Send us a text

Join hosts Alex Sarlin and Matt Tower as they break down the biggest headlines shaping the future of education technology. From OpenAI’s new video model to major EdTech funding rounds and the rise of curriculum-informed AI.

✨ Episode Highlights
[00:03:56] EdTech Week 2025 preview at Columbia University featuring OpenAI’s education keynote.
[00:06:50] SETDA report: AI overtakes cybersecurity as top K–12 tech priority.
[00:09:05] OpenAI’s Sora 2 video model brings lifelike multimodal AI to education.
[00:14:10] Rise of AI actors like “Tilly Norwood” underscores new media literacy concerns.
[00:18:30] Code.org launches Hour of AI to expand AI literacy in schools.
[00:24:40] Debate: Is “learn to code” still essential in the AI age?
[00:29:30] Microsoft Copilot adds Study Mode with shareable learning tools.
[00:32:00] Anthology (Blackboard) bankruptcy exposes failed 2021 PE merger.
[00:38:10] Funding: LingoKids raises $120M; Outsmart (ex-Duolingo) raises $40M.
[00:43:50] National test score slump fuels “End of Thinking” education debate.
[00:46:10] Calls for clear new visions of learning in the AI era.

Plus, special guests:
[00:53:00] Sari Factor, Vice Chair & Chief Strategy Officer, and Jason Fournier, VP of Product Management for AI & Data at Imagine Learning, on curriculum-informed AI.
[01:04:00] Caleb Hicks, CEO & Co-founder of SchoolAI, on AI tutors and personalized learning.

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders!

Follow our Podcast on:
Sign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.
Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!

This season of Edtech Insiders is once again brought to you by Tuck Advisors, the M&A firm for EdTech companies. Run by serial entrepreneurs with over 30 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.

Ednition helps EdTech companies reclaim rostering and own their integrations. Through its flagship platform, RosterStream, Ednition replaces costly data providers and complex internal infrastructure with direct, secure connections to any SIS or data source. The result: scalable integrations, lower costs, and seamless experiences for schools and districts of every size. With Ednition: Reclaim rostering. Own your integrations. Cut the cost.

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.

The Foodie Experience