against major tech platforms[00:29:12] Why edtech should not be conflated with social media and screen time[00:37:15] The decline of EdSurge and what it means for edtech journalism[00:44:37] AI backlash grows as mainstream media shapes public perception[00:49:29] Rebuilding trust in AI through thoughtful implementation and educationPlus, special guests:[00:58:32] Dr. Ran Liu, Chief AI Scientist at Amira Learning, on the evolution of AI-powered reading tutors and the future of intelligent tutoring systems[01:18:39] Antonio Pietri, CEO of PowerSchool, on rebuilding trust, strengthening cybersecurity, and the future of AI in K–12 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.

Send us Fan MailJoin hosts Alex Sarlin and special guest co-host Gemma Lenowitz Picot of Samvid Ventures as they break down the latest developments in AI, workforce development, edtech adoption, and education policy.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:03:26] OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic expand AI workforce training initiatives[00:10:30] Data center investments create new opportunities for workforce development[00:15:59] Anthropic launches Claude Core to help nonprofits adopt AI[00:21:00] AI safety concerns raise questions about education-specific AI models[00:27:23] Khanmigo tops the new EdTech AI Visibility Index[00:33:40] Teacher requests for AI tools on DonorsChoose have tripled[00:38:26] AI adoption may accelerate growth in microschools and school choice[00:41:22] UK proposes banning social media access for children under 16[00:42:37] UK expands AI tutoring access for low-income students[00:50:18] Satya Nadella introduces the concept of AI-powered organizational learning loopsPlus, special guests:[00:54:02] Tom ap Simon, President of Higher Education and Virtual Learning at Pearson, on AI readiness, career pathways, and workforce outcomes [01:16:03] France Hoang, Founder and CEO of BoodleBox, on AI collaboration, financial literacy, and preparing learners for an AI-powered future 😎 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.

Send us Fan MailAnthony Salcito is President & GM of Enterprise at Coursera, where he leads partnerships with enterprises, universities, and governments to build job-relevant skills at scale. Previously, he held leadership roles at Microsoft and Nerdy (Varsity Tutors), and has spent his career at the intersection of technology, education, and workforce development.💡 5 Things You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy skills are becoming the new currency in hiring. How micro-credentials complement, not replace college degrees.  What AI-ready organizations do differently.  How the Coursera-Udemy merger expands learning opportunities.  Why lifelong learning is essential in the AI era. ✨ Episode Highlights[00:02:00] Anthony explains the vision behind the Coursera-Udemy merger. [00:05:22] Why employers increasingly value micro-credentials alongside degrees. [00:11:17] Technology doesn't drive transformation; people and culture do. [00:20:40] Why the future isn't degrees or micro-credentials, it's both. [00:28:01] What AI-first organizations do differently to build lasting skills. [00:31:57] How Coursera evolved from MOOCs to workforce-focused learning. [00:36:40] Global partnerships are expanding access to AI and job-ready skills. [00:38:48] Anthony shares the edtech trends he's most excited about, including entrepreneurial mindsets and making technology "less obvious but essential." 😎 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.

Send us Fan MailGeorge Siemens is the Chief AI & Innovation Officer at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) and one of the most influential learning theorists in modern education. He is the creator of Connectivism, co-creator of the first MOOC, and a leading voice on how AI is reshaping learning, higher education, and knowledge itself.💡 5 Things You'll Learn in This Episode How AI is changing the architecture of knowledge and learning.  Why personal knowledge systems may become essential in the AI era.  What universities need to do to prepare learners for an AI-powered future.  How Connectivism applies to today's AI landscape.  Why human skills like judgment, wisdom, and sense-making matter more than ever. ✨ Episode Highlights[00:03:31] AI's impact on today's education system and what comes next[00:06:41] Why leaders need hands-on AI experience.  [00:10:48] Why learners need a "second brain" that extends beyond graduation. [00:14:16] The origins of Connectivism and its relevance in the AI age. [00:20:11] Is AI an expert, a connector, or something entirely new? [00:25:39] Why universities struggle to keep pace with change. [00:29:05] The concept of "cognitive escalation" and the future of human work. [00:31:49] How universities can evolve beyond knowledge transfer. [00:36:49] How universities, startups, and AI labs can collaborate. [00:43:09] Lessons from MOOCs and what they teach us about AI-enabled learning. [00:50:46] George's prediction for AI agents and knowledge work over the next year.[00:52:21] George's recommended voices and resources. 😎 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.

Send us Fan MailJoin hosts Alex Sarlin and special guest co-host Thomas Rodgers of Whiteboard Advisors as they explore the latest developments in AI, edtech policy, learning outcomes, cybersecurity, and the future of AI-powered education.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:03:39] Anthropic’s Claude Fable launch sparks discussion about the next generation of AI capabilities[00:09:07] Meta launches a workforce academy initiative focused on data center and skilled trade careers[00:17:47] The growing edtech and AI “techlash” raises questions about technology’s role in schools[00:20:01] Why screen-time debates often overlook the quality of technology use in classrooms[00:29:50] New NAEP results show recovery among 9-year-olds but continued challenges for older students[00:30:38] Reading for fun among 13-year-olds continues its long-term decline[00:33:23] Code.org rebrands as CodeAI, signaling a broader shift toward AI literacyPlus, special guests:[00:34:57] Yi Ng, Founder of Curiosities AI, on designing AI that builds curiosity, critical thinking, and communication skills[01:11:23] Dr. Rob Abel, Former CEO of 1EdTech and Founder of EdTech Futures, on the Instructure Canvas breach, cybersecurity risks, and accountability in edtech infrastructure😎 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.

