Edtech Insiders

Join hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they explore the latest developments in education technology, from OpenAI’s push into interactive learning to new research on AI efficacy, growing AI backlash, and rising cybersecurity threats in K–12 schools.

✨ Episode Highlights:
[00:05:30] OpenAI launches a new suite of 70+ interactive science and math learning experiences built on cognitive science and visual learning principles
[00:12:22] Stanford and SCALE release a meta-analysis of 800+ AI education studies finding only 20 with strong causal evidence of learning impact
[00:19:44] Growing backlash against AI, screen time, and edtech as public concern rises about technology’s impact on children and learning
[00:21:10] Clever report finds more than half of school districts have experienced cyberattacks and 81% believe AI is increasing cybersecurity risk

Plus, special guest:
[00:29:19] Oliver Page, Co-founder and CEO of CyberNut, on why K–12 schools are uniquely vulnerable to phishing attacks and cyber threats

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.

🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:

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. Rachel Book is an education leader at Lincoln Learning Solutions with over 20 years of experience in early childhood and student development. Charlie Thayer, Chief Academic Officer, brings 15+ years in online and blended learning, specializing in scalable, instructionally sound solutions.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. The difference between generic AI tools and purpose-built AI for education
2. How AI can extend teacher capacity without replacing human instruction
3. Practical AI use cases that support both teachers and students
4. Why AI guardrails, safety, and age-appropriate design matter
5. The risks of AI shortcuts and the importance of building AI literacy early

✨ Episode Highlights:
[00:03:15] Defining purpose-built AI vs. generic AI in education
[00:07:22] Real classroom AI use cases: data insights and teacher support
[00:09:48] AI for younger learners: voice, engagement, and curiosity
[00:12:20] What school leaders should look for in AI tools
[00:14:59] The biggest risks: AI replacing thinking and human interaction
[00:18:57] First reactions to Lincoln AI and the “wow” factor in classrooms
[00:20:29] How AI dashboards give teachers actionable insights
[00:21:50] Expanding teacher capacity through AI-driven visibility

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.

🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:

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.

Josh Jones is the CEO of QuantHub, an edtech and workforce company advancing data and AI literacy across K–12, higher education, government, and enterprise. A serial entrepreneur and former data science consultant, Josh has spent decades helping organizations adapt to rapid technological change.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Why AI education should focus on durable skills, not specific tools
2. How schools can adapt curriculum faster without sacrificing rigor
3. The difference between AI literacy and AI fluency
4. Practical guidance on student AI use, ethics, and assessment
5. What institutions must change to stay resilient in an exponential tech era

✨ Episode Highlights:
[00:02:00] Why QuantHub was built to keep pace with accelerating AI change
[00:04:30] The mismatch between slow curriculum cycles and fast-moving AI
[00:06:40] Teaching meta-skills like critical thinking, ethics, and change management
[00:09:00] Mapping AI and data skills into existing K–12 and higher-ed standards
[00:11:45] Why banning ChatGPT creates more problems than it solves
[00:13:40] Institutions leading the way on clear, fair AI policies
[00:15:40] What schools must rethink to stay relevant over the next decade

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.

🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:

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.

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.

Dean Celaj is the Founder and CEO of GoTeacher, a platform helping school districts understand, manage, and enforce student data privacy. Previously, he founded Akademi.al, an education platform used by over 90% of students in Albania during COVID, and was named to Forbes 30 Under 30.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode

1. Why most school districts are technically out of compliance with student data privacy laws
2. How “free” edtech tools create the biggest privacy blind spots
3. Why AI fundamentally changes the risk profile of student data
4. What risk-based management of AI tools means for responsible adoption in schools
5. The biggest mistakes edtech founders make when selling into K–12

✨ Episode Highlights
[00:02:34] Student data privacy is a capacity problem, not a policy problem
[00:03:00] Why districts often have DPAs for <10% of the tools students actually use
[00:05:56] How AI training on student data creates irreversible privacy risk
[00:07:30] Dean’s case for blocking risky AI tools by default in schools
[00:11:26] Why “move fast and break things” fails in K–12 edtech
[00:14:56] What gives Dean optimism about the future of AI, content, and assessment in education

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.

🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:

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.

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 Ben Kornell and guest host Matt Tower as they break down the biggest stories shaping K–12 policy, AI in education, edtech funding, and emerging school models.

✨ Episode Highlights:
[00:02:55] FBI raids LAUSD headquarters and Superintendent Alberto Carvalho’s home, raising questions about federal investigations and possible ties to the AllHere scandal
[00:06:07] The hosts unpack whether the LAUSD probe is about vendor fraud, immigration tensions, or broader political conflict
[00:11:06] A provocative Economist headline fuels growing backlash against edtech and classroom screen time
[00:16:44] A deeper debate on what education reformers are actually advocating for beyond simply reducing screens
[00:19:49] Alpha School, small school models, and whether test scores have become the gateway to deeper learning innovation
[00:24:51] Google commits to training 6 million educators in AI, signaling a major investment in teacher-focused AI literacy
[00:29:23] Comparing Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic’s evolving strategies in the education market
[00:31:59] NationGraph raises funding in the procurement intelligence space as edtech infrastructure tools expand
[00:34:13] Southern states like Louisiana and Mississippi post notable academic gains, prompting questions about policy and funding models

Plus, special guest:
[00:37:27] Ariella Racco, Founder of CoLab Education, on building dedicated collaboration infrastructure for teachers in the AI era

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.

🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:

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.

Greg Hart is the CEO of Coursera, bringing 25+ years of leadership and technology innovation from Amazon, where he helped develop Alexa and expand Prime Video globally. At Coursera, he leads the company’s mission to make learning more engaging, skills-focused, and accessible worldwide.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Why skills are becoming the “atomic unit” of modern education.
2. How AI is reshaping learning experiences on Coursera.
3. The role of partnerships with universities and industry in scaling education.
4. Strategies for making learning modular, engaging, and career-relevant.
5. The importance of lifelong learning and continuous reinvention.

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:03:53] Why Greg joined Coursera: combining mission, growth, and impact for learners.
[00:04:14] Lessons from Amazon: using AI and customer focus to enhance learning experiences.
[00:07:44] The shift to skills-focused learning: mapping courses to career outcomes.
[00:13:06] AI in education: personalized tutors, course builders, and interactive learning.
[00:14:08] The power of partnerships: connecting universities, industry, and marketplaces like Udemy.
[00:17:56] Skills as the new atomic unit: modular learning for accessibility and relevance.
[00:21:23] Key challenges for Coursera: moving fast enough to meet learner and industry needs.
[00:24:03] Greg’s advice: be a lifelong learner and continually reinvent yourself.

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.

🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:

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.

Join hosts Ben Kornell and guest host Peter Stiepleman, host of The Imperfect Leader, as they explore AI in schools, screen-time policy, math reform, higher ed disruption, and the future of assessment integrity.

✨ Episode Highlights:
[00:00:00] Peter Stiepleman on leading with “ed, not tech” when implementing AI in schools
[00:06:33] Seattle-area student walkout over ChatGPT access sparks debate on AI in classrooms
[00:08:11] 26 states advance phone bans and K–5 screen-time legislation
[00:10:59] Khan Academy’s failed India rollout shows implementation, not tools, drives impact
[00:16:26] Whether global systems may leapfrog the U.S. in AI-powered education
[00:18:38] AI-supported speech therapy and reading intervention free educators for human connection
[00:20:55] Utah’s math overhaul ignites debate over data science, calculus acceleration, and rigor
[00:27:24] Rural districts innovate through regional collaboration and expanded course access
[00:29:14] Higher ed faces declining endowments, enrollment pressure, and early college expansion
[00:35:09] Anthropic co-founder argues AI will increase the value of humanities degrees

Plus, special guest:
[00:39:10] Brandon Smith, CEO of Integrity Advocate, on AI-driven cheating, proctoring reform, and protecting assessment integrity

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.

🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:

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.

Priyank Chodisetti is the Co-founder and CEO of Workback.ai, an AI-powered platform helping edtech organizations achieve accessibility compliance faster and at scale. A repeat founder and former engineering leader at Coursera, Priyank brings firsthand experience navigating the complexity of WCAG standards and ADA requirements.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode

1. Why ADA Title II’s digital expansion is a game-changer for edtech companies
2. How accessibility compliance impacts procurement—even for private vendors
3. What makes accessibility such a strong use case for AI and automation
4. Why traditional audits take months—and how AI can cut that to days
5. How continuous accessibility compliance can replace one-time checklists

✨ Episode Highlights
[00:02:28] What ADA Title II covers and why April 2026 is a critical deadline
[00:05:22] How non-compliant vendors can put schools and districts at risk
[00:08:56] Why accessibility audits traditionally take 11+ months
[00:12:28] Using AI to automate audits, remediation, and VPAT reporting
[00:18:02] The shift from annual audits to continuous compliance
[00:25:04] The human impact of accessibility beyond regulation
[00:28:59] How Workback’s free pilot helps teams see value in days
[00:32:33] Priyank’s perspective on how generative AI is reshaping edtech

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.

🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:

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 unpack a fast-moving week in education. From AI-native curriculum battles and literacy leadership shifts to voucher surges and national AI pilots reshaping special education. 

✨ Episode Highlights:
[00:01:48] ASU+GSV preview and the expanding global EdTech ecosystem
[00:06:25] The 2026 EdTech AI Map launches with 240+ companies
[00:07:14] Brisk introduces AI-powered curriculum integration
[00:09:04] The race to own the AI layer in schools
[00:13:10] Data ownership becomes the key AI battleground
[00:16:59] Kira 2.0 expands into a full AI-native LMS
[00:21:16] Texas ESA applications surge past 61,000
[00:30:20] UK launches $23M AI pilot for special needs
[00:33:40] Microsoft invests in AI teacher training
[00:34:59] Google expands Gemini in education
[00:35:57] UX emerges as EdTech’s new advantage
[00:36:43] The AI grad profile prioritizes human skills 

Plus, special guests:
[00:38:33] Karl Rectanus, CEO of Really Great Reading, on literacy outcomes, science of reading implementation, and scaling impact
[01:02:22] Dan Meyer, VP of User Growth of Amplify on AI skepticism, social AI in math classrooms, and keeping learning human-centered

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.

🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:

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. Kathy Weston is one of the leading national experts on parenting, family life and parental engagement in children's lives. In 2018, she established Tooled Up Education, a holistic bank of evidence-based resources for whole-school communities. Tooled Up supports 166 schools in 8 countries, delivering bespoke CPD for educators as well as 'on tap' resource support for parents.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode

1. Why parental dialogue is one of the strongest protective factors for children’s wellbeing
2. What the pandemic revealed about the strengths and gaps in home–school partnerships
3. Why “screen time” is the wrong lens for understanding children’s digital lives
4. How evidence-based parenting support improves both learning and mental health
5. How AI can support parents and educators—without replacing trust or nuance

✨ Episode Highlights
[00:00:00] Dr. Weston on why technology shouldn’t be scapegoated in children’s lives
[00:02:54] How the pandemic reshaped parent–school relationships
[00:07:52] Why parents, not schools alone, do the “heavy lifting” in education
[00:09:33] The problem with blanket screen time bans
[00:13:23] Real examples of digital tools supporting focus, learning, and wellbeing
[00:20:25] Introducing AI-powered support for parents inside Tooled Up Education
[00:23:23] Dr. Weston on why AI can reduce educator workload without harming pedagogy

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! 

Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.

🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:

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.