Edtech Insiders

Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell
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  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. What It Really Means to Be an AI-Ready Graduate with Richard Culatta of ISTE+ASCD

    5D AGO

    What It Really Means to Be an AI-Ready Graduate with Richard Culatta of ISTE+ASCD

    Send us a text As CEO of ISTE+ASCD, Richard Culatta focuses on shaping innovative learning leaders. He previously served as Rhode Island's Chief Innovation Officer and was appointed by President Obama to lead the US Department of Education's Office of Educational Technology. His book, Digital for Good, helps create conditions for healthy tech use. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode Why being “AI-ready” is about human skills—not technical onesHow AI can deepen learning, not just make education more efficientWhy questions are becoming more valuable than answers in the classroomWhat role educators should play as AI reshapes teaching and assessmentHow schools can model healthy, ethical, and empowering AI use for students✨ Episode Highlights [00:03:00] Richard Culatta introduces the Profile of an AI-Ready Graduate—and why none of the skills are technical [00:05:35] Using AI to deepen learning rather than just speed things up [00:07:59] How AI makes long-promised ideas like project-based and personalized learning finally practical [00:10:57] Teaching in a world where questions matter more than answers [00:13:49] Reframing digital citizenship around what students should do—not just what to avoid [00:20:22] Why schools and edtech companies must communicate the why of technology to parents [00:29:25] Culatta’s call to raise the bar on student experience and joy in learning 😎 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. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies. Frustrated by other M&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 northstar KPI is % of deals closed. If you’re thinking of selling your EdTech company or buying one, contact Tuck Advisors now! 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.

    35 min
  2. Week in Edtech 1/28/26: SchoolAI in Classrooms, ChatGPT Blocked, OpenAI’s $30B Bet, Gemini vs Anthropic, China’s AI Literacy Push, Phone Bans Rise, Higher Ed Retention Challenges, and More! Feat. Jeremy Smith of pega6 & Stewart Brown of Code4Kids

    FEB 6

    Week in Edtech 1/28/26: SchoolAI in Classrooms, ChatGPT Blocked, OpenAI’s $30B Bet, Gemini vs Anthropic, China’s AI Literacy Push, Phone Bans Rise, Higher Ed Retention Challenges, and More! Feat. Jeremy Smith of pega6 & Stewart Brown of Code4Kids

    Send us a text Join hosts Ben Kornell and Alex Sarlin, joined by special co-host Mike Palmer, host of Trending in Ed, as they break down the biggest stories shaping AI, K–12 policy, higher education, and the global future of education. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:03:34] SchoolAI study shows teachers using AI for reasoning and inquiry [00:09:58] Denver Public Schools blocks ChatGPT over safety and privacy concerns [00:12:20] SoftBank invests another $30B in OpenAI as ads roll out [00:13:24] Gemini and Anthropic lead the race for AI in education [00:20:36] China launches nationwide AI literacy for K–12 [00:29:58] Most U.S. states still lack formal AI guidance for schools [00:33:13] Phone bans spread rapidly across schools [00:38:44] Higher ed enrollment rebounds but retention remains weak Plus, special guests: [00:46:19] Jeremy Smith, CEO and Co-founder of pega6, on one-year AI-first career accelerators [01:11:29] Stewart Brown, K–12 Computer Science and AI Literacy Leader at Code4Kids, on CS as a core elementary subject 😎 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. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies. Frustrated by other M&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 northstar KPI is % of deals closed. If you’re thinking of selling your EdTech company or buying one, contact Tuck Advisors now! 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.

    1h 32m
  3. Designing Learning That Feels Like Play with Shangyup Kim and Jangwoo Bae of ZEP QUIZ

    FEB 2

    Designing Learning That Feels Like Play with Shangyup Kim and Jangwoo Bae of ZEP QUIZ

    Send us a text Shangyup Kim is the CEO of ZEP QUIZ, the metaverse-based gamified K-12 learning platform. Built AI-driven tools that help teachers motivate students at scale and is expanding across Asia and the U.S. As a former ZEPETO leader, focusing on gamification, futuristic change, and education. Formerly built two Series B companies. Jangwoo Bae is the business developer of ZEP QUIZ, a former English teacher and school administrator in Thailand during COVID-19. Recognized the need for educational tools that extend beyond traditional classrooms and the urgent necessity for digital transformation in schools, while preserving the fundamental values of learning. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode Why multiplayer mechanics drive deeper engagement than traditional quizzesHow ZEP QUIZ balances fun and pedagogy in classroom designWhat teachers actually look for in game-based assessment toolsLessons from scaling an edtech product across different marketsHow AI could support real-time feedback and personalization in quiz-based learning✨ Episode Highlights [00:03:10] Why learning tools should feel social, not solitary [00:08:45] The design choices behind ZEP QUIZ’s multiplayer experience [00:15:30] What engagement really means from a teacher’s perspective [00:22:10] Scaling ZEP QUIZ globally and adapting to classroom realities [00:29:40] Shangyup and Jangwoo on where AI fits into game-based learning 😎 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. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies. Frustrated by other M&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 northstar KPI is % of deals closed. If you’re thinking of selling your EdTech company or buying one, contact Tuck Advisors now! 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.

