Send us Fan Mail

Tom Vander Ark is an advocate for innovations in learning. As CEO of Getting Smart, he advises schools, districts, networks, foundations, and learning organizations on the path forward. Tom is the author of Getting Smart, Smart Cities That Work for Everyone, Smart Parents, Better Together, The Power of Place, and Difference Making at the Heart of Learning. He has published thousands of articles and papers through GettingSmart.com and LinkedIn.

Previously he launched one of the first edtech venture funds, was president of the X-Prize Foundation, served as the first Executive Director of Education for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Tom served as a public school superintendent in Washington State and has extensive private sector experience. He serves on the board of Digital Learning Institute, Latinx Education Collaborative, Mastery Transcript Consortium, and Getting Smart Collective and advises schools, impact organizations and edtech startups.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Why education systems struggle to sustain innovation
2. How nonprofit governance supports lasting change
3. The transformative potential of platform networks
4. Why AI shifts learning from preparation to contribution
5. What keeps Tom optimistic about EdTech’s future

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:04:50] From retail exec to education reformer—Tom’s origin story
[00:07:03] Why governance challenges cause schools to revert to the mean
[00:10:11] The rise of platform networks and their power to scale learning
[00:14:48] AI and the shift from intelligence to agency in learning
[00:16:15] High school as a launchpad for real-world contribution
[00:21:01] “We’re automating bad pedagogy”—Tom on today’s AI tools
[00:25:16] Bright spots: Watershed, Open School, and SparkNC
[00:27:54] Tom’s advice to EdTech founders: “This is the most important work in the world”

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

• Follow our Podcast on:
  • Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify

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.

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.

Cooley LLP 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.

Send us Fan Mail

Kees Bol is the CEO of 2U, a global leader in education technology that expands access to affordable, career-relevant learning in partnership with the world's top universities, institutions, and industry experts. As CEO, Bol oversees all aspects of 2U's business while driving its long-standing mission: to provide learners worldwide with life-changing higher education that unlocks potential, fosters social mobility, and enhances economic security. Before joining 2U, he was the CEO of Boundless Learning, a global online program management business. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles as Chief Marketing Officer at Strategic Education and Senior Vice President of Marketing, Enrollment, and Retention for Pearson's K-12 virtual school division. Bol got his start at McKinsey & Company and honed his strategic expertise at Capital One. Originally aspiring to be a scientist, Bol earned a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from Harvard University. Now that their three children are grown and have left the home, Bol and his wife are enjoying life as empty nesters in Washington, D.C.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Why 2U is doubling down on microcredentials and short-form learning.
2. How strategic acquisitions like edX and GetSmarter shape 2U’s long-term vision.
3. The evolving role of AI in both content delivery and internal operations at 2U.
4. How 2U positions itself as a growth and innovation partner for universities.
5. Why traditional degrees and microcredentials are no longer on separate tracks.

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:04:52] The evolving role of 2U as a force multiplier for university partners
[00:08:57] How 2U helps universities stay agile in a rapidly changing education market
[00:10:42] Strategic insights on 2U’s major acquisitions – edX, Trilogy, and GetSmarter
[00:14:22] Why microcredentials are on the rise and how AI is accelerating the trend
[00:19:15] Three ways AI is impacting 2U: productivity, process, and product innovation
[00:22:42] A new kind of learning assistant: How AI is improving student engagement
[00:26:20] Advice for university leaders facing demographic and political uncertainty
[00:30:29] Kees Bol’s 5-year vision for 2U: growth, innovation, and high-impact education
[00:33:01] The blurring

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.

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.

Cooley LLP 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.

Send us Fan Mail

Pierre Le Manh, PMP, has been serving as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Project Management Institute since September 2022. A global executive with a multicultural background and experience in leading companies across multiple knowledge industries, he has a proven track record of delivering results and guiding organizations through complex transformations and globalization. Before joining PMI, he served as CEO for North America and as Global Deputy CEO at Ipsos. Pierre played a crucial role in transforming Ipsos from a primarily European-focused organization with $700 million in revenue in 2004, to a $2.5 billion global industry leader by 2021, and in growing the company to more than 18,000 employees operating in 90 countries, successively leading various regions and global business lines.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. How AI is reshaping project management and upskilling
2. Why PMI is betting big on personalized, AI-powered learning
3. The difference between managing AI projects vs. using AI in projects
4. How PMI maintains the PMP as a global gold standard
5. The potential of collective intelligence in professional education

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:01:20] Pierre Le Manh’s path to PMI and passion for global professional education
[00:05:02] How the skills economy is reshaping lifelong learning and certification
[00:08:36] PMI’s multi-format approach to personalized learning at scale
[00:11:20] Leveraging ChatGPT and PMI Infinity for AI-driven upskilling
[00:18:15] AI’s dual impact: Transforming project work and enabling AI project leadership
[00:23:39] Why PMI sees AI project management as a distinct and certifiable skillset
[00:32:48] AI-powered translation and localization to scale global learning
[00:46:47] Unlocking collective intelligence through a connected professional network

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

• Follow our Podcast on:
  • Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify
  • Amazon Music
• Sign up

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.

