Edtech Insiders

In this special episode, Alex sits down with Adam Franklin, our very first guest on EdTech Insiders, who returns three years later with an exciting new venture. 

Adam is a former high school history teacher turned edtech entrepreneur. He previously taught at YES Prep Brays Oaks HS in Houston, TX and coached the varsity soccer team. Adam earned a masters degree in Learning, Design, and Technology from Stanford GSE in 2016 where he also served as a researcher and writer for the Stanford History Education Group. In 2017, he joined Nearpod, then a Series A startup, to help lead the content arm of the business where he stayed through their $650M acquisition by Renaissance in 2021. In early 2024, Adam left Nearpod to join the Teaching Lab Studio as a fellow to build out innovative products at the intersection of AI and Education, with StudyBuds, a teachable agent practice platform, being his primary focus. 

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. How AI-powered teachable agents help students learn by teaching.
2. Why AI can boost engagement and deeper learning in classrooms.
3. The limitations of multiple-choice assessments and AI’s role in fixing them.
4. How AI can co-create with students instead of just giving answers.
5. Why venture studios like Teaching Lab Studio are investing in AI-powered learning.

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:01:18] Adam Franklin’s journey from teacher to edtech founder.
[00:06:46] How teachable agents create interactive student practice.
[00:12:39] Training AI to “not know” and learn from students.
[00:16:56] The Pokémon effect—why students love training AI characters.
[00:22:57] Why students outsource thinking and how AI can change that.
[00:31:23] StudyBuds aligns with curricula to support teachers.
[00:37:20] Inside Teaching Lab Studio’s unique edtech venture model.
[00:44:48] The future of AI in education and multimodal learning.

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

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🎉 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.

Jeff Maggioncalda served as the CEO of Coursera from June 2017 to January 2025, leading the company through remarkable growth to over 160 million learners and 7,000+ institutions, delivering high-quality learning content from top universities and industry leaders. Under his leadership, Coursera expanded its reach, navigated the pandemic, embraced AI-driven learning, and became a publicly traded company.

Since recording, Coursera announced that Jeff has retired from the role, and Greg Hart will succeed him as the CEO.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode

1. How Coursera is evolving its AI-powered content to serve not just developers but also everyday professionals using AI in their jobs.
2. The role of generative AI in transforming the accessibility and personalization of online learning.
3. Insights into Coursera’s latest AI-driven initiatives, including personalized tutors and automated content creation.
4. The changing landscape of workforce upskilling and how Coursera is adapting to meet employer demands.
5. Jeff Maggioncalda’s vision for the future of online education and the integration of AI in learning.

✨ Episode Highlights

[00:00:37] Coursera’s evolving role in edtech.
[00:04:21] How Coursera expanded to over 1,000 AI-related courses and the shift toward workplace AI adoption.
[00:10:45] The role of generative AI in democratizing education and personalizing learning at scale.
[00:15:22] The challenge of balancing AI innovation with academic rigor and credibility.
[00:22:30] How AI-driven career certificates are helping professionals transition into new roles.
[00:29:50] Predictions on the future of AI in education—Jeff’s perspective on what’s coming next.

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

• Follow our Podcast on:
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  • 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.

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.

Matt Kennard is the CEO of BetterLesson (which offers High-quality K-12 professional development for educators and administrators, ensuring successful districtwide implementation of HQIM.) and former CFO & Head of Operations for LearnZillion, a K-12 digital core curriculum provider. At LearnZillion, he oversaw the expansion of curricular offerings through partnerships with leading OER curriculum providers and led the company's sale to Weld North Education. Previously, Matt led strategic M&A activity for iHeartMedia as the Director of Liquidity and Corporate Development. With a background in finance, strategy, and technology, Matt has held roles at Banc of America Securities, Investcorp Technology Partners, Rackspace, and TJX Companies. He holds a B.A. from Yale University in History and Political Science. Matt found his way into edtech in 2017 based on his desire to utilize his hard-earned expertise to build incredible businesses that make a difference in the lives of students and educators.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. The impact of High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) on K-12 education.
2. How structured professional learning improves teacher retention and student success.
3. The role of AI and data-driven decision-making in optimizing education systems.
4. Why schools must embrace Career and Technical Education (CTE) and skills-based learning.
5. How educators are regaining control in shaping the future of EdTech.

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:02:28] Matt’s journey from finance to leading Better Lesson in professional learning.
[00:05:47] How Better Lesson helps schools implement effective teacher development.
[00:09:03] The HQIM movement and its role in improving curriculum quality.
[00:11:42] The shift towards skills-based learning and Career and Technical Education.
[00:16:36] Better Lesson’s acquisition of ABLE to enhance scheduling and resource use.
[00:24:21] Why data-driven decision-making is critical for education leaders.
[00:30:01] How AI and machine learning can improve education without increasing workload.
[00:36:52] The growing influence of educators in shaping 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.