    36 min
  4. John Gamba on What EdTech Needs to Get Right About AI, Scale, and Learning Outcomes at Catalyst @ Penn GSE

    JAN 23

    John Gamba on What EdTech Needs to Get Right About AI, Scale, and Learning Outcomes at Catalyst @ Penn GSE

    Send us a text John Gamba is Entrepreneur in Residence at Catalyst @ Penn GSE, where he mentors education entrepreneurs and leads the Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition. Over 17 years, the competition has awarded $2M to ventures that have gone on to raise more than $200M in follow-on funding, with a strong focus on equity and research-to-practice impact. The 2026 Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition is now open for applications. The application is simple and due by February 11. Apply here. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode How the Milken-Penn GSE Competition supports high-impact edtech foundersWhy research-to-practice is critical for scalable education innovationHow AI in education is moving from experimentation to institutional adoptionWhat it takes to center equity while building sustainable edtech businessesWhy learning outcomes matter more than funding or reach alone✨ Episode Highlights [00:02:15] The evolution of the Milken-Penn GSE Competition [00:09:26] From AI pilots to learning-science-driven implementation [00:13:35] Responsible AI and avoiding “AI junk food” in education [00:25:42] Keeping equity at the core of edtech innovation [00:29:44] Measuring real impact beyond capital raised [00:39:54] Why AI benchmarks and standards are the next frontier [00:44:36] How founders can engage with Catalyst and Catapult 😎 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. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies. Frustrated by other M&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 northstar KPI is % of deals closed. If you’re thinking of selling your EdTech company or buying one, contact Tuck Advisors now! 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.

    52 min
  5. Why Education Is in an Imagination Crisis and How 4.0 Schools Is Responding with Nicole Jarbo

    JAN 19

    Why Education Is in an Imagination Crisis and How 4.0 Schools Is Responding with Nicole Jarbo

    Send us a text Nicole Jarbo is the CEO of 4.0 Schools, one of the nation’s leading platforms for early-stage education founders. A former KIPP teacher, Teach For America Corps member, and fintech founder, Nicole brings deep experience across classrooms, startups, philanthropy, and systems-level education change. She is also the host of the award-winning podcast Pitch Playground. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why education is facing an “imagination crisis” — and why technology alone won’t solve itHow 4.0 Schools supports founders beyond pilots to build durable, real-world impactWhat successful education founders have in common across industriesWhy “anti-scale but pro-impact” may be the right mindset for the future of educationHow founders and educators can approach AI with greater intentionality and responsibility✨ Episode Highlights: [00:03:15] Nicole Jarbo on defining meaningful innovation as imaginable, viable, and reachable [00:06:24] Lessons from 15 years of 4.0 Schools on what makes founders succeed [00:09:57] Why founder ecosystems matter more than one-time programs or pilots [00:16:10] Education’s identity crisis and the system’s fear of trying something new [00:26:37] How founders should think about AI, equity, and responsible adoption [00:30:30] Why imagination—not infrastructure—is the missing piece in education reform [00:37:15] Nicole on why education is the most important yet slowest-moving institution 😎 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. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies. Frustrated by other M&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 northstar KPI is % of deals closed. If you’re thinking of selling your EdTech company or buying one, contact Tuck Advisors now! 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.

    44 min
  6. Coding in the Age of AI: How imagi Is Rethinking Computer Science Education with Dora Palfi

    JAN 19

    Coding in the Age of AI: How imagi Is Rethinking Computer Science Education with Dora Palfi

