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. 3d ago

    HigherEd Series: 130 Years of Tuition-Free College and the Future of Higher Education with Cheryl Nixon of Berea College

    Dr. Cheryl Nixon, Berea College’s 10th and first woman President, is proud to lead a college that serves as a national model for access and affordability, operates as a work college, and is the first interracial, co-educational college in the South. Holding a Harvard Ph.D. in English, Dr. Nixon’s career centers on bringing the transformative power of the liberal arts to students who face barriers to education. 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: How Berea is building on 130 years of tuition-free education to eliminate student costs and debt.Why financial barriers shouldn’t determine who gets access to college.How the work college model connects learning with practical experience.Why the humanities and liberal arts remain essential in the age of AI.How colleges can build public trust by serving their communities and regions.✨ Episode Highlights: [00:02:11] Cheryl Nixon on Berea’s history and mission to expand access. [00:08:24] Why the humanities matter for developing critical thinking and our shared humanity. [00:11:00] The Financial Freedom Pledge and the goal of removing financial barriers. [00:27:19] How Berea connects students to work, community, and the local economy. [00:28:43] Building public trust through service to Kentucky and Appalachia. [00:32:22] From tuition-free since 1892 to a fully funded degree. [00:42:17] AI, cognitive offloading, and protecting students’ ability to think clearly. [00:45:45] Nixon’s advice to higher ed leaders: ask bold questions, experiment, and act. 😎 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: 130 Years of Tuition-Free College and the Future of Higher Education with Cheryl Nixon of Berea College

  2. 3d ago

    HigherEd Series: Noah Pickus of Duke University on How Universities Can Innovate Without Losing Their Identity

    Noah Pickus is Head of Global Strategy and Partnerships and Senior Advisor to the Provost at Duke University, where he is a professor and the founder of the Future Universities Alliance.  His most recent book is The New Global Universities. He was a founding architect of Duke Kunshan University, and he served previously as CAO at Minerva Project and co-director of the ASU-Georgetown Academy for Innovative Higher Education Leadership cohort program. 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 established universities and new institutions have more to learn from each other than they might expect.How the Future Universities Alliance connects 49 institutions across 23 countries.Why innovation and institutional tradition don’t have to be opposites.How universities can collaborate globally while maintaining their distinct identities.How AI and other major shifts are pushing higher education to rethink its future.✨ Episode Highlights: [00:06:34] Noah Pickus explains the mission of the Future Universities Alliance. [00:10:00] Why new and established universities can benefit from learning together. [00:12:18] How Duke’s global partnerships shaped a network-based approach to innovation. [00:31:12] Why trust and collaboration are essential to making university networks work. [00:32:50] How AI and other changes challenge universities to balance disruption with renewal. [00:45:55] The Alliance’s innovation sandbox: turning ideas into focused 12–18 month projects. [00:54:03] Why lasting innovation requires humility, shared ownership, and continuous learning. 😎 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: Noah Pickus of Duke University on How Universities Can Innovate Without Losing Their Identity

  3. 3d ago

    Week in Edtech 10/27/26: Google Faces Congressional Scrutiny, Anthropic's Trillion-Dollar IPO Plans, Activate Learning Acquires Open Up Resources & More! Feat. Chase Rigby of Tassel & Sabih Bin Wasi of Stellic

    Join hosts Ben Kornell and Alex Sarlin as they cover the latest developments in edtech, from growing pushback against technology in schools and Anthropic's anticipated IPO to major acquisitions, AI research, and the future of higher education. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:04:23] Bipartisan congressional scrutiny of Google's AI push in schools and growing tech backlash [00:09:23] Screen time restrictions, Chromebook policies, and the impact on EdTech adoption [00:13:53] Questions about AI research quality and evidence of educational effectiveness [00:20:52] Activate Learning acquires Open Up Resources [00:24:07] Philanthropy, private equity, and the evolving business models of open educational resources [00:28:05] Anthropic's anticipated IPO and its implications for EdTech [00:38:36] Renaissance and Carnegie Learning partner to connect assessment and instruction Plus, special guests: [00:41:48] Chase Rigby, CEO of Tassel, on modernizing graduation experiences with AI-powered photography, streamlined logistics, and stronger alumni engagement [00:56:16] Sabih Bin Wasi, Founder and CEO of Stellic, on transforming student success through personalized academic planning, AI-powered advising, and data-driven decision-making in higher 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 10/27/26: Google Faces Congressional Scrutiny, Anthropic's Trillion-Dollar IPO Plans, Activate Learning Acquires Open Up Resources & More! Feat. Chase Rigby of Tassel & Sabih Bin Wasi of Stellic

  4. 4d ago

    Lin-Manuel Miranda on the Teachers Who Changed His Life

    In this special live episode of Edtech Insiders, Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell sit down with Lin-Manuel Miranda at the Teach For America 35th Anniversary Summit at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas for a conversation about teachers, creativity, arts education, storytelling, and the relationships that shape our lives. Lin-Manuel is an award-winning songwriter, actor, and creator of Hamilton and In the Heights. Before his career on Broadway, Lin taught seventh-grade English and later worked as a substitute teacher while writing In the Heights. His commitment to education has continued through initiatives including the Hamilton Education Program (EduHam), which brings history, primary sources, and creative expression together for students. The conversation is also a personal one: Alex and Lin have known each other since kindergarten. Together with Ben, they reflect on the teachers who changed Lin’s life, what he learned from being an educator himself, the role of arts education in building collaboration, and why young people need opportunities to create the stories they don’t yet see represented. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: How teachers can unlock students’ potential through creativity and encouragement.Why arts education builds collaboration, confidence, and connection.How the Hamilton Education Program engages students with history and primary sources.Why music and popular entertainment can make learning memorable.How relationships and great mentors shape students’ lives and careers.✨ Episode Highlights: [00:02:40] The teachers who shaped Lin-Manuel Miranda’s life and career. [00:09:08] How great teachers unlock student potential. [00:10:30] The Hamilton Education Program reaches students through history and performance. [00:13:47]  Why arts education teaches collaboration and leadership. [00:15:53] How popular entertainment makes learning memorable. [00:22:13]  Why artists should create stories that have yet to be told. [00:25:18]  The lasting impact of mentorship and meaningful relationships. 😎 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.