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.

Cooley LLP 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.

Send us Fan Mail

Brent Bushnell is an entrepreneur and engineer focused on experiences for entertainment and learning. He's the founder of Two Bit Circus, a live entertainment company that builds and exhibits all-ages, social attractions. He’s chairman of the non-profit Two Bit Foundation which uses games and play to inspire students about invention. Brent is a Sir Edmund Hillary Fellow, a supporter of Clowns Without Borders and publishes on social media @brentbushnell.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. How Brent’s journey from arcade builder to education innovator unfolded.
2. The origin and impact of the STEAM Carnival and how it helped reframe STEM learning through art and play.
3. Why clean waste is a powerful, untapped resource for hands-on learning in schools.
4. How DIY arcade cabinets are empowering students to learn CAD, electronics, business—and earn income.
5. The exciting future of immersive learning with escape rooms, virtual reality, and AI-guided experiences.

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:03:33] How a viral OK Go music video accidentally sparked an education movement
[00:04:49] “STEAM not STEM”: Why art is essential to innovation
[00:08:45] Inside the Two Bit Foundation’s clean waste model and its success in LAUSD
[00:13:10] The Open Source Arcade Project: A full-spectrum STEAM learning experience
[00:21:26] The evolution of the maker and open-source movements
[00:27:58] How AI can bridge the gap for students lacking tech or coding skills
[00:34:25] New venue in Santa Monica: Turning entertainment spaces into learning spaces

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

• Follow our Podcast on:
  • Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify
  • Amazon Music
• Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.
• Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!

🎉 Presenting Sponsor:

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.

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.

Cooley LLP 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.

Send us Fan Mail

Join hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they break down a pivotal week of AI announcements, edtech disruption, and education policy shifts.

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] China introduces AI education for 6-year-olds, sparking urgency for U.S. to respond
[00:05:23] OpenAI teases a creative writing model as Google and Anthropic push into coding AI
[00:07:59] Gemini Canvas and Deep Research go free, redefining educational productivity tools
[00:11:09] Copyright clash: OpenAI wants to train on protected content, creatives push back
[00:14:02] Gemini’s UI outpaces OpenAI with real classroom use cases
[00:17:54] Chain of Draft from Zoom cuts AI costs by 90% and mimics human note-taking
[00:18:34] Baidu, Alibaba launch emotion-reading and multi-modal AI models in China
[00:20:50] Manus, China’s autonomous AI agent, sparks global interest in multi-agent systems
[00:23:36] U.S. vs. China: centralized AI strategy meets decentralized innovation culture
[00:27:57] U.S. Education Dept. shutters Office of Ed Tech, leaving a national guidance gap

Plus, special guests:

[00:30:11] Annie Chechitelli, CPO at Turnitin, on launching Clarity for ethical student AI use
[01:03:49] Sara Mauskopf, CEO & Co-founder of Winnie, on expanding into K-12 and the rise of school choice

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

• Follow our Podcast on:
  • Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify
  • Amazon Music
• Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.
• Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!

🎉 Presenting Sponsor:

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.

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.

Cooley LLP 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.

Send us Fan Mail

Lawton Smith is a literacy advocate focused on adolescent reading engagement and the co-founder and CEO of Literal (LiteralApp.com). Praised as a “game changer”, a “Top Tech for Advanced Learners of ELA”, and awarded a rare five stars out-of-five for “Student Engagement” by Common Sense Media, Literal is an all-in-one digital reading platform for modern classrooms that is fundamentally changing what it means to read books on screens.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Why reading scores have declined for over a decade
2. How Literal makes classic texts engaging through chat-based formats
3. The impact of long-form reading on soft skills and mental health
4. How AI is used to scaffold texts with translation, rephrasing, and leveling
5. Why playful, personalized reading boosts student engagement

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:01:17] What Literal is and how it's addressing the reading crisis
[00:04:45] Key factors behind the long-term decline in reading
[00:09:45] Adapting books to match students’ media habits
[00:16:20] Lawton’s personal journey losing and regaining reading focus
[00:23:12] Turning novels into chat conversations with avatars
[00:32:56] Expanding the Literal library beyond public domain
[00:36:31] How AI powers Literal’s reading support tools

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

• Follow our Podcast on:
  • Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify
  • Amazon Music
• Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.
• Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!

🎉 Presenting Sponsor:

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.

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.

Cooley LLP 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.

Send us Fan Mail

In this special episode, we sit down with three innovative Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) students who are exploring cutting-edge applications of AI in education. 

Michael Chrzan is a Master’s student and Dean’s Fellow in the Education Data Science program at Stanford. A former Master Teacher in Detroit, he taught Mathematics and AP Computer Science for seven years. His research uses machine learning to predict large-scale school closures and inform equitable decision-making.

Matías Hoyl is a Computer Science graduate from Chile and an edtech entrepreneur who has founded two startups focused on improving learning through technology. He led a coding bootcamp for women in Latin America, helping them launch tech careers. At Stanford, he is researching AI applications in education, including synthetic student simulations and AI-generated teaching tools.

