Edtech Insiders

Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell

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. Preparing Students for 2076: Ben Kornell on AI, Assessment, and the Future of Learning

    2d ago

    Preparing Students for 2076: Ben Kornell on AI, Assessment, and the Future of Learning

    Send us Fan Mail In this special crossover episode, Edtech Insiders host Ben Kornell joins Allison Salisbury, author of The Humanist, for a wide-ranging conversation about AI, education, workforce development, and the future of learning. Together, they explore how AI could reshape assessment, personalized learning, school design, and the skills students will need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. 💡 5 Things You'll Learn in This Episode Why AI should be used to redesign education and not just make existing systems more efficient.How assessment could shift from annual testing to continuous, actionable feedback.The durable skills students need to succeed in a world of constant technological change.What the personalized learning movement got right and wrong.How AI, school choice, and new funding models could reshape the future of K-12 education.✨ Episode Highlights [00:02:31] Ben shares why he's changed his view on AI-native companies and the future of edtech entrepreneurship. [00:07:15] Why optimizing today's education system may be aiming too low [00:09:00] The case for preparing students for 2076 instead of 1926. [00:11:10] The enduring importance of critical thinking, collaboration, and learning how to learn. [00:15:27] How AI could transform assessment and provide real-time insight into student learning. [00:18:09] The biggest barriers to competency-based education at scale. [00:22:43] Lessons from the first wave of personalized learning and what AI changes now. [00:27:43] What an AI-native high school could look like. [00:30:19] The opportunities and risks of Education Savings Accounts (ESAs). [00:39:42] Ben's $200 million vision for rebuilding educational assessment [00:41:48] Why teenagers may be the most overlooked innovators of the AI era. 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders!  Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: 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. Cooley LLP is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. 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.

    45 min
  2. Week in Edtech 6/10/26: OpenAI, Anthropic & xAI Race Toward IPOs, AI Upskilling Booms, Handshake Surges, Global EdTech Prize Opens Applications, and More! Feat. Vikas Pota of T4 Education & Keri Dixon of Wilson Language Training

    5d ago

    Week in Edtech 6/10/26: OpenAI, Anthropic & xAI Race Toward IPOs, AI Upskilling Booms, Handshake Surges, Global EdTech Prize Opens Applications, and More! Feat. Vikas Pota of T4 Education & Keri Dixon of Wilson Language Training

    Send us Fan Mail Join hosts Alex Sarlin and guest co-host Matt Tower of Whiteboard Advisors as they explore the latest developments in AI, workforce learning, edtech innovation, and literacy instruction. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:03:24] OpenAI, Anthropic, and xAI prepare for potential IPOs [00:07:45] Anthropic surpasses OpenAI in valuation as enterprise AI adoption grows [00:08:59] Byju Raveendran’s legal challenges raise questions about edtech governance [00:11:23] Handshake’s growth contrasts with Chegg’s struggles in the AI era [00:14:03] Coursera, Udemy, and the future of AI-driven workforce upskilling [00:19:10] The debate over AI’s impact on jobs, careers, and the labor market [00:25:41] AI enables the rise of highly scalable one-person companies [00:27:32] The emergence of “purple collar” jobs in the AI economy [00:31:45] Why AI upskilling may be the biggest opportunity in education [00:33:34] OpenAI expands higher education partnerships across major university systems [00:38:33] Embedded learning and AI-powered skill development inside workplace tools [00:40:48] Balancing educational technology benefits with screen-time concerns Plus, special guests: [00:42:12] Vikas Pota, Founder of T4 Education, on the Global EdTech Prize, educator-led innovation, and the opportunities and risks of AI in education [00:57:30] Keri Dixon, CEO of Wilson Language Training, on the science of reading, structured literacy implementation, and AI as a tool to support effective teaching 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders!  Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: 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. Cooley LLP is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. 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.

    1h 19m
  3. Lisa Gevelber of Grow with Google on Why AI Fluency Is the New Workforce Skill

