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Send us a text Join hosts Ben Kornell and Alex Sarlin, joined by special co-host Mike Palmer, host of Trending in Ed, as they break down the biggest stories shaping AI, K–12 policy, higher education, and the global future of education. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:03:34] SchoolAI study shows teachers using AI for reasoning and inquiry [00:09:58] Denver Public Schools blocks ChatGPT over safety and privacy concerns [00:12:20] SoftBank invests another $30B in OpenAI as ads roll out [00:13:24] Gemini and Anthropic lead the race for AI in education [00:20:36] China launches nationwide AI literacy for K–12 [00:29:58] Most U.S. states still lack formal AI guidance for schools [00:33:13] Phone bans spread rapidly across schools [00:38:44] Higher ed enrollment rebounds but retention remains weak Plus, special guests: [00:46:19] Jeremy Smith, CEO and Co-founder of pega6, on one-year AI-first career accelerators [01:11:29] Stewart Brown, K–12 Computer Science and AI Literacy Leader at Code4Kids, on CS as a core elementary subject 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders!  Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: 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. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies. Frustrated by other M&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 northstar KPI is % of deals closed. If you’re thinking of selling your EdTech company or buying one, contact Tuck Advisors now! This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

Send us a text Shangyup Kim is the CEO of ZEP QUIZ, the metaverse-based gamified K-12 learning platform. Built AI-driven tools that help teachers motivate students at scale and is expanding across Asia and the U.S. As a former ZEPETO leader, focusing on gamification, futuristic change, and education. Formerly built two Series B companies. Jangwoo Bae is the business developer of ZEP QUIZ, a former English teacher and school administrator in Thailand during COVID-19. Recognized the need for educational tools that extend beyond traditional classrooms and the urgent necessity for digital transformation in schools, while preserving the fundamental values of learning. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode Why multiplayer mechanics drive deeper engagement than traditional quizzesHow ZEP QUIZ balances fun and pedagogy in classroom designWhat teachers actually look for in game-based assessment toolsLessons from scaling an edtech product across different marketsHow AI could support real-time feedback and personalization in quiz-based learning✨ Episode Highlights [00:03:10] Why learning tools should feel social, not solitary [00:08:45] The design choices behind ZEP QUIZ’s multiplayer experience [00:15:30] What engagement really means from a teacher’s perspective [00:22:10] Scaling ZEP QUIZ globally and adapting to classroom realities [00:29:40] Shangyup and Jangwoo on where AI fits into game-based learning 😎 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. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies. Frustrated by other M&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 northstar KPI is % of deals closed. If you’re thinking of selling your EdTech company or buying one, contact Tuck Advisors now! This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

Send us a text John Gamba is Entrepreneur in Residence at Catalyst @ Penn GSE, where he mentors education entrepreneurs and leads the Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition. Over 17 years, the competition has awarded $2M to ventures that have gone on to raise more than $200M in follow-on funding, with a strong focus on equity and research-to-practice impact. The 2026 Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition is now open for applications. The application is simple and due by February 11. Apply here. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode How the Milken-Penn GSE Competition supports high-impact edtech foundersWhy research-to-practice is critical for scalable education innovationHow AI in education is moving from experimentation to institutional adoptionWhat it takes to center equity while building sustainable edtech businessesWhy learning outcomes matter more than funding or reach alone✨ Episode Highlights [00:02:15] The evolution of the Milken-Penn GSE Competition [00:09:26] From AI pilots to learning-science-driven implementation [00:13:35] Responsible AI and avoiding “AI junk food” in education [00:25:42] Keeping equity at the core of edtech innovation [00:29:44] Measuring real impact beyond capital raised [00:39:54] Why AI benchmarks and standards are the next frontier [00:44:36] How founders can engage with Catalyst and Catapult 😎 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. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies. Frustrated by other M&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 northstar KPI is % of deals closed. If you’re thinking of selling your EdTech company or buying one, contact Tuck Advisors now! This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

