Week in EdTech 11/19/25: OpenAI Launches ChatGPT for K–12, Google Deepens AI Push, Edtech Tools Face New Classroom Backlash, and More! Feat. Janos Perczel of Polygence & Dr. Stephen Hodges of Efekta Education

Nov 28, 2025

In this engaging discussion, Janos Perczel, CEO of Polygence, shares insights on scaling project-based learning with AI and how TeachLM optimizes student-teacher interactions. He emphasizes the importance of authentic data for training effective tutoring models. Joining him, Dr. Stephen Hodges, CEO of EFECTA Education, highlights how AI-driven tools are transforming language learning, providing students with personalized feedback and proven test score improvements. Together, they tackle the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in education.

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INSIGHT

OpenAI Targets K–12 With Tailored ChatGPT

OpenAI launched a K–12-specific ChatGPT built for school security, curriculum context, and integrations.
The move signals a direct push by OpenAI into classrooms and competition with Google for teacher adoption.

INSIGHT

Classroom AI Sparks A Corporate Competition

Ben Kornell frames the arrival of school-focused AI as an 'AI Classroom Wars' moment between OpenAI and Google.
He warns adoption will depend on district choices and community reactions to AI in schools.

INSIGHT

Design Choices Matter For School Use

OpenAI's K–12 product includes grade-level, curriculum-aware presets and SSO integration to keep school context consistent.
Those education-specific design choices differentiate it from general consumer LLMs and aim to reduce misuse.

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Join hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they break down OpenAI’s unexpected launch of ChatGPT for K–12, Google’s accelerating AI momentum, and what these shifts mean for schools, teachers, and the edtech ecosystem.

✨ Episode Highlights:
[00:02:03] OpenAI unveils ChatGPT for K–12 educators—secure, curriculum-aware, and free through 2027
[00:03:02] The emerging AI Classroom Wars between OpenAI and Google across major U.S. districts
[00:07:36] Google’s big week: DeepMind tutoring gains and Gemini 3’s multimodal upgrades
[00:10:25] How district leaders will navigate growing community divides over AI adoption
[00:14:04] What OpenAI’s move means for MagicSchool, SchoolAI, Brisk, and other edtech players

Plus, special guests:
[00:19:26] Janos Perczel, CEO of Polygence on scaling project-based learning with AI and why TeachLM trains models on authentic student–teacher interactions

[00:41:36] Dr. Stephen Hodges, CEO of Efekta Education on AI-powered language learning for 4M students and early evidence of major test score gains

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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.

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