Send us Fan MailIn this special crossover episode, Edtech Insiders host Ben Kornell joins Allison Salisbury, author of The Humanist, for a wide-ranging conversation about AI, education, workforce development, and the future of learning. Together, they explore how AI could reshape assessment, personalized learning, school design, and the skills students will need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.💡 5 Things You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy AI should be used to redesign education and not just make existing systems more efficient.How assessment could shift from annual testing to continuous, actionable feedback.The durable skills students need to succeed in a world of constant technological change.What the personalized learning movement got right and wrong.How AI, school choice, and new funding models could reshape the future of K-12 education.✨ Episode Highlights[00:02:31] Ben shares why he's changed his view on AI-native companies and the future of edtech entrepreneurship.[00:07:15] Why optimizing today's education system may be aiming too low[00:09:00] The case for preparing students for 2076 instead of 1926.[00:11:10] The enduring importance of critical thinking, collaboration, and learning how to learn.[00:15:27] How AI could transform assessment and provide real-time insight into student learning.[00:18:09] The biggest barriers to competency-based education at scale.[00:22:43] Lessons from the first wave of personalized learning and what AI changes now.[00:27:43] What an AI-native high school could look like.[00:30:19] The opportunities and risks of Education Savings Accounts (ESAs).[00:39:42] Ben's $200 million vision for rebuilding educational assessment[00:41:48] Why teenagers may be the most overlooked innovators of the AI era.😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: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.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.

Send us Fan MailJoin hosts Alex Sarlin and guest co-host Matt Tower of Whiteboard Advisors as they explore the latest developments in AI, workforce learning, edtech innovation, and literacy instruction.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:03:24] OpenAI, Anthropic, and xAI prepare for potential IPOs[00:07:45] Anthropic surpasses OpenAI in valuation as enterprise AI adoption grows[00:08:59] Byju Raveendran’s legal challenges raise questions about edtech governance[00:11:23] Handshake’s growth contrasts with Chegg’s struggles in the AI era[00:14:03] Coursera, Udemy, and the future of AI-driven workforce upskilling[00:19:10] The debate over AI’s impact on jobs, careers, and the labor market[00:25:41] AI enables the rise of highly scalable one-person companies[00:27:32] The emergence of “purple collar” jobs in the AI economy[00:31:45] Why AI upskilling may be the biggest opportunity in education[00:33:34] OpenAI expands higher education partnerships across major university systems[00:38:33] Embedded learning and AI-powered skill development inside workplace tools[00:40:48] Balancing educational technology benefits with screen-time concernsPlus, special guests:[00:42:12] Vikas Pota, Founder of T4 Education, on the Global EdTech Prize, educator-led innovation, and the opportunities and risks of AI in education[00:57:30] Keri Dixon, CEO of Wilson Language Training, on the science of reading, structured literacy implementation, and AI as a tool to support effective teaching😎 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.

Send us Fan MailLisa Gevelber is the founder and leader of Grow with Google, Google's economic opportunity initiative focused on helping people build skills, careers, and businesses. Through Google Career Certificates and AI training programs, she has helped millions of learners develop workforce-ready skills and navigate an increasingly AI-driven economy.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode Why AI fluency is becoming an essential workforce skill for every profession.  How Grow with Google is helping learners build practical AI skills at scale.  The growing role of AI credentials and certificates in higher education.  How universities are integrating AI training into student, faculty, and alumni learning.  Why lifelong learning and career mobility will be critical in the age of AI. ✨ Episode Highlights[00:03:10] The founding story of Grow with Google and its mission to expand economic opportunity through skills training.[00:04:16] Lisa explains the difference between simply using AI and becoming truly AI fluent.[00:06:20] How Google keeps AI training current through educator partnerships and bite-sized learning.[00:08:06] The Google AI Professional Certificate and its ACE recommendation for college credit.[00:10:14] How the University of Virginia is combining AI certificate learning with real-world small business impact.[00:12:41] The rapid growth of Google's AI for Education Accelerator and the power of peer learning among institutions.[00:14:24] Why flexible, industry-recognized credentials are becoming essential for career transitions and lifelong learning.[00:17:08] Lisa shares where educators, students, and professionals can access Grow with Google resources.😎 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. 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.