    Jun 8

    Lisa Gevelber of Grow with Google on Why AI Fluency Is the New Workforce Skill

    Send us Fan Mail Lisa Gevelber is the founder and leader of Grow with Google, Google's economic opportunity initiative focused on helping people build skills, careers, and businesses. Through Google Career Certificates and AI training programs, she has helped millions of learners develop workforce-ready skills and navigate an increasingly AI-driven economy. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode  Why AI fluency is becoming an essential workforce skill for every profession.  How Grow with Google is helping learners build practical AI skills at scale.  The growing role of AI credentials and certificates in higher education.  How universities are integrating AI training into student, faculty, and alumni learning.  Why lifelong learning and career mobility will be critical in the age of AI. ✨ Episode Highlights [00:03:10] The founding story of Grow with Google and its mission to expand economic opportunity through skills training. [00:04:16] Lisa explains the difference between simply using AI and becoming truly AI fluent. [00:06:20] How Google keeps AI training current through educator partnerships and bite-sized learning. [00:08:06] The Google AI Professional Certificate and its ACE recommendation for college credit. [00:10:14] How the University of Virginia is combining AI certificate learning with real-world small business impact. [00:12:41] The rapid growth of Google's AI for Education Accelerator and the power of peer learning among institutions. [00:14:24] Why flexible, industry-recognized credentials are becoming essential for career transitions and lifelong learning. [00:17:08] Lisa shares where educators, students, and professionals can access Grow with Google resources. 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders!  Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: 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. Cooley LLP is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. 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.

    19 min
  4. Week in Edtech 5/27/26: AFT Reverses Course on AI, i-Ready Faces Backlash, New Federal School Choice Tax Credit, AI Remediation Gains Momentum, Anthropic Surges, and More! Feat. Noah Pickus of Duke University

    Jun 5

    Week in Edtech 5/27/26: AFT Reverses Course on AI, i-Ready Faces Backlash, New Federal School Choice Tax Credit, AI Remediation Gains Momentum, Anthropic Surges, and More! Feat. Noah Pickus of Duke University

    Send us Fan Mail Join hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they discuss the growing backlash against AI and screen time in schools, the launch of a federal education tax credit, promising new evidence for AI-powered remediation, workforce disruption from AI, and the future of higher education with Noah Pickus of Duke University. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:03:40] AFT shifts its position on AI and screen time in schools [00:07:25] i-Ready faces growing parent backlash despite strong adoption and efficacy data [00:13:36] New federal Education Freedom Tax Credit could accelerate school choice and supplemental learning [00:17:46] Education savings accounts create new opportunities for edtech business models [00:20:09] New research highlights AI's potential to help students catch up academically [00:23:16] Guided practice emerges as a promising framework for AI-powered learning [00:24:56] Survey finds 99% of executives expect AI-driven workforce reductions within two years [00:31:29] Anthropic's rapid growth reshapes the competitive landscape for generative AI Plus, special guests: [00:35:39] Noah Pickus, Head of Global Strategy and Partnerships and Senior Advisor to the Provost at Duke University, on the Future Universities Alliance and reimagining higher education globally 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders!  Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: 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. Cooley LLP is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. 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.

    1h 1m
  5. The Future of Tutoring Is Human + AI: Sam Olivieri & Daniel Halper of Step Up Tutoring

    Jun 1

    The Future of Tutoring Is Human + AI: Sam Olivieri & Daniel Halper of Step Up Tutoring

    Send us Fan Mail Sam Olivieri is the CEO of and has spent more than two decades expanding educational opportunity through leadership roles at GreatSchools, Entangled Solutions, and Guild Education. Daniel Halper is Co-Founder of Step Up Tutoring and leads Step Up AI Labs, where he develops AI-powered tools that help novice tutors deliver high-impact instruction at scale. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:  Why Step Up Tutoring believes relationships and not AI alone drive student success  How AI can coach and support tutors instead of replacing them  The opportunity to transform federal work-study into a national tutoring corps  How Step Up uses AI to align tutoring with district curricula like Eureka Math  What it takes to scale high-impact tutoring affordably across the country ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:03:15] Sam Olivieri explains why tutoring remains one of education’s most evidence-based interventions. [00:07:00] Daniel Halper shares how Step Up Tutoring launched during COVID as a grassroots volunteer movement. [00:09:48] Daniel discusses why AI should support tutors rather than replace human relationships in learning. [00:11:36] Sam outlines how federal work-study funding could help build a national tutoring corps. [00:14:41] Daniel breaks down how Step Up’s AI tools support tutors before, during, and after sessions. [00:18:52] Sam explains how AI evolved from tutor feedback into curriculum alignment and student mastery assessment. [00:21:20] Step Up Tutoring shares its vision of providing every child in need with an effective human tutor supported by AI.  😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders!  Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: 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. Cooley LLP is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. 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.

