Edtech Insiders

Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell
  • 5.0 (29)
  • Education

At Edtech Insiders, we interview founders, investors, operators, educators, and thought leaders about the future of education technology. You’ll hear from leaders across the education technology industry and learn about all of the important edtech trends happening globally.

  1. 13h ago

    Week in Edtech 10/21/26: ETS Data Breach, ChatGPT Teen Safety, IXL Acquires NoRedInk, AI Policy Shifts, and More! Feat. Mario Vasilescu of Readocracy, Hrag Hamalian of TGR Foundation & Sharon Don of Edtech Insiders

    Join hosts Ben Kornell and Alex Sarlin as they cover the latest developments in edtech, from a major student data breach and AI safety concerns to edtech acquisitions, education policy, and the future of learning with AI. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:00:21] Education Testing Service data breach impacts California students [00:14:24] Common Sense Media tests ChatGPT’s teen safety protections [00:18:43] Disney acquires Character.AI assets [00:21:15] IXL acquires NoRedInk [00:26:43] The SI Presidential Challenge and AI in education [00:30:23] Federal education tax credits and savings accounts [00:33:24] Bright Eye raises a $72 million fund Plus, special guests: [00:36:00] Mario Vasilescu, CEO and Co-founder of Readocracy, on why AI cheating is a symptom of deeper problems in education [01:13:20] Hrag Hamalian, CEO of TGR Foundation, and Sharon Don, Brand Partnerships Manager at Edtech Insiders, & TGR Foundation alumna discuss expanding access to learning opportunities through TGR Learning Labs 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders!  Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: 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. 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. 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.

    Week in Edtech 10/21/26: ETS Data Breach, ChatGPT Teen Safety, IXL Acquires NoRedInk, AI Policy Shifts, and More! Feat. Mario Vasilescu of Readocracy, Hrag Hamalian of TGR Foundation & Sharon Don of Edtech Insiders

  2. 1d ago

    Week in Edtech 10/14/26: New York EDTECH WEEK Takeaways, Students Speak Out on AI, Higher Ed Transformation, and More! Feat. Abhijeet Sethi of LearningMate, Dr. Garikai Campbell of Jaali.ai, Rahim Rajan of AQL Labs & Dr. Lance Ford of Zoom

    Join hosts Ben Kornell and Alex Sarlin on Edtech Week at Columbia Teachers College in New York City as they explore how AI is reshaping teaching, learning, student success, and higher education operations. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:02:04] AI implementation and student perspectives [00:06:52] Rethinking AI in education from productivity to pedagogy and student creation [00:09:51] AI-powered assessment and personalized feedback Plus, special guests: [00:13:29] Abhijeet Sethi, SVP of Sales and Strategic Business Head of Edtech at LearningMate on 25 years of education technology and AI-powered transformation [00:37:37] Dr. Garikai Campbell, CEO of Jaali.ai and Rahim Rajan, CEO of AQL Labs on secure, human-centered AI for higher education [01:03:22] Dr. Lance Ford, Specialist Sales Strategy Lead for Education at Zoom on AI-powered classrooms and Zoom’s expanding education tools 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders!  Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: 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. 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. 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.

    Week in Edtech 10/14/26: New York EDTECH WEEK Takeaways, Students Speak Out on AI, Higher Ed Transformation, and More! Feat. Abhijeet Sethi of LearningMate, Dr. Garikai Campbell of Jaali.ai, Rahim Rajan of AQL Labs & Dr. Lance Ford of Zoom