Send us Fan MailJoin hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they discuss the growing backlash against AI and screen time in schools, the launch of a federal education tax credit, promising new evidence for AI-powered remediation, workforce disruption from AI, and the future of higher education with Noah Pickus of Duke University.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:03:40] AFT shifts its position on AI and screen time in schools[00:07:25] i-Ready faces growing parent backlash despite strong adoption and efficacy data[00:13:36] New federal Education Freedom Tax Credit could accelerate school choice and supplemental learning[00:17:46] Education savings accounts create new opportunities for edtech business models[00:20:09] New research highlights AI's potential to help students catch up academically[00:23:16] Guided practice emerges as a promising framework for AI-powered learning[00:24:56] Survey finds 99% of executives expect AI-driven workforce reductions within two years[00:31:29] Anthropic's rapid growth reshapes the competitive landscape for generative AIPlus, special guests:[00:35:39] Noah Pickus, Head of Global Strategy and Partnerships and Senior Advisor to the Provost at Duke University, on the Future Universities Alliance and reimagining higher education globally😎 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.

Send us Fan MailSam Olivieri is the CEO of and has spent more than two decades expanding educational opportunity through leadership roles at GreatSchools, Entangled Solutions, and Guild Education. Daniel Halper is Co-Founder of Step Up Tutoring and leads Step Up AI Labs, where he develops AI-powered tools that help novice tutors deliver high-impact instruction at scale.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why Step Up Tutoring believes relationships and not AI alone drive student success  How AI can coach and support tutors instead of replacing them  The opportunity to transform federal work-study into a national tutoring corps  How Step Up uses AI to align tutoring with district curricula like Eureka Math  What it takes to scale high-impact tutoring affordably across the country ✨ Episode Highlights:[00:03:15] Sam Olivieri explains why tutoring remains one of education’s most evidence-based interventions.[00:07:00] Daniel Halper shares how Step Up Tutoring launched during COVID as a grassroots volunteer movement.[00:09:48] Daniel discusses why AI should support tutors rather than replace human relationships in learning.[00:11:36] Sam outlines how federal work-study funding could help build a national tutoring corps.[00:14:41] Daniel breaks down how Step Up’s AI tools support tutors before, during, and after sessions.[00:18:52] Sam explains how AI evolved from tutor feedback into curriculum alignment and student mastery assessment.[00:21:20] Step Up Tutoring shares its vision of providing every child in need with an effective human tutor supported by AI. 😎 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. 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.

Send us Fan MailJoin hosts Ben Kornell and Alex Sarlin as they explore the growing backlash against AI in education, the race to build AI-native learning systems, and the shifting future of edtech, workforce learning, and global education policy.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:02:18] Reflections and takeaways from this year’s ASU+GSV Summit [00:05:16] Gen Z backlash against AI grows at college commencements [00:08:06] China’s practical AI rollout contrasts with the U.S. race toward AGI [00:15:09] Anthropic and Gates Foundation launch a $200M AI education partnership [00:23:02] Debate over the future and business model of AI tutoring [00:29:25] OpenAI expands its “Education for Countries” initiative [00:37:28] New education tax credits could shift spending power to families [00:42:15] Google, Meta, and Apple push AI glasses and XR learning forward [00:48:40] AI simulations gain traction in workforce training [00:51:06] Multiverse raises $70M for AI-driven workforce upskilling Plus, special guests:[00:55:51] Angel Chung, PhD Candidate at The Wharton School, on proactive AI tutoring systems and new research showing measurable learning gains for students using adaptive AI guidance[01:18:08] David Rogier, Founder and CEO of MasterClass, on AI-powered learning, the future of higher education, and MasterClass Executive — developed alongside OpenAI & Chicago Booth to explore the future of AI-native business education.Learn more here: https://www.masterclass.com/booth-ai😎 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.

Send us Fan MailJason Katcher is the Global Education Channel Lead at Superhuman, where he focuses on scaling AI-powered productivity and communication tools across education through strategic partnerships. Previously at Google, Dropbox, and multiple edtech startups, Jason brings deep experience in education technology, AI adoption, and go-to-market strategy.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode Why schools need to move from “AI policing” to AI coaching  How Superhuman and Grammarly are rethinking writing in the AI era  What “show your work” looks like for AI-assisted writing  Why simple workflow tools often outperform flashy edtech products  How AI-native productivity platforms could reshape teaching and learning ✨ Episode Highlights[00:02:53] Jason shares why partnerships are key to scaling edtech globally[00:08:13] The story behind Grammarly’s evolution into Superhuman[00:11:32] How “AI at the edge” brings tools directly into existing workflows[00:13:50] Why AI writing should be treated as a “show your work” moment[00:15:24] Jason explains why teachers are becoming “AI police” — and why that needs to change[00:18:30] How students are increasingly using AI as a thought partner instead of a shortcut[00:20:18] Superhuman’s vision for faculty-controlled AI guardrails in education[00:24:09] Jason’s advice for edtech companies selling into schools during the AI transition[00:28:41] Why the best edtech products solve simple workflow problems[00:30:27] What’s next for Superhuman Go and AI-native productivity in 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. 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.

Send us Fan MailJoin host Ben Kornell for a special episode featuring leaders across digital literacy, AI-native schooling, student support, and curriculum innovation in K–12 education.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:02:10] Lisa O’Masta, CEO of Learning.com, on why digital literacy and AI literacy must start in elementary school[00:18:34] Aaron Feuer, CEO and Co-founder of Panorama Education, reflects on building Panorama into a platform serving one in four U.S. students[00:32:34] Larisa Hovannisian, Founder and CEO at Armenia Education Initiative, explains why Armenia is positioned to leapfrog legacy education systems[00:43:50] Alexandra Walsh, Chief Product Officer at Amplify, discusses bringing classroom experience into product leadership😎 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.