    26 min
  6. Week in Edtech 5/20/26: AI Backlash Grows, Anthropic & Gates Launch $200M Education Push, MasterClass, Chicago Booth & OpenAI Launch an AI-Native Business Program, and More! Feat. Angel Chung of The Wharton School & David Rogier of MasterClass

    May 27

    Week in Edtech 5/20/26: AI Backlash Grows, Anthropic & Gates Launch $200M Education Push, MasterClass, Chicago Booth & OpenAI Launch an AI-Native Business Program, and More! Feat. Angel Chung of The Wharton School & David Rogier of MasterClass

    Send us Fan Mail Join hosts Ben Kornell and Alex Sarlin as they explore the growing backlash against AI in education, the race to build AI-native learning systems, and the shifting future of edtech, workforce learning, and global education policy. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:02:18] Reflections and takeaways from this year’s ASU+GSV Summit [00:05:16] Gen Z backlash against AI grows at college commencements [00:08:06] China’s practical AI rollout contrasts with the U.S. race toward AGI [00:15:09] Anthropic and Gates Foundation launch a $200M AI education partnership [00:23:02] Debate over the future and business model of AI tutoring [00:29:25] OpenAI expands its “Education for Countries” initiative [00:37:28] New education tax credits could shift spending power to families [00:42:15] Google, Meta, and Apple push AI glasses and XR learning forward [00:48:40] AI simulations gain traction in workforce training [00:51:06] Multiverse raises $70M for AI-driven workforce upskilling  Plus, special guests: [00:55:51] Angel Chung, PhD Candidate at The Wharton School, on proactive AI tutoring systems and new research showing measurable learning gains for students using adaptive AI guidance [01:18:08] David Rogier, Founder and CEO of MasterClass, on AI-powered learning, the future of higher education, and MasterClass Executive — developed alongside OpenAI & Chicago Booth to explore the future of AI-native business education. Learn more here: https://www.masterclass.com/booth-ai 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders!  Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: 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. Cooley LLP is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. 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.

    1h 41m
  7. From AI Policing to AI Coaching: Jason Katcher of Superhuman on Education’s Next Shift

    May 26

    From AI Policing to AI Coaching: Jason Katcher of Superhuman on Education’s Next Shift

    Send us Fan Mail Jason Katcher is the Global Education Channel Lead at Superhuman, where he focuses on scaling AI-powered productivity and communication tools across education through strategic partnerships. Previously at Google, Dropbox, and multiple edtech startups, Jason brings deep experience in education technology, AI adoption, and go-to-market strategy. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode  Why schools need to move from “AI policing” to AI coaching  How Superhuman and Grammarly are rethinking writing in the AI era  What “show your work” looks like for AI-assisted writing  Why simple workflow tools often outperform flashy edtech products  How AI-native productivity platforms could reshape teaching and learning ✨ Episode Highlights [00:02:53] Jason shares why partnerships are key to scaling edtech globally [00:08:13] The story behind Grammarly’s evolution into Superhuman [00:11:32] How “AI at the edge” brings tools directly into existing workflows [00:13:50] Why AI writing should be treated as a “show your work” moment [00:15:24] Jason explains why teachers are becoming “AI police” — and why that needs to change [00:18:30] How students are increasingly using AI as a thought partner instead of a shortcut [00:20:18] Superhuman’s vision for faculty-controlled AI guardrails in education [00:24:09] Jason’s advice for edtech companies selling into schools during the AI transition [00:28:41] Why the best edtech products solve simple workflow problems [00:30:27] What’s next for Superhuman Go and AI-native productivity in education  😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders!  Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: 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. Cooley LLP is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. 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.

    34 min
  8. Week in EdTech 5/13/26: AI Literacy, Student Data Privacy, AI-Native Schools & Future of Assessment! Feat. Lisa O’Masta of Learning.com, Aaron Feuer of Panorama Education, Larisa Hovannisian of Armenia Education Initiative and Alexandra Walsh of Ampli

    May 22

    Week in EdTech 5/13/26: AI Literacy, Student Data Privacy, AI-Native Schools & Future of Assessment! Feat. Lisa O’Masta of Learning.com, Aaron Feuer of Panorama Education, Larisa Hovannisian of Armenia Education Initiative and Alexandra Walsh of Ampli

    Send us Fan Mail Join host Ben Kornell for a special episode featuring leaders across digital literacy, AI-native schooling, student support, and curriculum innovation in K–12 education. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:02:10] Lisa O’Masta, CEO of Learning.com, on why digital literacy and AI literacy must start in elementary school [00:18:34] Aaron Feuer, CEO and Co-founder of Panorama Education, reflects on building Panorama into a platform serving one in four U.S. students [00:32:34] Larisa Hovannisian, Founder and CEO at Armenia Education Initiative, explains why Armenia is positioned to leapfrog legacy education systems [00:43:50] Alexandra Walsh, Chief Product Officer at Amplify, discusses bringing classroom experience into product leadership 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders!  Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: 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. Cooley LLP is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. 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.

    1h 3m
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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
    465
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Edtech Insiders
  • Show Website
    Edtech Insiders

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