    Send us a text Dora Palfi is the Co-founder and CEO of imagi, an edtech company reimagining computer science education through creative coding and AI. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Dora has a background in neuroscience, human-computer interaction, and technology, and is a passionate advocate for equitable access to future-ready skills. Special note: Free access to the Lovable × imagi collaboration has been extended through March 31, giving educators and students more time to explore professional AI tools in real classroom settings. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode Why creative coding can unlock computer science for students who don’t see themselves as “technical”How imagi partners with cutting-edge AI tools like Lovable to bring real-world tech into classroomsWhat “vibe coding” teaches students about AI literacy, prompting, and debuggingHow AI enables truly cross-curricular learning across subjects like history, art, and storytellingWhy constraints, scaffolding, and design thinking are essential for meaningful AI-powered learning✨ Episode Highlights [00:02:40] Dora Palfi on how education and coding changed her life—and inspired imagi [00:07:13] Why imagi partners with professional AI tools instead of building replicas [00:10:55] Making AI classroom-ready: compliance, safety, and curriculum design [00:19:05] “Constraints breed creativity”: reframing coding as a creative act [00:21:03] Real classroom examples—from Harry Potter sorting hats to interactive art projects [00:27:40] Vibe coding, entrepreneurship, and preparing students for an AI-native future 😎 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 ed Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies. Frustrated by other M&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 northstar KPI is % of deals closed. If you’re thinking of selling your EdTech company or buying one, contact Tuck Advisors now! 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.

    42 min
  7. Week in Edtech 1/7/26: Tech Backlash, PowerSchool Layoffs, Consumer AI Learning, Screen Time Scrutiny, AI’s Role in Schools, and More! Feat. Eli Luberoff of Desmos Studio & Rebecca Winthrop of the Brookings Institution

    JAN 16

    Week in Edtech 1/7/26: Tech Backlash, PowerSchool Layoffs, Consumer AI Learning, Screen Time Scrutiny, AI’s Role in Schools, and More! Feat. Eli Luberoff of Desmos Studio & Rebecca Winthrop of the Brookings Institution

    Send us a text Join hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they kick off 2026 with a wide-ranging Week in EdTech conversation covering tech backlash, AI in education, market consolidation, consumer learning tools, and major voices shaping the future of teaching and learning. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:00:00] Growing tech backlash around screen time, phone bans, and distrust of edtech. [00:03:55] PowerSchool layoffs reflect private equity pressure and profitability focus. [00:06:30] Layoffs highlight the human cost for educators working in edtech. [00:09:04] Screen time skepticism reaches adult learning and professional assessments. [00:10:52] Big Tech ramps up AI competition as Meta, Amazon, and Apple reposition. [00:12:42] Consumer AI learning startups draw VC attention amid edtech valuation gaps. [00:13:58] Funding: Obo raises $16M Series A for AI-generated, multimodal courses. [00:17:16] UX, speed, and multimodality emerge as key edtech differentiators. [00:19:10] Speechify secures NYC schools deal, blending accessibility with consumer-grade UX. [00:21:08] Engagement-first consumer learning apps challenge traditional edtech models. Plus, special guests: [00:23:48] Eli Luberoff, Founder of Desmos Studio, on creative math tools and Desmos Professional. [00:50:28] Rebecca Winthrop, Senior Fellow and Director, Center for Universal Education at The Brookings Institution, on how AI risks currently outweigh benefits for students without better guardrails. 😎 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 t Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies. Frustrated by other M&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 northstar KPI is % of deals closed. If you’re thinking of selling your EdTech company or buying one, contact Tuck Advisors now! 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.

    1h 13m
  8. The Fintech Behind School Choice: How ClassWallet Moves $1.5B to Families and Schools with Jamie Rosenberg

    JAN 12

    The Fintech Behind School Choice: How ClassWallet Moves $1.5B to Families and Schools with Jamie Rosenberg

    Send us a text Jamie Rosenberg is the Founder and Executive Chairman of ClassWallet, a fintech platform modernizing how public education funds are distributed to schools and families. A longtime social impact entrepreneur, he previously founded AdoptAClassroom.org and has spent over two decades focused on getting dollars closer to students. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode Why education funding breakdowns are often about infrastructure, not intentHow ClassWallet replaced reimbursement with real-time, compliant digital walletsWhat it takes to run ESA and school choice programs at scaleHow empowering teachers and families unlocks creativity and efficiencyWhere AI and data can maximize the impact of every education dollar✨ Episode Highlights [00:02:31] Jamie’s journey from AdoptAClassroom to building ClassWallet [00:09:07] Why reimbursement systems create massive friction in education funding [00:13:55] How simple purchases (like pencil sharpeners) can unlock learning time [00:22:35] ClassWallet’s role in scaling ESAs and the modern school choice movement [00:33:01] What edtech founders need to know about accessing ESA-funded markets [00:41:58] Why supplemental funding is critical for students with special needs [00:47:12] How AI will shape compliance, recommendations, and impact measurement 😎 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. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies. Frustrated by other M&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 northstar KPI is % of deals closed. If you’re thinking of selling your EdTech company or buying one, contact Tuck Advisors now! 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.

    52 min
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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
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    436
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Edtech Insiders
  • Show Website
    Edtech Insiders