Edtech Insiders

Send us a textDr. Yair Shapira is the founder and CEO of NovoDia, an EdTech company innovating educational publishing through AI technology. Previously, he founded and led Amplio Learning to significant growth before its acquisition. With expertise in technology and educational tools, Yair is dedicated to enhancing educational equity and efficiency. He holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering and is an active contributor to the EdTech community.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:How NovoDia is transforming educational publishing through AI-driven solutions.The role of generative AI in creating dynamic, engaging, and adaptive learning materials.Why current curriculum models fail to meet diverse classroom needs and how AI can fill the gaps.How NovoDia enables districts and teachers to customize curricula to meet local and individual requirements.What the future holds for AI-powered tools in education, from multimedia lessons to personalized learning experiences.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:02:26] Yair shares his journey from Amplio Learning to founding NovoDia.[00:05:37] The unique challenges of using AI in education and meeting pedagogical rigor.[00:11:01] How NovoDia addresses the mismatch between district-purchased curriculum and teacher needs.[00:18:22] Customizing curricula with AI to support diverse student populations and regional standards.[00:30:43] Enhancing engagement with multimedia tools and interactive content in classrooms.[00:37:55] The evolving role of AI in education and NovoDia’s vision for the future.[00:44:04] Ensuring pedagogical accuracy with AI systems and human SMEs.[00:46:59] Resources and advice from Yair on staying ahead in the fast-moving EdTech space.😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicSign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!🎉 Presenting Sponsor: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 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.

Send us a textJonathan Katzman, Director of Product Management at YouTube Learning, drives initiatives that leverage educational content across school, work, and life. Before joining Google, he served as the founding Chief Product Officer of Minerva Project, a pioneering university and ed-tech company offering accredited degrees and innovative curriculum design. Jonathan’s career includes leadership roles in successful startups and major tech companies, showcasing his expertise in education and technology.Lisa Gevelber, Founder of Grow with Google and CMO for the Americas Region at Google, leads the $1 billion initiative that has empowered over 10 million Americans with skills to advance their careers. She also created Google Career Certificates, which have enabled significant upward mobility for half a million global job seekers. Recognized by Forbes Future of Work 50 in 2022, Lisa is a champion for equity and inclusion, leading efforts like Google for Startups to support underrepresented founders worldwide.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:How YouTube Learning is empowering creators and engaging learners globally.The impact of Grow with Google and Career Certificates on workforce transformation.How AI-driven tools are reshaping personalized learning and career training.Insights into YouTube’s active learning features, including AI tutors and assessments.The role of global partnerships in creating equitable access to education and jobs.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:02:19] Jonathan on YouTube Learning’s global reach and its role as “school” in many countries.[00:10:11] How active learning tools like AI tutors and quizzes are transforming YouTube’s educational experience.[00:22:05] Lisa shares the vision behind Grow with Google and its impact on millions of learners.[00:31:24] Insights into Google Career Certificates as an alternative pathway to well-paying jobs.[00:41:50] Discussion on AI's role in workforce training and economic mobility.[00:54:32] The future of education: blending informal learning with credentialed pathways.😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicSign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!🎉 Presenting Sponsor: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 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.

Send us a textYossi Matias, Vice President of Google and Head of Google Research, leads groundbreaking efforts in foundational machine learning, quantum computing, and AI for societal impact in education, health, and climate. A world-renowned AI expert, Yossi has pioneered conversational AI, driven Google Search innovations, and launched transformative initiatives like AI for Social Good and Google for Startups Accelerator. His work focuses on leveraging AI to address global challenges and improve lives on a global scale.Obum Ekeke, Head of Education Partnerships at Google DeepMind, champions equitable access to AI education and fosters diversity in the tech industry. An OBE recipient for his contributions to computing and inclusion, Obum has led initiatives that have reached millions of learners worldwide, including founding Google Educator Groups in over 60 countries. His mission is to prepare students and educators for the future by making AI knowledge accessible and impactful for all.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Google Research is driving breakthroughs in generative AI and education.The global impact of LearnLM and other AI-powered educational tools.The role of AI in promoting equity and accessibility in education.Insights into Google DeepMind’s Experience AI program and talent pipeline.The future of personalized learning and AI literacy for students worldwide.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:02:19] Yossi on AI’s transformative potential in education, health, and climate.[00:09:46] Obum shares how Experience AI empowers teachers and students globally.[00:19:24] Discussion on LearnLM’s development and its focus on pedagogy.[00:29:22] Insights into how AI is making personalized learning a reality.[00:41:50] Reflections on the importance of equitable access to AI education.[00:55:36] Envisioning a future where AI-driven tools enhance both teaching and learning.😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicSign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!🎉 Presenting Sponsor: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 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.