Send us a text Nicole Jarbo is the CEO of 4.0 Schools, one of the nation’s leading platforms for early-stage education founders. A former KIPP teacher, Teach For America Corps member, and fintech founder, Nicole brings deep experience across classrooms, startups, philanthropy, and systems-level education change. She is also the host of the award-winning podcast Pitch Playground. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why education is facing an “imagination crisis” — and why technology alone won’t solve itHow 4.0 Schools supports founders beyond pilots to build durable, real-world impactWhat successful education founders have in common across industriesWhy “anti-scale but pro-impact” may be the right mindset for the future of educationHow founders and educators can approach AI with greater intentionality and responsibility✨ Episode Highlights: [00:03:15] Nicole Jarbo on defining meaningful innovation as imaginable, viable, and reachable [00:06:24] Lessons from 15 years of 4.0 Schools on what makes founders succeed [00:09:57] Why founder ecosystems matter more than one-time programs or pilots [00:16:10] Education’s identity crisis and the system’s fear of trying something new [00:26:37] How founders should think about AI, equity, and responsible adoption [00:30:30] Why imagination—not infrastructure—is the missing piece in education reform [00:37:15] Nicole on why education is the most important yet slowest-moving institution 😎 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. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies. Frustrated by other M&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 northstar KPI is % of deals closed. If you’re thinking of selling your EdTech company or buying one, contact Tuck Advisors now! This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

Send us a text Dora Palfi is the Co-founder and CEO of imagi, an edtech company reimagining computer science education through creative coding and AI. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Dora has a background in neuroscience, human-computer interaction, and technology, and is a passionate advocate for equitable access to future-ready skills. Special note: Free access to the Lovable × imagi collaboration has been extended through March 31, giving educators and students more time to explore professional AI tools in real classroom settings. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode Why creative coding can unlock computer science for students who don’t see themselves as “technical”How imagi partners with cutting-edge AI tools like Lovable to bring real-world tech into classroomsWhat “vibe coding” teaches students about AI literacy, prompting, and debuggingHow AI enables truly cross-curricular learning across subjects like history, art, and storytellingWhy constraints, scaffolding, and design thinking are essential for meaningful AI-powered learning✨ Episode Highlights [00:02:40] Dora Palfi on how education and coding changed her life—and inspired imagi [00:07:13] Why imagi partners with professional AI tools instead of building replicas [00:10:55] Making AI classroom-ready: compliance, safety, and curriculum design [00:19:05] “Constraints breed creativity”: reframing coding as a creative act [00:21:03] Real classroom examples—from Harry Potter sorting hats to interactive art projects [00:27:40] Vibe coding, entrepreneurship, and preparing students for an AI-native future 😎 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 ed Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies. Frustrated by other M&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 northstar KPI is % of deals closed. If you’re thinking of selling your EdTech company or buying one, contact Tuck Advisors now! This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

Send us a text Join hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they kick off 2026 with a wide-ranging Week in EdTech conversation covering tech backlash, AI in education, market consolidation, consumer learning tools, and major voices shaping the future of teaching and learning. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:00:00] Growing tech backlash around screen time, phone bans, and distrust of edtech. [00:03:55] PowerSchool layoffs reflect private equity pressure and profitability focus. [00:06:30] Layoffs highlight the human cost for educators working in edtech. [00:09:04] Screen time skepticism reaches adult learning and professional assessments. [00:10:52] Big Tech ramps up AI competition as Meta, Amazon, and Apple reposition. [00:12:42] Consumer AI learning startups draw VC attention amid edtech valuation gaps. [00:13:58] Funding: Obo raises $16M Series A for AI-generated, multimodal courses. [00:17:16] UX, speed, and multimodality emerge as key edtech differentiators. [00:19:10] Speechify secures NYC schools deal, blending accessibility with consumer-grade UX. [00:21:08] Engagement-first consumer learning apps challenge traditional edtech models. Plus, special guests: [00:23:48] Eli Luberoff, Founder of Desmos Studio, on creative math tools and Desmos Professional. [00:50:28] Rebecca Winthrop, Senior Fellow and Director, Center for Universal Education at The Brookings Institution, on how AI risks currently outweigh benefits for students without better guardrails. 😎 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 t Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies. Frustrated by other M&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 northstar KPI is % of deals closed. If you’re thinking of selling your EdTech company or buying one, contact Tuck Advisors now! This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