Send us Fan MailKumar Garg is the President of Renaissance Philanthropy, where he leads thesis-driven philanthropic funds focused on major global challenges. Previously, he worked in the Obama White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and helped build Eric Schmidt’s science and tech initiatives.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: How AI is projected to impact jobs, with forecasts suggesting modest but meaningful workforce contraction  Why community colleges and skilled trades may see rising demand in an AI-driven economy  How “superforecasters” are being used to predict labor market shifts more systematically  What policymakers and educators should track to prepare for AI-driven disruption  How Renaissance Philanthropy is rethinking how capital flows into big, thesis-driven ideas ✨ Episode Highlights:[00:02:34] The origin of Renaissance Philanthropy and its thesis-driven funding model[00:07:00] Why Kumar Garg built the Labor Automation Forecast Hub[00:10:30] The role of super forecasters in predicting AI’s impact on jobs[00:13:00] Key projections: job displacement, slower growth, and shifting career paths[00:15:30] Community colleges vs. four-year degrees in the AI economy[00:17:45] Why the future of work is a “big dislocation,” not a collapse[00:21:00] How forecasts evolve and why trend direction matters more than exact predictions[00:23:30] Reactions from policymakers and what data matters most[00:26:18] The growing importance of regional workforce forecasting[00:26:49] Kumar’s outlook on the future of philanthropy and deploying capital at scale😎 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. 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.

Send us Fan MailStephen Jull is the Global Head of AI and Educational Technology at Teach For All, leading efforts to connect educators with frontier AI labs. He’s joined by Maruf Hasan, a Bangladesh-based educator building AI tools in low-resource settings, and Sean McWeeney, a UK teacher focused on AI’s impact in high-need schools.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: How teachers are moving from AI users to AI builders  Why the most impactful AI innovation is happening in classrooms, not companies  How global educator communities accelerate learning and innovation  The role of AI in supporting underserved students and closing learning gaps  Why teacher ownership is critical to the future of edtech ✨ Episode Highlights:[00:01:20] Introduction to Teach For All’s AI initiative and global educator community[00:05:22] Stephen Jull on building partnerships between teachers and frontier AI labs[00:08:16] Sean McWeeney on creating AI tools for marking and real classroom needs[00:11:59] Maruf Hasan on using AI to support underserved students in low-resource settings[00:14:51] How the AI community operates without centralized control and why it works[00:18:30] Global collaboration: shared challenges across classrooms worldwide[00:22:35] The power of community in turning non-technical educators into builders😎 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. 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.

Send us Fan MailAt the Kira 2.0 launch event in New York City, Sarah Morin captures rapid-fire insights from educators, administrators, and edtech leaders reacting in real time to one of the most ambitious AI learning platforms to date.🎙️ Featuring insights from:Brandon Chitty, Executive Director of Innovations, Broken Arrow Public SchoolsBrett Roer, CEO & Founder, Amplify and Elevate InnovationHarl Roehm, CTE Teacher, Collierville High SchoolJesse Lubinsky, Principal Evangelist, Adobe EducationLance Key, Instructional Technology Coordinator, Putnam County SchoolsRachelle Dene Poth, Educator, Consultant & AttorneyHannah Gurmankin, Special Education TeacherScott Brewster, Co-Founder, Hats & Ladders😎 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.

Send us Fan MailTed Dintersmith is an education advocate, author, and filmmaker who has spent the past 15 years working alongside educators to rethink what learning should look like in the modern world. He has visited more than 200 schools across all 50 states, listening to teachers and students and studying approaches that prepare young people for real life beyond tests.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why school math focuses on skills that AI already does better than humans  The disconnect between “math in school” and “math in real life”  How standardized testing has narrowed our definition of intelligence  What meaningful, relevant math learning could look like in classrooms  Why making math practical and engaging can unlock student potential across backgrounds ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:02:44] Ted’s journey from tech investor to education advocate [00:05:37] Why the rise of AI makes today’s math curriculum increasingly obsolete [00:08:55] The “math of life” vs. the “math of school” disconnect [00:12:55] The myth that current math instruction teaches critical thinking [00:16:16] How test-driven systems reward speed over real understanding [00:20:12] Why math should be integrated across subjects, not siloed [00:22:52] Students see schoolwork as irrelevant and why that leads to disengagement [00:25:07] A powerful classroom example: teaching probability through real-world context [00:26:51] How relevance in math can close equity gaps in learning outcomes [00:28:37] Ted’s vision for transforming math into a tool for purpose and real-world problem solving😎 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. 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.