Send us a textShantanu Sinha, VP & GM of Google for Education, leads the development of tools like Google Classroom and Read Along, serving over 150 million educators and students globally. Previously, as founding President and COO of Khan Academy, he championed free, personalized learning on a global scale. Shantanu combines deep expertise in computer science, math, and cognitive sciences from MIT with strategic consulting experience from McKinsey.Jennie Magiera, Global Head of Education Impact at Google, is a bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and advocate for equity in education. At Google, she focuses on elevating marginalized voices and creating empowering tools for teachers and learners. A White House Champion for Change and ISTE Impact Award Winner, Jennie brings extensive experience as a teacher, district leader, and digital learning innovator.Steven Johnson, Editorial Director of NotebookLM and Google Labs, is a bestselling author of 14 books on innovation and technology, including Where Good Ideas Come From. An Emmy-winning television host and tech entrepreneur, Steven shapes tools that redefine learning and research while advocating for the power of collaboration in driving transformative ideas.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:How AI enhances tools like Google Classroom and Read Along.The impact of NotebookLM on personalized research and learning.Creative ways educators worldwide are integrating AI into classrooms.How AI supports teachers by saving time for deeper human connections.The future of assessment and personalization with AI.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:02:19] Shantanu on AI in Google Classroom and teacher superpowers.[00:09:46] Jennie shares inspiring AI use cases from global educators.[00:19:24] Steven explains how NotebookLM is transforming research.[00:29:22] Discussion on LearnLM and personalized pedagogy.[00:41:50] Insights into NotebookLM’s podcast-style audio feature.[00:55:36] How AI enables creativity and emotional engagement in learning.😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicSign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!🎉 Presenting Sponsor: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 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.

Send us a textBenedict Gomes, SVP of Learning & Sustainability at Google, leads efforts to transform education and tackle global climate challenges. His organization develops tools like Google Classroom, ReadAlong, and YouTube-based learning platforms, empowering educators and learners worldwide. Ben also drives sustainability initiatives, including decarbonization and creating global environmental data solutions.Maureen Heymans, VP of Engineering, Learning & Sustainability at Google, oversees AI integration into tools like Search, YouTube, and Classroom to democratize access to quality education. She collaborates across teams to pioneer personalized learning technologies while leading sustainability initiatives that harness AI to address climate challenges and drive impactful global solutions.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Google is revolutionizing learning with products like Google Classroom, ReadAlong, and Learn About.The role of AI in creating personalized tutors for students and teaching assistants for educators.Insights into Google’s efforts to make sustainability a core part of its mission through AI and partnerships.How Google collaborates across teams to integrate pedagogy into AI tools like LearnLM.The vision for equitable access to personalized education worldwide, powered by AI.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:02:18] Ben shares how AI is transforming education and Google’s vision for supporting learning globally.[00:03:48] Discussing the importance of multimodal learning tools and products like NotebookLM and YouTube.[00:19:24] Maureen reflects on how project-based learning and the pandemic inspired her focus on education.[00:37:16] Explaining LearnX’s collaborative approach to driving learning innovations across Google’s ecosystem.[00:46:16] Introducing Learn About, a new AI-driven conversational tool combining pedagogy with the power of the web.[00:53:30] Envisioning a future where AI makes high-quality, personalized education accessible to billions globally.😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicSign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!🎉 Presenting Sponsor: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 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.