Samin Khan is an AI researcher specializing in K-12 and higher education and currently an AI Research Scientist at Kiddom. His work focuses on developing AI models for curriculum development, lesson planning, and grading. At Stanford’s Education NLP Lab, he researches dialogue-based pedagogy and student engagement using large language models.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. How AI-powered predictive modeling can help districts plan for school closures.
2. The potential of synthetic students to improve assessment design and instruction.
3. How AI is supporting teachers with curriculum implementation and real-time feedback.
4. Why AI tutors may not improve student learning outcomes as expected.
5. The risks and opportunities of AI in education, especially for equity and accessibility.

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:06:07] Michael Chrzan on using machine learning to predict school closures.
[00:10:51] Samin Khan on AI’s role in lesson planning and teacher feedback.
[00:16:37] Matías Hoyl on simulating student learning with AI-powered models.
[00:24:09] Balancing AI research with real-world edtech applications.
[00:31:39] The importance of data, bias, and transparency in AI for education.
[00:46:11] Will AI improve or widen equity gaps in 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.

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.

Cooley LLP 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.

Send us Fan Mail

This Week in Edtech, Ben Kornell and guest co-host Matthew Rascoff, Vice Provost for Digital Education at Stanford University, break down the latest headlines shaping education, technology, and policy. From major federal education cuts to AI’s growing role in schools and higher ed, this episode unpacks the forces reshaping learning today.

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:06:02] U.S. Department of Education lays off 30% of staff.
[00:12:07] Education research funding faces uncertainty.
[00:17:26] 80% of teachers now use AI in lesson planning.
[00:18:57] 82% of K-12 schools report cyber incidents.
[00:21:26] Stanford’s new policy bans banning AI in student work
[00:28:07] AI’s future in education—Matthew Rascoff’s “Humanity in the Loop” framework.
[00:36:11] Duolingo shares its company playbook.
[00:42:12] AI-driven public education data and procurement.
[00:44:11] Sanoma’s latest acquisition in AI-powered learning.

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

• Follow our Podcast on:
  • Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify
  • Amazon Music
• Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.
• Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!

🎉 Presenting Sponsor:

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.

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.

Cooley LLP 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.

Send us Fan Mail

Michelle Rhee is currently a Venture Partner at Equal Opportunity Ventures, investing in companies driving social mobility and impact. Previously, she served as Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of BuildWithin, a workforce learning platform transforming hiring and development, as well as CEO of StudentsFirst, an education advocacy nonprofit that successfully advanced 140+ pieces of new legislation across 18 states. Ms. Rhee was DC’s first Chancellor under Mayoral control of the 50,000-student public school district. She also founded The New Teacher Project to help public school districts and states recruit and train teachers for hard-to-staff schools.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. How alternative pathways and skills-based hiring are reshaping the future of education and work.
2. The role of AI in connecting young people to meaningful careers beyond the traditional college route.
3. Why potential over credential is becoming a powerful investment thesis for workforce startups.
4. The investment opportunities in workforce development and non-college track solutions.
5. How education savings accounts (ESAs) and innovative partnerships might transform K-12 education.

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:02:51] The shift from college-for-all to workforce readiness.
[00:05:42] Why skills-based hiring is the future of work.
[00:07:29] Investment opportunities in alternative education paths.
[00:10:20] Using AI to connect young people to careers.
[00:12:10] Stepful's success in accelerated healthcare training.
[00:15:43] The impact of new education policies on K-12.
[00:19:37] AI and ESAs as tools to future-proof education.
[00:20:38] Michelle Rhee's career advice for the next generation.

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

• Follow our Podcast on:
  • Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify
  • Amazon Music
• Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.
• Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!

🎉 Presenting Sponsor:

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.

Cooley LLP 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.

Send us Fan Mail

This Week in Edtech, Alex Sarlin and guest host, Claire Zau  explore the latest developments in education technology, from AI breakthroughs to new VR tools and evolving strategies of tech giants.

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:03:00] Preview of the ASU GSV Conference’s AI show and its impact on education innovation.
[00:05:00] OpenAI’s partnerships with California State University and Estonia to scale AI in education.
[00:09:00] ChatGPT reaches 400 million weekly active users, highlighting its growing role in education.
[00:12:00] Google’s Co-Scientist tool and Career Dreamer aim to personalize learning and career pathways.
[00:23:00] Chegg’s lawsuit against Google raises questions about AI’s impact on SEO and business models.
[00:27:00] Anthropic’s new 3.7 model introduces hybrid reasoning with implications for education.
[00:33:00] Meta’s renewed push to integrate VR in classrooms to boost engagement.
[00:36:00] Microsoft’s Muse model generates real-time gameplay environments for learning simulations.
[00:39:00] The potential of AI-driven simulations for personalized and immersive education.
[00:46:00] Claire’s advice for EdTech entrepreneurs on integrating AI effectively.

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

• Follow our Podcast on:
  • Apple Podcasts
  • Spotify
  • Amazon Music
• Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.
• Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!

🎉 Presenting Sponsor:

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.

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.

Cooley LLP 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.