Send us a text Jamie Rosenberg is the Founder and Executive Chairman of ClassWallet, a fintech platform modernizing how public education funds are distributed to schools and families. A longtime social impact entrepreneur, he previously founded AdoptAClassroom.org and has spent over two decades focused on getting dollars closer to students. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode Why education funding breakdowns are often about infrastructure, not intentHow ClassWallet replaced reimbursement with real-time, compliant digital walletsWhat it takes to run ESA and school choice programs at scaleHow empowering teachers and families unlocks creativity and efficiencyWhere AI and data can maximize the impact of every education dollar✨ Episode Highlights [00:02:31] Jamie’s journey from AdoptAClassroom to building ClassWallet [00:09:07] Why reimbursement systems create massive friction in education funding [00:13:55] How simple purchases (like pencil sharpeners) can unlock learning time [00:22:35] ClassWallet’s role in scaling ESAs and the modern school choice movement [00:33:01] What edtech founders need to know about accessing ESA-funded markets [00:41:58] Why supplemental funding is critical for students with special needs [00:47:12] How AI will shape compliance, recommendations, and impact measurement 😎 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. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies. Frustrated by other M&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 northstar KPI is % of deals closed. If you’re thinking of selling your EdTech company or buying one, contact Tuck Advisors now! This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

Send us a text Henry Motte de la Motte is the Founder and CEO of EDGE Tutor, a global tutor outsourcing company supporting over 50 leading education and training organizations. Under his leadership, EDGE Tutor has scaled to 1,000+ teachers across 30+ countries, delivering millions of live tutoring sessions with a focus on quality, reliability, and human-centered learning. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why tutor reliability matters more than most EdTech's realizeHow outsourcing enables high-quality tutoring at global scaleWhat makes matching tutors to learners actually workHow platforms use external tutor supply to handle peak demandWhy AI works best as support and not a replacement for human tutors✨ Episode Highlights: [00:02:23] EDGE Tutor as behind-the-scenes tutoring infrastructure [00:03:32] BPO lessons applied to education [00:06:18] Reliability as the core of learning quality [00:09:46] Cultural training across markets [00:13:08] Why EDGE Tutor chose white-label over brand [00:16:21] Diversifying tutor supply to reduce risk [00:21:47] How COVID reshaped online tutoring [00:25:14] A pragmatic take on AI tutoring [00:30:00] The rise of hybrid human + AI models [00:42:31] Consolidation coming to edtech 😎 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. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies. Frustrated by other M&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 northstar KPI is % of deals closed. If you’re thinking of selling your EdTech company or buying one, contact Tuck Advisors now! This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

Send us a text In Part 2 of our year-end reflections, Alex speaks with educators, founders, investors, and platform leaders about what 2026 may bring for AI and learning at scale. 🎙️ Featuring insights from: Shantanu Sinha, VP & GM, Google for EducationKatie Kurtz, Managing Director & Global Head of Youth & Learning, YouTubeAmit Patel, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Owl VenturesJomayra Herrera, Partner, Reach CapitalJean-Claude Brizard, President & CEO, Digital PromiseSunil Gunderia, Co-Founder & CEO, StealthSofia Fenichell, Founder & CEO, Study Hall.AISoren Rosier, Founder, PeerTeachDan Carroll, Co-Founder, CleverJuliette Reid, Director of Market Research, Reading HorizonsAmanda Bickerstaff, CEO, AI for Education😎 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 outrea Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies. Frustrated by other M&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 northstar KPI is % of deals closed. If you’re thinking of selling your EdTech company or buying one, contact Tuck Advisors now! This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