Send us a textIn this special episode, Edtech Insiders brings you to the heart of Google’s "Learning in the AI Era" event, held on 11/20/2024, in Mountain View, California. Hear exclusive interviews with the following Google leaders:Ben Gomes, SVP, Learning & Sustainability, GoogleMaureen Heymans, VP of Engineering, Learning & Sustainability, GoogleShantanu Sinha, VP & GM, Google for EducationJennie Magiera, Global Head of Education Impact, GoogleSteven Johnson, Editorial Director of NotebookLM and Google LabsYossi Matias, Vice President, Google & Head of Google ResearchObum Ekeke, Head of Education Partnerships, Google DeepMindJonathan Katzman, Director, Product Management, YouTube LearningLisa Gevelber, Founder, Grow With Google & CMO, Americas Regionand audience members:Isabelle Hau, Stanford Accelerator for LearningLibby Hills, Jacobs FoundationKristin FracchiaAdele Smolansky, AI-LearnersIshan Gupta, PaperFrom AI-powered learning to tools transforming education, this episode explores the future of EdTech.The full interviews with each guest will be posted daily this week. Stay tuned for deeper insights from these inspiring leaders!✨ Episode Highlights:[00:02:55] Ben Gomes' insights into AI-driven tools like Read Along and personalized learning.[00:09:28] Maureen on integrating AI into classrooms and bridging in-class and at-home learning.[00:19:24] Shantanu's reflections on AI-generated content and its implications for education.[00:21:30] Jennie on educators embracing AI to enhance learning for their students.[00:29:22] Steven on the origins of NotebookLM and its evolution into a transformative tool.[00:41:23] Yossi on the development of fine-tuned AI models like Gemini and their impact on learning.[00:49:41] Obum on making AI education more accessible globally and diversifying the workforce.[00:59:49] Jonathan on the rise of educational creators and their role in modern learning.[01:07:08] Lisa on the overview of Grow with Google and its impact on workforce development.😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Apple PodcastsSpotifyNewsletterLinkedIn🎉 Presenting Sponsor: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 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.

Send us a textSiSi (SiSi pronounced “See-See”) is a transformative all-in-one platform that brings together everything schools need—student records, learning tools, financials, admissions, communication, and more—into one simple, seamless system. Designed for educators, SiSi replaces the chaos of juggling multiple platforms with an intuitive solution that saves time, reduces complexity, and strengthens school communities.With features like AI-powered insights and automated processes, SiSi empowers teachers, administrators, and families to focus on what matters most: helping students thrive. It’s the ultimate partner for modern schools looking to work smarter and embrace the future of education.Joined by Rico Chow the Chief Product Officer, Jett Wolper the Founder and CEO of Sisi and Brandon Porterfield, Co-Principal of Hope International Academy Okinawa.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Sisi’s design simplifies school management for all stakeholders.Challenges and opportunities in the international school market.The role of AI in improving efficiency and engagement.Real-world examples of Sisi streamlining school workflows.How Sisi envisions leveling the playing field in education technology.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:01:00] The challenge of building an all-in-one platform: “We do this not because it’s easy, but because it’s difficult.”[00:03:25] Designing for global, culturally diverse school contexts.[00:06:45] How Sisi reduces time-consuming tasks for schools.[00:11:15] The pitfalls of fragmented systems and the power of true integration.[00:18:30] Importance of user feedback and community engagement in product development.[00:25:40] AI’s role in reducing teacher burnout and improving student outcomes.[00:32:55] The impact of user-friendly design in international schools.[00:40:30] Vision for supporting under-resourced schools with streamlined tools.If you'd like to see SiSi in action, they’ll be partnering with IFIP at BETT ExCeL London 2025!IFIP—the International Forums of Inclusion Practitioners—is an incredible organization leading the charge for inclusion on a global scale. Just this year, they co-hosted the Global Inclusive Schools’ Forum at UNESCO in Paris. Definitely check them out.If you’re attending BETT, stop by the London Suite on January 23rd and 24th to connect with SiSi. They’d love to meet you and share more about their work!😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicSign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!🎉 Presenting Sponsor: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 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.