  3. 2d ago

    Who Decides What Kids Learn? with Natasha Singer of The New York Times

    Natasha Singer has covered tech industry influence in schools for The New York Times for more than a decade. Her school tech reporting helped prompt California to enact a landmark student online privacy law. Her new book is "Coding Kids: Big Tech's Battle to Remake Public Schools". In a review, The New Yorker called the book "an even-tempered yet withering narrative of how the nation’s public schools came under the spell of private corporations." 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Big Tech companies have influenced what schools teach.The story behind Code.org and the push for coding education.What gets overlooked when industry priorities shape curricula.Why schools and parents are questioning technology in classrooms.How AI is repeating old edtech hype cycles and what educators can learn from the past.✨ Episode Highlights: [00:06:02] How Apple, Microsoft, and Google expanded their influence in schools. [00:11:32] Code.org and the rise of the coding movement. [00:19:00] Coding, career promises, and the skills schools may be overlooking. [00:21:54]  Can good intentions and commercial interests coexist in education? [00:26:30]  Why AI is facing growing scrutiny in schools. [00:35:51] Natasha Singer on the purpose of education and preparing students for a tech-driven world. 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders!  Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: 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. 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. 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.

    Who Decides What Kids Learn? with Natasha Singer of The New York Times

  4. 3d ago

    HigherEd Series: Can Apprenticeships Transform Higher Education? with Mallory Dwinal-Palisch of Craft Education

    Mallory Dwinal-Palisch is the President of Craft Education, a nonprofit division of Western Governors University that is developing the ecosystem platform for enabling work-based pathways across higher education and the workforce. Mallory has devoted her career to merging education with tech innovation. Her work streamlines regulatory data and addresses labor shortages, unlocking opportunities for working learners and providing real-time talent solutions for businesses.  Hosted by Matthew Rascoff This episode is part of the Edtech Insiders HigherEd Podcast Series, featuring conversations with leaders shaping the future of higher education. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode Why traditional degrees can limit access to opportunity.How apprenticeships can transform higher education.Rethinking teacher preparation and professional licensure.Breaking down silos between education and workforce systems.How AI is reshaping entry-level careers.✨ Episode Highlights [00:00:24] Rethinking traditional pathways into teaching [00:06:09] “Ability is everywhere, but opportunity is not.” [00:17:11] The evolution of apprenticeship-based degrees [00:34:25] Breaking down education and workforce silos [00:43:45] AI and the future of entry-level work [00:48:20] AI, entrepreneurship, and career opportunities Interested in building or scaling teacher apprenticeship programs? Explore Building & Scaling Teacher Apprenticeships , a playbook developed by Craft Education in collaboration with the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The resource explores approaches to developing and scaling teacher apprenticeship programs. 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders!  Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: 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. 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. 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.

    HigherEd Series: Can Apprenticeships Transform Higher Education? with Mallory Dwinal-Palisch of Craft Education

  5. 4d ago

    The Future of Edtech: AI, Interoperability & Trust with Michael Feldstein of 1EdTech

    Michael Feldstein is Chief Strategy Officer at 1EdTech, where he helps shape an open, trusted, and interoperable edtech ecosystem. With more than 30 years in educational technology, he has also led the Empirical Educator Project, co-founded Argos Education, and founded the eLiterate blog. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why AI, interoperability, and cybersecurity are increasingly connected in edtech.How interoperability standards can help reduce security risks.What AI should and shouldn’t know about a learner.Why trusted, portable learning context could shape the future of AI in education.How the edtech community can work together to build greater trust and better systems.✨ Episode Highlights: [00:05:51] Why interoperability creates potential cybersecurity attack surfaces. [00:13:26] AI, human vulnerabilities, and the challenge of securing connected edtech systems. [00:26:31] Michael introduces the idea of Trusted Portable Learning Context. [00:32:35] How policies and verifiable credentials could govern what AI can access. [00:41:35] Michael on “cognitive surrender” and finding the right balance between AI’s benefits and risks. [00:46:48] Why better interoperability starts with better collaboration across the edtech ecosystem. [00:51:53] Keeping the human side of education at the center of technology.  Michael referenced 1EdTech’s webinar, “LMS Security: This Is What Shared Responsibility Looks Like,” featuring Blackboard, D2L, and Instructure. Watch the replay here. 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders!  Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: 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. 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. 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.