Send us Fan MailSteve Tapp is the CEO of ACT, a leading nonprofit assessment organization best known for the ACT college admissions test. With over 30 years of experience in assessments across education, professional certification, and workforce testing, he previously led PSI Services and Lifelong Learner Holdings, helping scale global assessment platforms.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow AI is transforming the assessment lifecycle—from test creation to scoring.Why fairness, validity, and human oversight still matter in AI-powered testing.How ACT is expanding beyond college admissions into career readiness.The potential of adaptive and personalized assessments.Why bridging academic testing and workforce skills is the future of assessment.✨ Episode Highlights[00:00:00] Steve Tapp on his 30-year career in assessments and joining ACT as CEO.[00:03:00] AI as a “force multiplier” across the testing lifecycle.[00:07:27] The opportunity for adaptive and personalized assessments.[00:10:28] ACT’s broader mission beyond the college admissions test.[00:15:46] The growing importance of measuring workforce-ready skills.[00:18:30] How ACT’s WorkKeys connects education to real-world jobs.[00:22:45] Tapp’s vision for the future of ACT in the AI era.😎 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. 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.

Send us Fan MailChase Rigby is the CEO of Tassel, a platform modernizing graduation experiences for universities worldwide. A former Google PM and Chief Product Officer at Canopy, his career sits at the intersection of education, technology, and product innovation.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why graduation is a key (and overlooked) growth moment  How Tassel simplifies complex commencement logistics  Where AI improves the student and admin experience  How graduation drives alumni engagement and giving  Why Tassel helps students earn money at graduation✨ Episode Highlights:[00:02:57] Graduation as a growth and marketing moment [00:05:22] Unifying registration, tickets, and stage flow [00:09:17] A student earns $3,500 via digital announcements [00:11:53] Saving thousands of admin hours with AI [00:14:18] The “cap-and-gown cartel” and outdated business models [00:16:56] Better graduation to stronger alumni ties [00:19:29] Disrupting the cap-and-gown model 😎 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. 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.

Send us Fan MailJoin hosts Ben Kornell and guest co-host Matt Tower, as they break down the biggest stories shaping AI, edtech efficacy, cybersecurity, and the future of work in education.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:00:33] Rapid rise of AI-generated “vibe coding” raises concerns about software vulnerabilities and cybersecurity risks[00:02:44] ASU+GSV preview highlights the importance of relationships over deal-making at major edtech gatherings[00:08:26] Anthropic’s Mythos model withheld due to its ability to uncover critical security flaws across systems[00:11:37] Growing need for AI systems to defend against AI-driven cybersecurity threats[00:14:18] Schools question edtech effectiveness amid too many tools and limited evidence of impact[00:15:23] Debate over screen time intensifies as some classrooms move toward eliminating devices[00:20:47] Discussion on whether smaller, more personalized school models better serve students[00:26:08] OpenAI faces leadership changes and increasing competition from Anthropic and Google[00:30:30] Big Tech’s varying levels of investment in education reshape the competitive landscape[00:33:25] AI disrupts entry-level job markets, raising concerns about college graduate employment[00:36:12] Future workforce will demand adaptability, entrepreneurship, and continuous learningPlus, special guest:[00:37:34] Yoon Yang, CEO and Co-founder of Pensive, on AI-powered grading and personalized tutoring in higher 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.

Send us Fan MailBrandon Cardet-Hernandez is the Founder and CEO of Medley Learning, a platform building AI-powered scaffolding tools for multilingual learners. A former multilingual learner himself, Brandon has served as a teacher, turnaround principal, Boston School Committee member, NYC education advisor, and edtech leader. His work focuses on closing the access gap, not lowering expectations.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why education has an access gap, not just an achievement gapThe dangers of over-scaffolding and “AI slop”How AI can embed rigor without lowering standardsA new workflow for supporting multilingual learnersWhy implementation determines impact✨ Episode Highlights:[00:01:58] Brandon’s journey and the educators who changed his life[00:10:50] The “ELL trap” and lowering cognitive demand[00:15:11] Student-controlled, embedded scaffolds in real time[00:23:58] Why strong district champions matter for implementation[00:27:24] AI’s promise: turning research into daily practice[00:30:02] The risk of “AI slop” in classrooms[00:31:52] Building AI policy around knowledge not fear 😎 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. 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.

Send us Fan MailDr. Magdalena H. Gross of Mercor is a Stanford-trained scholar and a leader in AI education. With a unique ability to understand how people think, she helps experts translate deep human knowledge into AI-ready systems. She designs AI curricula and training programs that empower individuals and organizations, while also leading in community arts and muralism. Learn more about her work at www.magdalenagross.com.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:How human experts actually train AI through structured thinking and feedback  Why making “invisible thinking visible” is key to both learning and AI development  The parallels between reinforcement learning in AI and how humans learn  How breaking down reasoning into steps improves both teaching and model performance  Why interdisciplinary thinking is essential for solving complex problems with AI ✨ Episode Highlights:[00:02:48] What “human data” really means: experts training AI through deep domain knowledge[00:05:30] From binary labeling to reinforcement learning: how AI training now mirrors human learning [00:07:47] Spiral curriculum at scale: how experts and AI both improve through repetition and complexity [00:10:44] Cognitive modeling: making expert thinking visible to accelerate learning [00:13:28] Breaking down reasoning: categorizing how humans think across domains [00:16:28] Why interdisciplinary thinking drives breakthroughs in humans and AI [00:18:58] The future of human data work: expanding alongside the growth of human knowledge 😎 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. 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.

