Edtech Insiders

Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell

0.0 (0)
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.

18h ago

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: Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.
3d ago

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: Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.
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: Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.
Oct 6

HigherEd Series: What Should Universities Own in the Age of AI? With George Siemens of Southern New Hampshire University

George Siemens is a prominent learning theorist and digital education researcher serving as the Chief AI and Innovation Officer at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), he co-founded SNHU's AI-learning platform. He is widely known as the pioneer of the learning theory Connectivism and for creating the first Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). 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 MOOCs shaped online learning.How AI can move education toward deeper thinking and human connection.What universities should own vs. rent in AI.Why student agency and data matter.How SNHU is building an AI-ready culture.✨ Episode Highlights: [00:03:21] The origins and evolution of MOOCs. [00:10:00] AI, human connection, and education. [00:14:46] Lessons from learning analytics. [00:20:20] Developing the “whole human.” [00:23:32] What universities should own vs. rent. [00:31:05] SNHU’s approach to AI and sovereignty. [00:33:14] SNHU’s “forward deployed engineer” model. [00:35:39] Sharing AI lessons across higher education. Learn more: Explore the Chief AI Officer Network (CAION) 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.
Oct 5

How Educators Are Shaping the Future of AI in Education with Google

Jennie Magiera is the Global Head of Education Impact at Google, a bestselling author, and former teacher, coach, administrator, and professor. Chanel Johnson is an educator with 15+ years in K–12, STEM, and EdTech. She is a Google Certified AI Educator and Innovator and currently teaches 8th grade science. Hannah Ketteman is Senior Instructional Consultant for AI at Texas A&M University-Central Texas and a Google Faculty Fellow, focusing on human-first AI integration in education. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why AI should start with the learning goal.How teachers can build AI confidence and fluency.Using AI as a thought partner and co-planner.Teaching students AI discernment.What human-first AI looks like in education.✨ Episode Highlights: [00:01:17] Centering educator voices in AI [00:08:30] AI in education: Promise vs. preparedness [00:15:48] The importance of teacher mindset [00:22:33] Teachers as “master builders” of AI [00:24:21] Teaching AI discernment [00:26:39] AI as a co-planner [00:39:35] The future of AI in the classroom This episode is produced in partnership with Google. 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.
Oct 2

Global EdTech Prize Top 10 Finalists on AI, Access & Impact

In this episode, Alex Sarlin speaks with leaders and finalists from the Global EdTech Prize about expanding access to education, supporting underserved learners, and using technology and AI to drive meaningful impact around the world. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Edtech is expanding access for underserved and displaced learners. New approaches to assessment, literacy, and learning outcomes. How AI is enabling more personalized learning experiences. How technology can support educators rather than replace them. Why collaboration across the global Edtech ecosystem matters. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:02:38] Vikas Pota, Founder and CEO of T4 Education and Global EdTech Prize on the mission behind the prize and its focus on discovering and scaling Edtech innovations with global impact. Finalist Interviews: [00:13:16] Abdullahi Dahir Mire, Founder, Refugee Youth Education Hub (RYEH) [00:28:59] Alina A. von Davier, PhD, Chief of Assessment, Duolingo [00:43:34] Edan Shahar, Founder & CEO, Wild Zebra [00:58:22] Dania Bush, International Educational Consultant, Renaissance Learning [01:06:54] Gabi Immelman, Founder, Mindjoy [01:18:21] Ami Shah, Co-Founder & CEO, Peekapak [01:31:39] Quinn O’Brien, Chief Marketing Officer, Carnegie Learning Watch the full Global EdTech Prize 2026 Top 10 announcement here. 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.
Oct 1

Week in Edtech 9/23/26: Flint's Teacher AI Literacy with Sohan Choudhury, AskSia’s Global Learning with Celine Xu & 2U’s AI Strategy with Adam Fein

Join hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they interview leaders from Flint, AskSia, and 2U about AI literacy, personalized learning, responsible AI adoption, and the future of higher education. ✨ Episode Highlights: [00:01:15] Sohan Choudhury, Founder of Flint, on AI literacy for teachers and responsible AI adoption in schools [00:15:10] Celine Xu, Co-founder and COO of AskSia, on personalized AI learning and student independence [00:43:03] Adam Fein, VP of Academic Innovation and Strategic Partnerships at 2U, on the future of higher education, AI, and assessment 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.
Sep 30

How Microsoft Is Building AI for Learning, Not Just Answers with Deirdre Quarnstrom

This episode is produced in partnership with Microsoft. Deirdre Quarnstrom leads Microsoft’s AI-enhanced learning product portfolio and strategy. She started her work in education bringing Minecraft Education to students and educators around the world. Deirdre also serves as a Director on the board of the Block by Block Foundation and is a founding partner and advisor at Reaction, a social impact VC fund. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Microsoft is approaching AI in education.Why AI tutors should guide students rather than give them answers.How learning science shapes AI-powered learning tools.How AI can reduce teacher workload.The future of AI-powered game-based learning.✨ Episode Highlights: [00:05:38] Minecraft Education and the impact of the Hour of Code [00:10:46] Microsoft’s approach to AI in education [00:20:48] How AI can help reduce teacher workload [00:25:52] Building AI tools around learning science [00:29:20] “The magic is when the student figures something out for themselves.” [00:30:37] The potential renaissance of game-based learning [00:37:15] AI safety, privacy, and educator involvement [00:53:27] Why AI should be a “power up” for educators and students 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here. 🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead. This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

Trailer

Welcome to Edtech Insiders (Series Trailer)

Education technology is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. At Edtech Insiders, we talk to the founders, operators, educators, researchers, business leaders, and thought leaders who know the industry inside and out. This new series explores the intersection of education, technology, and business by talking to those making it happen. While most education technology podcasts focus on “how” to use education in the classroom, Edtech Insiders is about the trends, products, and business models that power the global Edtech revolution. Edtech Insiders is hosted by Edtech veteran Alex Sarlin, product manager and learning engineer for leading Edtech companies like Coursera, 2U, Skillshare, Scholastic, and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. Check us out, share, like, and subscribe! Also, check out the Edtech Insiders newsletter on Substack.

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.

Creator

Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell
Years Active

2023 - 2026
Episodes

509
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 Edtech Insiders
Show Website

Edtech Insiders

Technology

Technology

Updated Biweekly