    The Future of Edtech: AI, Interoperability & Trust with Michael Feldstein of 1EdTech

  6. Oct 16

    Week in Edtech 10/7/26: Cambridge’s AI Teaching Report, Brighteye’s New Fund III Strategy & Raspberry Pi’s AI Literacy for All

    Join host Ben Kornell as he speaks with edtech leaders about AI in English language teaching, the future of learning and work, and expanding access to computer science and AI literacy. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:01:10] Dr. Evelina Galaczi, Director of Research at Cambridge University Press & Assessment and Ana Petersen, a language educator in Florida on AI in English language teaching [00:19:03] Ben Wirz, founding partner and David Guérin, partner of Brighteye Ventures on the future of learning and work [00:45:31] Philip Colligan, CEO of the Raspberry Pi Foundation, on AI literacy and computer science education 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders!  Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: 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. 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. 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.

    Week in Edtech 10/7/26: Cambridge’s AI Teaching Report, Brighteye’s New Fund III Strategy & Raspberry Pi’s AI Literacy for All

  7. Oct 13

    Celebrating 500 Episodes with Reed Hastings of Netflix

    To celebrate 500 episodes of Edtech Insiders, Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell are joined by Reed Hastings for a special conversation about AI, education, and the future of learning. They explore the potential of AI-powered tutoring, the changing role of teachers, the future of assessment, and what schools could look like in the years ahead. Reed Hastings is the co-founder of Netflix and Chairman of Powder in Utah. He served as Netflix CEO for 25 years and previously founded Pure Software. Reed serves on the boards of Bloomberg and Anthropic and is an active education philanthropist. He previously served as President of the California State Board of Education and currently supports organizations including KIPP, City Fund, and the Charter School Growth Fund. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: Reed Hastings’ vision for AI-powered tutoring.How conversational AI could transform learning and assessment.Why Hastings believes charter schools can drive education innovation.How AI could expand access to personalized learning globally.What the future of teachers and schools could look like.✨ Episode Highlights: [00:05:42] Reed Hastings joins EdTech Insiders' 500 episodes celebration. [00:11:29] The case for AI-powered individualized tutoring. [00:16:32] The future of AI tutors and conversational learning. [00:22:21] How AI could reshape the role of teachers. [00:30:31]  AI and the growing “tech lash” in schools. [00:34:00] Why learning and assessment could become conversational. [00:38:00]  AI’s potential to transform schools over the next decade. 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders!  Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: 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. 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. 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.

    Celebrating 500 Episodes with Reed Hastings of Netflix

  8. Oct 7

    Why Productive Struggle Matters in AI-Powered Learning with Dacia Toll of Coursemojo

    Dacia Toll is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Coursemojo, an AI teaching assistant designed to help students make meaningful reading gains. A former teacher and principal in New Haven and founder of Achievement First, Dacia brings a deep focus on instructional quality, student outcomes, and what it takes to improve learning at scale. Coursemojo has now expanded to more than 85 school districts, from large districts like Boston, Denver, and Duval County to 5 small districts in rural Wisconsin and 13 districts of all sizes in Texas. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why productive struggle matters for learningHow Coursemojo uses AI without giving away answersThe role of high-quality instructional materialsSupporting multilingual learners and students with IEPsUsing AI to strengthen teacher efficacy✨ Episode Highlights: [00:03:10] Dacia Toll’s journey from Edtech skeptic to founder [00:04:58] Why outcomes drive Coursemojo’s approach [00:06:29] Why high-quality instructional materials matter for reading achievement [00:11:26] Designing AI around productive struggle [00:18:58] Supporting multilingual learners and students with IEPs [00:22:33] AI as a tool for teacher efficacy [00:25:25] Coursemojo’s vision for a more coherent learning experience Learn more: What It Looks Like to Build Educational AI Based on Cognitive Science – K12 Digest 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders!  Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: 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. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m 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.

    Why Productive Struggle Matters in AI-Powered Learning with Dacia Toll of Coursemojo
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About

At Edtech Insiders, we interview founders, investors, operators, educators, and thought leaders about the future of education technology. You’ll hear from leaders across the education technology industry and learn about all of the important edtech trends happening globally.

Information

  • Creator
    Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    514
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Edtech Insiders
  • Show Website
    Edtech Insiders

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