Tigran Sloyan is the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of CodeSignal, the leading skills platform empowering teams and individuals to discover and develop the skills that will shape the future. Tigran is a recognized voice in the industry—a TED speaker, active Forbes Technology Council member, frequent keynote, and contributor to major publications. He is passionate about the intersections of technology, education, and talent acquisition, and his innovative insights are regularly featured in Forbes, Fast Company, Morning Brew, and more. Before co-founding CodeSignal, Tigran was part of the technology management team at Google, where he spearheaded initiatives like Google Hangouts for Education and Google Login for sectors like Travel and Publishing. 

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. How AI and simulations are transforming skills-based hiring and eliminating resume bias.
2. Why resumes are outdated and how companies can move toward more accurate and fair assessments.
3. The role of Bloom’s Two Sigma Problem in shaping CodeSignal’s AI tutoring innovations.
4. How Generative AI is enabling real-world, high-fidelity skill simulations for non-technical roles like sales and leadership.
5. Why universities struggle to keep up with fast-changing skills and how private sector partnerships can fill the gap.

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:02:10] From Google to CodeSignal, Tigran Sloyan’s journey into skills-based hiring.
[00:05:42] Why resumes are a poor hiring signal and what should replace them.
[00:11:38] Hands-on learning vs. passive learning and the power of AI-driven practice.
[00:15:16] AI-powered simulations for training sales, leadership, and technical roles.
[00:24:11] Can AI replace executive coaches and leadership mentors?
[00:30:15] Why traditional universities struggle to keep up with changing skill demands.
[00:41:17] AI-driven skills assessments as an alternative to applicant tracking systems.
[00:49:46] The need for collaboration in solving the global skills gap.

😎 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.

This Week in EdTech, join Ben Kornell and special guest host Jomayra Herrera, Partner at Reach Capital, as they unpack the latest in edtech, AI, and education policy.

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:03:16] 🤖 OpenAI’s new O3 "reasoning" model sparks AGI debate.
[00:07:14] 🏗️ OpenAI’s $500B Stargate Project aims to dominate AI infrastructure.
[00:16:49] 📱 TikTok shutdown and divest-or-ban law shake up digital learning.
[00:24:15] 🍎 U.S. schools add 121,000 staff in 2024 despite declining enrollment.
[00:31:12] 🎓 Biden cancels $4.5B in student debt and bans Ashford U CEO.
[00:38:00] 💰 Leeds Equity Partners acquires Learnosity, boosting AI-driven assessment.

😎 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.

2024 was a remarkable year for EdTech, with advancements that redefined teaching, learning, and the role of technology in education. But what’s next?

In Part 2 of our year-end special, Alex and Ben invite a panel of visionary leaders from across the EdTech ecosystem to share their reflections on 2024 and predictions for 2025.

🎙️ Featuring insights from:

• Jomayra Herrera, Partner at Reach Capital
• Amit Patel, Managing Director at Owl Ventures
• Ben Wallerstein, CEO & Co-Founder at Whiteboard Advisors
• John Higginson, Chief Technology Officer at Curriculum Associates
• Karl Rectanus, Chairperson, Industry Council at EDSAFE AI Alliance
• Andrew Goldman, EVP at HMH Labs

From the transformative power of AI to global innovation, workforce readiness, and the evolving funding landscape, these thought leaders bring invaluable perspectives to the table.

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:02:23] 🤖 Jomayra on AI’s evolution: from experimentation to proven outcomes.
[00:07:00] 🌍 Amit explores global EdTech opportunities and demographic shifts.
[00:13:43] 📉 Ben Wallerstein on the impact of ESSER funding expiration in 2025.
[00:44:06] 📱 John highlights mobile learning’s dual role and voice AI advances.
[01:01:50] 🌎 Karl's bold predictions: leapfrogging global innovation in EdTech.
[01:03:08] ✍️ Andrew explains how generative AI meets high-quality content.

🎧 Want to hear Alex and Ben's reflections and predictions? Listen to Part 1 here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1877869/episodes/16321195

😎 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.

Happy New Year! Welcome to the first Week in EdTech episode of 2025! Join hosts Ben Kornell and guest co-host Matt Tower as they dive into the biggest stories shaping the education technology landscape, from AI innovations to major edtech funding and cybersecurity challenges.

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:03:16] 🌐 OpenAI introduces a feature enabling ChatGPT to handle reminders and to-dos.
[00:05:04] 🔥 LA schools face closures and damage as wildfires disrupt education.
[00:22:54] 🔐 PowerSchool data breach exposes student and staff data, raising cybersecurity concerns.
[00:29:55] 🎓 $4.2 billion in student loans canceled for 150,000 borrowers under Biden’s plan.
[00:41:44] 💼 Element451 secures $175M for its AI-first CRM and student engagement platform.

