Edtech Insiders

In this special episode, we go behind the scenes of the Edtech Insiders GenAI K-12 Education Market Map, a first-of-its-kind framework connecting real classroom needs to AI-powered tools. Co-created by Alex Sarlin, Laurence Holt, Jacob Klein, and the Edtech Insiders team, this evolving resource helps educators, entrepreneurs, and researchers make sense of a fast-changing landscape. 

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: 

1. Why the GenAI Education Map focuses on pedagogy and learning needs over tools
2. How to identify "white space" opportunities for AI in education
3. What makes AI feedback and teacher coaching some of the most promising use cases today
4. How to move beyond the 5% of students typically served by EdTech
5. Why "team teaching with AI" might be the next big frontier

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:02:36] Holt & Klein introduce the origin story of the Generative AI Use Case Map
[00:03:29] Starting with teaching and learning needs, not tech capabilities
[00:06:03] Why learning science and research-backed practices still aren't reaching scale
[00:11:11] How and why the GenAI Map was built as a living, evolving framework
[00:15:20] Imagining “team teaching” between human educators and AI assistants
[00:20:16] The 5–10% problem: Why most EdTech tools miss the broader population
[00:23:18] Personalization, motivation, and redefining what success in school can look like
[00:30:05] From tool overload to comprehensive suites: the shifting EdTech landscape
[00:34:12] AI-enabled feedback loops that support both teachers and learners
[00:39:00] What’s ready for scale now—and what still needs real breakthroughs
[00:44:55] Risks and red flags: from dopamine loops to student dependence on AI
[00:48:35] Will GenAI in education be incremental or transformative?

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

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🎉 Presenting Sponsors:

Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now.

Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead.

This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

Levi Belnap is the CEO of Merlyn Mind, where he has been instrumental in driving the company's vision and growth since joining in 2019. Before assuming his current role, Levi served as Chief Strategy Officer for nearly four years and later as Chief Revenue Officer. Prior to Merlyn Mind, Levi built an impressive career in business development and entrepreneurship. He worked for Defy Ventures, served as Vice President of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships at Wyzant, and co-founded FindIt, where he served as CEO. He is a graduate of Brigham Young University with a BA in Political Science and received his MBA from Harvard Business School. He currently resides in Houston, Texas, where he continues to lead Merlyn Mind in transforming educational technology.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. How voice AI is helping teachers regain control of the classroom
2. Why AI should be invisible, not overwhelming, for educators
3. Real classroom impacts: higher engagement, fewer disruptions
4. How multi-language support is changing access to tech
5. The future of AI in education: enabling, not replacing, teachers

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:01:20] Levi Belnap’s journey to leading Merlyn Mind
[00:02:36] What Merlyn Mind’s voice AI actually does in classrooms
[00:04:19] Evolving AI strategy: Before and after ChatGPT
[00:07:29] How teacher needs drive real edtech innovation
[00:09:23] A day in the life of a "Merlyn-enabled" teacher
[00:17:16] Voice AI’s impact on student focus and behavior
[00:25:46] New Spanish-language capabilities at Merlyn Mind
[00:36:59] Why embedding AI in real workflows is the future of edtech

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

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

🎉 Presenting Sponsor:

Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now.

Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead.

This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

Join hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they explore the latest developments in education technology, from ASU+GSV insights to AI model releases, international edtech innovations, and federal policy shake-ups.

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:01:45] ASU+GSV recap and post-conference energy
[00:04:48] Strategic AI integration gains traction
[00:05:56] Edtech market braces for consolidation
[00:08:45] Linda McMahon engages at ASU+GSV
[00:10:18] Challenges merging CS and AI in schools
[00:13:16] Harvard pushes back on federal DEI demands signals sector shift
[00:23:21] Yuanfudao launches next-gen AI tutor
[00:28:20] OpenAI releases GPT-4.1 with huge upgrades
[00:30:25] Google and Claude enhance AI tools
[00:33:56] Brisk wins GSV Cup and raises $15M
[00:35:20] Big funding rounds hit across edtech
[00:37:56] Global expansion and tutor startup funding

Plus, special guest:

[00:38:27] Collin Earnst of the Ed-tech Leadership Collective on building edtech leadership

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

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

🎉 Presenting Sponsor:

Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now.

Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead.