Send us Fan MailJoin hosts Ben Kornell and special co-host Steve Shapiro, Founder of Finetune.AI, as they break down the biggest stories shaping AI, workforce disruption, K–12 policy, and the future of higher education. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:05:10] NVIDIA signals the shift from AI experimentation to a full-scale platform “land grab” [00:08:19] Early signs of AI-driven productivity gains point to real workforce disruption [00:13:16] Governments invest in AI retraining, labor upskilling, and workforce preparedness [00:15:27] Apprenticeships emerge as a critical pathway as entry-level jobs decline [00:17:17] AI “agent armies” could make one-person businesses more viable than ever [00:19:23] Schools balance AI literacy initiatives with rising pressure for screen bans [00:21:23] Debate grows over big tech’s responsibility in supporting education systems [00:24:14] Media backlash questions edtech’s impact on student learning outcomes [00:28:00] School choice expands rapidly, with mixed impacts across states [00:32:09] ASU highlighted as a leading model for AI-ready higher education [00:34:10] Edtech funding shifts to more deals with smaller check sizes [00:36:01] Startups scale faster with less capital due to AI-powered development [00:37:41] Optimism grows for edtech innovation over the next 12–24 monthsPlus, special guests: [00:38:59] Aaron Cuny, CEO of AI for Equity, on building AI leadership capacity in school systems [01:06:39] Joshua Broggi, CEO and Founder of Woolf, on rethinking higher education with competency-based models😎 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.

Send us Fan MailMindy Sjoblom is the Founder and CEO of OnYourMark, a research-backed virtual tutoring organization serving thousands of elementary students nationwide. Catherine Tierney is Head of Product and Program at OnYourMark, bringing deep experience from Match Education, MyCoach, and ThinkCERCA to the design of human-centered, evidence-based learning technology.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy AI works best as an insight layer rather than a replacement for human tutorsHow OnYourMark scaled high-dosage tutoring while maintaining quality and consistencyWhat it takes to translate RCT-backed research into daily instructional practiceWhere human judgment remains essential in AI-supported tutoring modelsHow the role of AI in learning may differ across age groups and contexts✨ Episode Highlights[00:02:38] Mindy Sjoblom on OnYourMark’s origins and scaling high-dosage tutoring post-pandemic[00:05:59] Catherine Tierney on designing AI to strengthen—not replace—human relationships[00:07:36] How RCT evidence and authentic learning data power OnYourMark’s AI tools[00:12:04] Real-time feedback and why tutors want more visibility into their practice[00:15:36] The tension between flexibility and fidelity when scaling tutoring across schools[00:16:21] The future of AI-supported human tutoring and what the next five years may hold[00:19:55] Why AI use in learning must look different for younger vs. older students[00:22:20] What excites—and worries—Mindy and Catherine about AI in education today😎 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. 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.

Send us Fan MailJoin hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they explore the latest developments in education technology, from OpenAI’s push into interactive learning to new research on AI efficacy, growing AI backlash, and rising cybersecurity threats in K–12 schools.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:05:30] OpenAI launches a new suite of 70+ interactive science and math learning experiences built on cognitive science and visual learning principles [00:12:22] Stanford and SCALE release a meta-analysis of 800+ AI education studies finding only 20 with strong causal evidence of learning impact [00:19:44] Growing backlash against AI, screen time, and edtech as public concern rises about technology’s impact on children and learning [00:21:10] Clever report finds more than half of school districts have experienced cyberattacks and 81% believe AI is increasing cybersecurity riskPlus, special guest:[00:29:19] Oliver Page, Co-founder and CEO of CyberNut, on why K–12 schools are uniquely vulnerable to phishing attacks and cyber threats😎 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.

Send us Fan MailDr. Rachel Book is an education leader at Lincoln Learning Solutions with over 20 years of experience in early childhood and student development. Charlie Thayer, Chief Academic Officer, brings 15+ years in online and blended learning, specializing in scalable, instructionally sound solutions.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:The difference between generic AI tools and purpose-built AI for educationHow AI can extend teacher capacity without replacing human instructionPractical AI use cases that support both teachers and studentsWhy AI guardrails, safety, and age-appropriate design matterThe risks of AI shortcuts and the importance of building AI literacy early✨ Episode Highlights:[00:03:15] Defining purpose-built AI vs. generic AI in education[00:07:22] Real classroom AI use cases: data insights and teacher support[00:09:48] AI for younger learners: voice, engagement, and curiosity[00:12:20] What school leaders should look for in AI tools[00:14:59] The biggest risks: AI replacing thinking and human interaction[00:18:57] First reactions to Lincoln AI and the “wow” factor in classrooms[00:20:29] How AI dashboards give teachers actionable insights[00:21:50] Expanding teacher capacity through AI-driven visibility😎 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. 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.