Plus, special guests:

[00:44:22] 🎙️ Emily Lai, VP of Learning Impact Measurement at Pearson, discusses how AI tools improve study habits & learning outcomes and the Pearson end-of-year AI report.
[00:56:15] 🎙️ Adele Smolansky, CEO of AI-Learners, explains how AI Learners is enhancing accessibility in education.
[01:06:42] 🎙️ Dominik Mate Kovacs, CEO at Colossyan, explores the future of AI-driven video and personalized 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:

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.

Sara Leoni is the Founder and CEO of Ziplines Education, a career accelerator that partners with universities to deliver industry-recognized certificate courses that prepare professionals with the in-demand skills, knowledge and confidence for today’s tech-driven world. 

Jeff Sample was the Founder and CEO of Clicked, now the VP of Product for Ziplines Education. His background and unique perspectives as a transitioning Management Consultant and Adtech Executive led him to develop experiential learning products via work simulations to help close the work experience gap, and upskill tens of thousands of learners in tech adjacent career paths.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. How Ziplines Education and Clicked are addressing the experience gap in career readiness.
2. Why experiential learning and real-world simulations are key to workforce preparation.
3. The importance of industry-recognized credentials and their integration with academic institutions.
4. Insights into the acquisition process and how it aligns two learner-focused companies.
5. The role of confidence and real-world artifacts in empowering learners to succeed in interviews and careers.

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:07:39] How Ziplines Education partners with universities to integrate industry certifications for learners.
[00:15:08] Jeff on bridging the experience gap.
[00:28:44] The role of real-world tools like Salesforce, Tableau, and Google Analytics in preparing learners for jobs.
[00:37:08] Measuring learner success with confidence metrics and employer feedback.
[00:41:34] Sara and Jeff reflect on the acquisition process and lessons learned about aligning values and strategy.

😎 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.

Dr. Yair Shapira is the founder and CEO of NovoDia, an EdTech company innovating educational publishing through AI technology. Previously, he founded and led Amplio Learning to significant growth before its acquisition. With expertise in technology and educational tools, Yair is dedicated to enhancing educational equity and efficiency. He holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering and is an active contributor to the EdTech community.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. How NovoDia is transforming educational publishing through AI-driven solutions.
2. The role of generative AI in creating dynamic, engaging, and adaptive learning materials.
3. Why current curriculum models fail to meet diverse classroom needs and how AI can fill the gaps.
4. How NovoDia enables districts and teachers to customize curricula to meet local and individual requirements.
5. What the future holds for AI-powered tools in education, from multimedia lessons to personalized learning experiences.

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:02:26] Yair shares his journey from Amplio Learning to founding NovoDia.
[00:05:37] The unique challenges of using AI in education and meeting pedagogical rigor.
[00:11:01] How NovoDia addresses the mismatch between district-purchased curriculum and teacher needs.
[00:18:22] Customizing curricula with AI to support diverse student populations and regional standards.
[00:30:43] Enhancing engagement with multimedia tools and interactive content in classrooms.
[00:37:55] The evolving role of AI in education and NovoDia’s vision for the future.
[00:44:04] Ensuring pedagogical accuracy with AI systems and human SMEs.
[00:46:59] Resources and advice from Yair on staying ahead in the fast-moving EdTech space.

😎 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.

Jonathan Katzman, Director of Product Management at YouTube Learning, drives initiatives that leverage educational content across school, work, and life. Before joining Google, he served as the founding Chief Product Officer of Minerva Project, a pioneering university and ed-tech company offering accredited degrees and innovative curriculum design. Jonathan’s career includes leadership roles in successful startups and major tech companies, showcasing his expertise in education and technology.

Lisa Gevelber, Founder of Grow with Google and CMO for the Americas Region at Google, leads the $1 billion initiative that has empowered over 10 million Americans with skills to advance their careers. She also created Google Career Certificates, which have enabled significant upward mobility for half a million global job seekers. Recognized by Forbes Future of Work 50 in 2022, Lisa is a champion for equity and inclusion, leading efforts like Google for Startups to support underrepresented founders worldwide.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. How YouTube Learning is empowering creators and engaging learners globally.
2. The impact of Grow with Google and Career Certificates on workforce transformation.
3. How AI-driven tools are reshaping personalized learning and career training.
4. Insights into YouTube’s active learning features, including AI tutors and assessments.
5. The role of global partnerships in creating equitable access to education and jobs.

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:02:19] Jonathan on YouTube Learning’s global reach and its role as “school” in many countries.
[00:10:11] How active learning tools like AI tutors and quizzes are transforming YouTube’s educational experience.
[00:22:05] Lisa shares the vision behind Grow with Google and its impact on millions of learners.
[00:31:24] Insights into Google Career Certificates as an alternative pathway to well-paying jobs.
[00:41:50] Discussion on AI's role in workforce training and economic mobility.
[00:54:32] The future of education: blending informal learning with credentialed pathways.

😎 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.