Send us a text Nolan Bushnell is the founder of Atari and Chuck E. Cheese and is widely known as the father of the video game industry. Dr. Leah Hanes is the CEO of ExoDexa, co-author of the ExoDexa Manifesto, and leads the Two Bit Circus Foundation, where she has impacted over 460,000 students through game-based and project-based learning. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why traditional schooling fails students who don’t learn at the “right” paceHow game design principles like flow and mastery can transform learningThe role AI can play in personalized, no-grades educationWhy gamification efforts led by academics often fall shortWhat a “perfect school day” could look like in an AI-driven future✨ Episode Highlights: [00:03:00] Nolan Bushnell on the throughline from Atari to education reform [00:05:10] Dr. Leah Hanes on why learning by doing leads to deeper retention [00:07:52] How AI enables true individualized learning inside ExoDexa [00:12:16] Nolan on eliminating grades and batch-processing in education [00:16:58] Why homeschoolers may lead the next wave of education innovation [00:21:33] The science of “flow” and what makes learning feel addictive [00:27:51] Leah’s vision for AI tutors, physical activity, and student agency [00:29:30] Nolan’s radical take on VR, exercise, naps, and brain science in school 😎 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. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies. Frustrated by other M&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 northstar KPI is % of deals closed. If you’re thinking of selling your EdTech company or buying one, contact Tuck Advisors now! This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

Send us a text Join hosts Alex Sarlin, Ben Kornell, Michael Horn and Dhawal Shah as they break down major moves in online learning, AI, and higher education shaping the end of 2025. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:00:00] Coursera and Udemy announce a $2.5B all-stock merger forming a 175M-learner platform [00:00:30] Michael Horn on Coursera’s growing leverage over university partners [00:02:08] Ben Kornell explores Coursera’s potential to become a global university [00:05:40] Dhawal Shah explains the financial motivations behind the merger [00:09:54] Michael Horn compares the deal to the 2U–edX acquisition [00:11:54] The hosts discuss channel power and aggregation in edtech [00:16:49] Debate on Coursera’s acquisition strategy and platform future [00:21:43] Dhawal Shah on why these businesses may perform better as private companies [00:22:33] Ben Kornell outlines Coursera’s two paths: efficiency or AI-led reinvention [00:30:24] Gaps in online learning around mentorship and advanced skills [00:35:29] OpenAI’s latest release and rising competition with Google Gemini [00:38:55] Why content and IP still matter in the AI era [00:48:36] Purdue introduces an AI competency requirement for graduates Plus, special guests: [00:52:54] Isabelle Hau, Executive Director of the Stanford Accelerator for Learning, on human-centered and social AI in education  😎 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. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies. Frustrated by other M&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 northstar KPI is % of deals closed. If you’re thinking of selling your EdTech company or buying one, contact Tuck Advisors now! This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

Send us a text 2025 was a defining year for AI in education. From rapid adoption to rising educator confidence and growing questions about what comes next. In Part 1 of our year-end reflections and predictions, Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell revisit their 2025 reflections and look ahead to what 2026 may bring for EdTech, AI, and the future of learning. 🎙️ Featuring insights from: Tom Vander Ark, Founder & CEO, Getting SmartBjorn Billhardt, CEO, AbilitieJacob Kantor, Founder & Chief DODO, JK K12 EDUArman Jaffer, Founder & CEO, Brisk TeachingIan McCullough, Founder & Principal, McCullough Marketing and ManagementJennifer Carolan, General Partner, Reach CapitalAndrew Goldman, EVP, HMH Labs From educator adoption curves to Big Tech’s growing influence, this episode brings together operators, investors, and strategists to unpack what’s shaping education’s next chapter.  😎 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. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies. Frustrated by other M&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 northstar KPI is % of deals closed. If you’re thinking of selling your EdTech company or buying one, contact Tuck Advisors now! This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