Send us Fan MailJosh Jones is the CEO of QuantHub, an edtech and workforce company advancing data and AI literacy across K–12, higher education, government, and enterprise. A serial entrepreneur and former data science consultant, Josh has spent decades helping organizations adapt to rapid technological change.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why AI education should focus on durable skills, not specific toolsHow schools can adapt curriculum faster without sacrificing rigorThe difference between AI literacy and AI fluencyPractical guidance on student AI use, ethics, and assessmentWhat institutions must change to stay resilient in an exponential tech era✨ Episode Highlights:[00:02:00] Why QuantHub was built to keep pace with accelerating AI change[00:04:30] The mismatch between slow curriculum cycles and fast-moving AI[00:06:40] Teaching meta-skills like critical thinking, ethics, and change management[00:09:00] Mapping AI and data skills into existing K–12 and higher-ed standards[00:11:45] Why banning ChatGPT creates more problems than it solves[00:13:40] Institutions leading the way on clear, fair AI policies[00:15:40] What schools must rethink to stay relevant over the next decade😎 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. 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.

Send us Fan MailDean Celaj is the Founder and CEO of GoTeacher, a platform helping school districts understand, manage, and enforce student data privacy. Previously, he founded Akademi.al, an education platform used by over 90% of students in Albania during COVID, and was named to Forbes 30 Under 30.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy most school districts are technically out of compliance with student data privacy lawsHow “free” edtech tools create the biggest privacy blind spotsWhy AI fundamentally changes the risk profile of student dataWhat risk-based management of AI tools means for responsible adoption in schoolsThe biggest mistakes edtech founders make when selling into K–12✨ Episode Highlights[00:02:34] Student data privacy is a capacity problem, not a policy problem[00:03:00] Why districts often have DPAs for <10% of the tools students actually use[00:05:56] How AI training on student data creates irreversible privacy risk[00:07:30] Dean’s case for blocking risky AI tools by default in schools[00:11:26] Why “move fast and break things” fails in K–12 edtech[00:14:56] What gives Dean optimism about the future of AI, content, and assessment in 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. 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.

Send us Fan MailJoin Ben Kornell and guest host Matt Tower as they break down the biggest stories shaping K–12 policy, AI in education, edtech funding, and emerging school models.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:02:55] FBI raids LAUSD headquarters and Superintendent Alberto Carvalho’s home, raising questions about federal investigations and possible ties to the AllHere scandal [00:06:07] The hosts unpack whether the LAUSD probe is about vendor fraud, immigration tensions, or broader political conflict [00:11:06] A provocative Economist headline fuels growing backlash against edtech and classroom screen time [00:16:44] A deeper debate on what education reformers are actually advocating for beyond simply reducing screens [00:19:49] Alpha School, small school models, and whether test scores have become the gateway to deeper learning innovation [00:24:51] Google commits to training 6 million educators in AI, signaling a major investment in teacher-focused AI literacy [00:29:23] Comparing Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic’s evolving strategies in the education market [00:31:59] NationGraph raises funding in the procurement intelligence space as edtech infrastructure tools expand [00:34:13] Southern states like Louisiana and Mississippi post notable academic gains, prompting questions about policy and funding modelsPlus, special guest:[00:37:27] Ariella Racco, Founder of CoLab Education, on building dedicated collaboration infrastructure for teachers in the AI era😎 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.

Send us Fan MailGreg Hart is the CEO of Coursera, bringing 25+ years of leadership and technology innovation from Amazon, where he helped develop Alexa and expand Prime Video globally. At Coursera, he leads the company’s mission to make learning more engaging, skills-focused, and accessible worldwide.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why skills are becoming the “atomic unit” of modern education.How AI is reshaping learning experiences on Coursera.The role of partnerships with universities and industry in scaling education.Strategies for making learning modular, engaging, and career-relevant.The importance of lifelong learning and continuous reinvention.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:03:53] Why Greg joined Coursera: combining mission, growth, and impact for learners. [00:04:14] Lessons from Amazon: using AI and customer focus to enhance learning experiences. [00:07:44] The shift to skills-focused learning: mapping courses to career outcomes. [00:13:06] AI in education: personalized tutors, course builders, and interactive learning. [00:14:08] The power of partnerships: connecting universities, industry, and marketplaces like Udemy. [00:17:56] Skills as the new atomic unit: modular learning for accessibility and relevance. [00:21:23] Key challenges for Coursera: moving fast enough to meet learner and industry needs. [00:24:03] Greg’s advice: be a lifelong learner and continually reinvent yourself.😎 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. 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.

Send us Fan MailJoin hosts Ben Kornell and guest host Peter Stiepleman, host of The Imperfect Leader, as they explore AI in schools, screen-time policy, math reform, higher ed disruption, and the future of assessment integrity.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:00:00] Peter Stiepleman on leading with “ed, not tech” when implementing AI in schools[00:06:33] Seattle-area student walkout over ChatGPT access sparks debate on AI in classrooms[00:08:11] 26 states advance phone bans and K–5 screen-time legislation[00:10:59] Khan Academy’s failed India rollout shows implementation, not tools, drives impact[00:16:26] Whether global systems may leapfrog the U.S. in AI-powered education[00:18:38] AI-supported speech therapy and reading intervention free educators for human connection[00:20:55] Utah’s math overhaul ignites debate over data science, calculus acceleration, and rigor[00:27:24] Rural districts innovate through regional collaboration and expanded course access[00:29:14] Higher ed faces declining endowments, enrollment pressure, and early college expansion[00:35:09] Anthropic co-founder argues AI will increase the value of humanities degreesPlus, special guest:[00:39:10] Brandon Smith, CEO of Integrity Advocate, on AI-driven cheating, proctoring reform, and protecting assessment integrity😎 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.