This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

Vikas Pota is an entrepreneur and investor in education and digital businesses that seek to address some of the sector's intractable challenges and to advance education quality and opportunity. He is the founder of T4 Education, the Global EdTech Prize and the World's Best School Prizes. He is the Executive Chairman of the Education Leaders Forum, where he convenes the CEOs and leaders of many of the world’s biggest and most influential education businesses to advance their growth. Vikas is also the Founder of Inicio Partners, an executive search firm dedicated to helping education institutions, technology companies, and social impact organisations find their best leadership talent. He has previously led the rebrand of a major education business, built a corporate venture capital fund, and run a philanthropic foundation. 

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Why storytelling—not policy—is the key to transforming education.
2. How the Global EdTech Prize centers educators in judging impact.
3. The ripple effect of education prizes on national policies.
4. What makes edtech truly scalable and impactful.
5. A thoughtful take on AI’s role in education and society.

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:01:21] Vikas Pota’s vision for global education reform
[00:02:34] Launching the educator-judged Global EdTech Prize
[00:04:36] How prizes drive innovation and influence policy
[00:07:32] Elevating teacher status through the Global Teacher Prize
[00:09:07] “Policy no longer moves the needle”—Obama’s leadership lesson
[00:12:08] Who should apply for the prize—and why it matters
[00:16:33] AI in education: Asking what we should do, not just what we can

😎 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:

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.

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.

Robert Barnett co-founded the Modern Classrooms Project, which has empowered 80,000+ educators in 180+ countries to meet every learner’s needs. Before that he taught math, computer science, English, social studies, and law, from the middle-school to university levels, at public and private schools in the U.S. and Switzerland. He graduated cum laude from Princeton University and Harvard Law School; speaks English, French, and Spanish; and lives in Washington, DC. His book, Meet Every Learner's Needs, comes out in February, and he hopes his two young children will learn in Modern Classrooms someday!

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. How Modern Classrooms transforms the “operating system” of schools
2. Why teacher-created videos are more powerful than polished content
3. The case for paper-based mastery checks in a tech-driven world
4. Rob’s take on AI tools—and why teacher-facing AI holds promise
5. How to truly personalize learning while keeping it personal

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:02:27] Rob’s journey from overwhelmed teacher to instructional leader
[00:03:46] What’s wrong with today’s classroom model—and how to fix it
[00:07:54] Inside a Modern Classroom: self-paced, human-centered learning
[00:13:33] Paper beats screens—for fast, meaningful feedback
[00:14:25] The power of personal: making your own instructional videos
[00:17:46] Tech should amplify, not replace, teacher-student relationships
[00:20:26] Why AI needs clearer use cases in classrooms
[00:26:59] Chronic absenteeism demands a new instructional model
[00:34:51] AI avatars: promising or uncanny? Rob weighs in
[00:39:32] Rob’s new book Meet Every Learner’s Needs—a guide for redesigning instruction

😎 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:

Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now.

Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead.

This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

In this special episode, EdTech Insiders hits the floor at ASU+GSV 2025—one of the world’s premier EdTech conferences—for rapid-fire conversations with the leaders reshaping learning. From AI-native campuses to multilingual agents and human-centered R&D, we go behind the scenes with the innovators driving the future of education.

🎙️ Featured Guests:

1. Siya Raj Purohit, Go-to-Market Lead for Education at OpenAI @ [00:01:25]
2. Maureen Heymans, GM of LearnX at Google @ [00:19:16]
3. Brandon Hurter, Chief Strategy Officer at Element451 @ [00:31:19]
4. Auditi Chakravarty, CEO of AERDF @ [00:39:21]
5. Jim Van Voorhis, VP of Education at Glean @ [00:45:09]
6. Summer Long, Co-Founder & CMO of Cathoven AI @ [00:54:10]
7. Yasmin Barkett, CEO and Founder of ROYO @ [01:02:47]
8. Mike Yates, Senior Designer at Teach For America’s The Reinvention Lab @ [01:08:12]
9. Julia Kelleher, Head of Market Development at WorldQuant Learning @ [01:18:09]
10. Adele Smolansky, CEO and Founder of AI-Learners @ [01:25:08]

🎥 Watch these Interviews on YouTube: LINK HERE

Special thanks to Matthew Millstein and his team at Old Soul for capturing all the video content live from the AI Show floor. 🙌

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

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

🎉 Presenting Sponsor:

Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now.

Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead.

This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

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
  • Amazon Music
• Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.
• Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!

🎉 Presenting Sponsor:

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.

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.

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 line between degrees and non-degree credentials in higher ed

😎 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:

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.

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.

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 for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.
• Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!

🎉 Presenting Sponsor:

Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now.

Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead.

This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

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:

Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now.

Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead.

This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.