    Lin-Manuel Miranda on the Teachers Who Changed His Life

  5. 5d ago

    HigherEd Series: How MIT is Rethinking AI, Assessment, and the Student Experience with Eric Klopfer & Sam Madden

    Samuel Madden is a Distinguished Professor of Computing at MIT’s College of Computing. He leads MIT’s Data Systems Group and DSAIL, researching databases, distributed computing, and AI systems. An ACM Fellow, he co-founded Cambridge Mobile Telematics and has received several major research awards. Dr. Eric Klopfer is Professor and Director of the Scheller Teacher Education Program and The Education Arcade at MIT.  He is also co-PI of MIT's RAISE initiative in AI education.  His research focuses on technology and pedagogy for building understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and systems. 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 AI in higher education requires more than a policy.How AI can support learning without undermining student understanding.Why MIT is rethinking grades, assessment, and how students demonstrate skills.How to make collaboration and community central to the student experience.What universities can share and build together to shape AI’s role in education.✨ Episode Highlights: [00:03:10] Moving beyond AI policy toward broader institutional change [00:07:41] How AI can help people build, explore, and learn across disciplines [00:10:46] Why learning must remain a social process [00:17:54] The value of campus community and learning beyond the classroom [00:20:24] Rethinking grades and how students demonstrate what they know [00:25:31] What “pro-learner AI” could look like [00:35:53] Lessons from calculators for designing AI-supported learning [00:39:42] Preparing learners for an AI-shaped future 😎 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: How MIT is Rethinking AI, Assessment, and the Student Experience with Eric Klopfer & Sam Madden

  6. 6d ago

    HigherEd Series: Bryden Sweeney-Taylor of Outer Coast on Building Higher Education From the Ground Up

    Bryden Sweeney-Taylor is co-founder and Executive Director of Outer Coast, a place-based liberal arts institution in Sitka, Alaska. He co-founded Matriculate and previously led college access initiatives at America Achieves. He is an alumnus of Deep Springs and Harvard College. 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: The origins and vision of Outer Coast.Building an institution rooted in Alaska and its communities.How community service is integrated into the student experience.The role of place-based and Indigenous perspectives in the curriculum.What small, community-rooted institutions could mean for higher education.✨ Episode Highlights: [00:04:11] Bryden’s experience at Deep Springs. [00:15:56] The origins of Outer Coast in Sitka, Alaska. [00:24:59] Community service as a core part of the model. [00:28:57] Building a place-based liberal arts curriculum. [00:36:53] Outer Coast’s growth and first graduating class. [00:42:46] Bryden’s advice for building something new. 😎 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: Bryden Sweeney-Taylor of Outer Coast on Building Higher Education From the Ground Up

  7. 6d ago

    HigherEd Series: What Is Higher Education For? with Michael Roth of Wesleyan University

    Michael S. Roth ’78 became Wesleyan University’s 16th President in 2007. An intellectual historian, author, and curator, he continues to teach undergraduates while advancing liberal education, accessibility, and diversity. His books include Beyond the University (2014), Safe Enough Spaces (2019), and The Student (2023). 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 The purpose and value of higher educationWhy liberal education still mattersExpanding access to college-level learningLessons from leading WesleyanWhy growth shouldn’t come at the expense of quality✨ Episode Highlights [00:02:02] Roth on teaching while serving as president [00:09:37] Education as a force for change [00:23:21] “Do what works” in education [00:37:31] From professor to university president [00:56:23] Scaling higher education without losing quality 😎 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: What Is Higher Education For? with Michael Roth of Wesleyan University

  8. Oct 26

    The Wow + The How: Tara Graham of CrunchLabs.org on Reimagining Science Education

    Tara Graham is Executive Director of the CrunchLabs.org Foundation, where she leads the development of Class CrunchLabs, a free, NGSS-aligned science curriculum for grades 3–8. She brings more than 15 years of experience across product development, partnerships, and education initiatives, including leadership roles at Barnes & Noble Education and Course Hero. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: Bringing YouTube-style engagement into the classroomCombining video with hands-on scienceDesigning engaging, standards-aligned curriculumMaking instructional materials easier for teachersUsing AI to support teacher professional development✨ Episode Highlights: [00:02:42] From Mark Rober’s YouTube channel to Class CrunchLabs [00:06:37] The “wow” of video meets the “how” of hands-on learning [00:14:58] Bringing YouTube’s creative approach into curriculum design [00:18:00] Making high-quality instructional materials more accessible [00:39:35] Exploring AI-powered teacher support [00:44:56] Rethinking curriculum design beyond science 😎 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 Wow + The How: Tara Graham of CrunchLabs.org on Reimagining Science Education
See All (522)

Trailer

5
out of 5
29 Ratings

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
    522
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Edtech Insiders
  • Show Website
    Edtech Insiders

You Might Also Like