Send us Fan MailPriyank Chodisetti is the Co-founder and CEO of Workback.ai, an AI-powered platform helping edtech organizations achieve accessibility compliance faster and at scale. A repeat founder and former engineering leader at Coursera, Priyank brings firsthand experience navigating the complexity of WCAG standards and ADA requirements.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy ADA Title II’s digital expansion is a game-changer for edtech companiesHow accessibility compliance impacts procurement—even for private vendorsWhat makes accessibility such a strong use case for AI and automationWhy traditional audits take months—and how AI can cut that to daysHow continuous accessibility compliance can replace one-time checklists✨ Episode Highlights[00:02:28] What ADA Title II covers and why April 2026 is a critical deadline[00:05:22] How non-compliant vendors can put schools and districts at risk[00:08:56] Why accessibility audits traditionally take 11+ months[00:12:28] Using AI to automate audits, remediation, and VPAT reporting[00:18:02] The shift from annual audits to continuous compliance[00:25:04] The human impact of accessibility beyond regulation[00:28:59] How Workback’s free pilot helps teams see value in days[00:32:33] Priyank’s perspective on how generative AI is reshaping edtech😎 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.

Send us Fan MailJoin hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they unpack a fast-moving week in education. From AI-native curriculum battles and literacy leadership shifts to voucher surges and national AI pilots reshaping special education. ✨ Episode Highlights:[00:01:48] ASU+GSV preview and the expanding global EdTech ecosystem[00:06:25] The 2026 EdTech AI Map launches with 240+ companies[00:07:14] Brisk introduces AI-powered curriculum integration[00:09:04] The race to own the AI layer in schools[00:13:10] Data ownership becomes the key AI battleground[00:16:59] Kira 2.0 expands into a full AI-native LMS[00:21:16] Texas ESA applications surge past 61,000[00:30:20] UK launches $23M AI pilot for special needs[00:33:40] Microsoft invests in AI teacher training[00:34:59] Google expands Gemini in education[00:35:57] UX emerges as EdTech’s new advantage[00:36:43] The AI grad profile prioritizes human skills Plus, special guests:[00:38:33] Karl Rectanus, CEO of Really Great Reading, on literacy outcomes, science of reading implementation, and scaling impact [01:02:22] Dan Meyer, VP of User Growth of Amplify on AI skepticism, social AI in math classrooms, and keeping learning human-centered😎 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.

Send us Fan MailDr. Kathy Weston is one of the leading national experts on parenting, family life and parental engagement in children's lives. In 2018, she established Tooled Up Education, a holistic bank of evidence-based resources for whole-school communities. Tooled Up supports 166 schools in 8 countries, delivering bespoke CPD for educators as well as 'on tap' resource support for parents.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy parental dialogue is one of the strongest protective factors for children’s wellbeingWhat the pandemic revealed about the strengths and gaps in home–school partnershipsWhy “screen time” is the wrong lens for understanding children’s digital livesHow evidence-based parenting support improves both learning and mental healthHow AI can support parents and educators—without replacing trust or nuance✨ Episode Highlights[00:00:00] Dr. Weston on why technology shouldn’t be scapegoated in children’s lives[00:02:54] How the pandemic reshaped parent–school relationships[00:07:52] Why parents, not schools alone, do the “heavy lifting” in education[00:09:33] The problem with blanket screen time bans[00:13:23] Real examples of digital tools supporting focus, learning, and wellbeing[00:20:25] Introducing AI-powered support for parents inside Tooled Up Education[00:23:23] Dr. Weston on why AI can reduce educator workload without harming pedagogy😎 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. 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.

Send us Fan MailAs CEO of ISTE+ASCD, Richard Culatta focuses on shaping innovative learning leaders. He previously served as Rhode Island's Chief Innovation Officer and was appointed by President Obama to lead the US Department of Education's Office of Educational Technology. His book, Digital for Good, helps create conditions for healthy tech use.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy being “AI-ready” is about human skills—not technical onesHow AI can deepen learning, not just make education more efficientWhy questions are becoming more valuable than answers in the classroomWhat role educators should play as AI reshapes teaching and assessmentHow schools can model healthy, ethical, and empowering AI use for students✨ Episode Highlights[00:03:00] Richard Culatta introduces the Profile of an AI-Ready Graduate—and why none of the skills are technical[00:05:35] Using AI to deepen learning rather than just speed things up[00:07:59] How AI makes long-promised ideas like project-based and personalized learning finally practical[00:10:57] Teaching in a world where questions matter more than answers[00:13:49] Reframing digital citizenship around what students should do—not just what to avoid[00:20:22] Why schools and edtech companies must communicate the why of technology to parents[00:29:25] Culatta’s call to raise the bar on student experience and joy in learning😎 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. 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.