Send us a text Rene Kizilcec is an Associate Professor at Cornell University, where he directs the Cornell Future of Learning Lab and leads the National Tutoring Observatory. His research focuses on learning science, AI in education, and the behavioral and computational factors that shape student success. His work has appeared in Science, PNAS, and other top journals. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode How the National Tutoring Observatory is building the largest dataset of real tutoring interactions.What specific “tutoring moves” actually drive learning outcomes.How AI models can be trained to use stronger pedagogical strategies.Why education needs real benchmarks for measuring teaching quality in AI.How simulation-based learning is transforming medical and language training at Cornell.✨ Episode Highlights [00:00:00] Rene on aligning AI study tools with real pedagogy. [00:02:33] Lessons from early MOOC research on equity and completion. [00:05:58] How motivation and belonging interventions improved outcomes. [00:10:57] The mission and structure of the National Tutoring Observatory. [00:13:01] Why tutoring works—and why we haven’t known which moves matter. [00:18:28] Tools for identifying tutoring moves across huge datasets. [00:20:00] Using tutoring data to influence hyperscalers and AI product design. [00:22:37] The need for robust benchmarks for AI tutoring quality. [00:27:42] Why great tutors ask questions instead of giving answers. [00:31:03] How tutoring data can improve AI models while preserving privacy. [00:34:34] How tutoring providers can join the NTO consortium. [00:37:16] Simulation-based learning with MedSimAI and Chitter Chatter. [00:41:34] How AI-assisted development accelerates EdTech innovation. 😎 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. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies. Frustrated by other M&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 northstar KPI is % of deals closed. If you’re thinking of selling your EdTech company or buying one, contact Tuck Advisors now! 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.

Send us a text Join hosts Alex Sarlin, Ben Wallerstein, and Matt Tower for Week in Edtech, exploring OpenAI’s teacher certifications, kids’ online safety legislation, early literacy declines, college admissions pressures, and what remains irreplaceable in education as AI advances. ✨ Episode Highlights [00:03:00] OpenAI launches teacher certifications, expanding into K–12 [00:05:00] Big Tech credentials raise control and gatekeeping concerns [00:07:55] Doubts emerge around certifying AI pedagogy [00:12:40] Google and OpenAI intensify competition for schools [00:14:15] Congress advances online safety bills affecting edtech [00:19:15] COPPA changes threaten AI personalization [00:24:05] Parent reading declines deepen literacy gaps [00:26:45] Early childhood remains underfunded despite high impact [00:31:15] College admissions lean further into yield management [00:33:10] AI reshapes admissions essay review [00:36:20] Trust in higher education continues to fall [00:40:40] Education systems face pressure to adapt  Plus, special guests: [00:45:30] Maya Bialik, Founder of QuestionWell, and Peter Nilsson, Founder of Athena Lab, on their book Irreplaceable: How AI Changes Everything (and Nothing) in Teaching and Learning  [01:11:16] Emily Gill, Co-Founder & COO of LEVRA, on AI simulations for human skills development 😎 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 stra Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies. Frustrated by other M&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 northstar KPI is % of deals closed. If you’re thinking of selling your EdTech company or buying one, contact Tuck Advisors now! This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

Send us a text This special EdTech Insiders episode, recorded live at the World Schools Summit in Abu Dhabi, spotlights the Global EdTech Prize winners and finalists sharing how they’re scaling impact across K–12 learning, teacher AI workflows, and digital skills worldwide. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: Abwaab’s AI-driven grading and human coaching model.Brisk’s rapid global growth through workflow-embedded AI.Matific’s adaptive, game-based math learning.Arukay’s digital skills + SEL approach in LATAM.Dukes Education’s human-centered prep for an AI future.✨ Episode Highlights: [00:01:00] Rapelang Rabana on Imagine Learning's  system-level impact. [00:02:44] Hamdi Tabbaa on Abwaab’s AI assessment breakthroughs. [00:08:51] Arman Jaffer on Brisk Teaching  instructional coherence vision. [00:21:05] Craig Shotland on Matific’s  adaptive learning + localization. [00:37:08] Marcelo Burbano & Ana Ricaurte on Arukay’s digital skills + SEL [00:53:18] Aatif Hassan on Dukes Education character, resilience, and future-ready schools. 😎 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 Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies. Frustrated by other M&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 northstar KPI is % of deals closed. If you’re thinking of selling your EdTech company or buying one, contact Tuck Advisors now! This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.