Send us a textDr. David Yeager is the Raymond Dickson Centennial Professor of Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin. He earned his Ph.D. from Stanford University. His groundbreaking research focuses on the processes that shape adolescent development, examining how social cognitive factors interact with structural and physiological elements to influence youth trajectories. Dr. Yeager is also dedicated to uncovering ways to positively impact these psychological processes to enhance developmental and educational outcomes for young people. As co-Principal Investigator of the National Study of Learning Mindsets, the Texas Mindset Initiative, and the Texas Behavioral Science and Policy Institute, Dr. Yeager is at the forefront of efforts to translate cutting-edge psychological research into practical strategies for educators and policymakers.He is the author of 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People, a book that distills the latest insights on how to inspire and empower the next generation.David is also the lead instructor in a new class on MasterClass: The Power of Mindset. In this class, David and Carol Dweck draw on the science of mindset to show how members can develop new skills, overcome stress and setbacks, and use a mentor mindset to optimize performance and change lives at work, at home, on the sports field, and in the classroom. The class is available now exclusively on MasterClass.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:How the adolescent brain drives motivation and potential.The Mentor Mindset: balancing high standards and support.Why belonging, purpose, and respect fuel adolescent success.The power of short interventions on resilience and achievement.EdTech's role in youth motivation and AI's potential pitfalls.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:02:51] Dr. Yeager’s path from teaching to research leadership.[00:04:34] What the Mentor Mindset is and why it works.[00:08:46] How short interventions create long-term impact.[00:14:08] Understanding the adolescent brain and motivation.[00:17:35] The traits of great mentors: tough but supportive.[00:25:59] The power of role models and near-peer influences.[00:35:50] Addressing fear and fostering aspiration in youth.[00:41:40] AI’s role in motivating and supporting students.[00:45:26] A call for ethical AI in education technology.😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicSign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!🎉 Presenting Sponsor: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 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.

Send us a textMark Angel is the CEO and Co-founder of Amira Learning, the company bringing the science of reading and AI together. Amira is the first intelligent reading assistan for teachers and is now working with two million students in all 50 states and 14 countries.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Amira Learning uses AI to revolutionize reading education.The importance of efficacy studies in edtech product adoption.Strategic partnerships for scaling AI-driven tools in education.Tackling privacy and equity concerns with emerging AI tools.A vision of AI’s role in solving the global literacy crisis.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:02:15] The origin story of Amira, blending AI innovation with edtech experience.[00:03:46] How the reading coach adapts to diverse learners, including ELLs and dyslexic students.[00:07:40] The role of efficacy studies in building trust and demonstrating impact.[00:09:53] Advice for districts navigating the surge of AI tools in classrooms.[00:14:53] Optimistic vision of AI addressing the literacy crisis.[00:18:43] Importance of scale and data in driving AI-based educational solutions.[00:20:49] Key advice for entrepreneurs: focus on metrics and team culture.😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicSign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!🎉 Presenting Sponsor: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 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.

Send us a text2024 was an incredible year for EdTech, filled with transformative shifts and groundbreaking innovations!In this special year-end episode, Alex and Ben dive into the defining trends of the year—from the ESSER funding cliff reshaping K-12 strategies to the rise of AI-powered learning tools. They also look ahead to 2025, making bold predictions about the future of education technology, including the potential of gaming, assessment overhauls, and micro-company innovation.Stay tuned for Part 2, coming in January, where Alex and Ben will share predictions from thought leaders across the EdTech space to kick off the new year!✨ Episode Highlights:[00:00:43] 🎄 Kicking off the year-end special with reflections on a transformative 2024.[00:01:38] 📉 ESSER funding cliff and its implications for K-12 EdTech investments.[00:02:17] 🚀 The Cambrian explosion of AI and its impact on innovation and startups.[00:04:02] 🤖 AI in K-12 education: challenges, successes, and lessons from the field.[00:06:24] 🗺️ Big Tech’s growing influence on education and learning models.[00:08:03] 🎉 Reflecting on EdTech Insiders' major milestones and community highlights.[00:11:46] 🎮 Predictions for AI-driven gaming and real-time multimodal learning tools.[00:13:21] 📊 The coming assessment revolution and its transformative potential.[00:18:55] 🎓 Higher education’s pivot toward career-focused, practical learning models.[00:23:20] 💼 Workforce learning shifts: upskilling for productivity in a competitive market.[00:27:02] 🤔 AI agents and their transformative potential in education and beyond.😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicSign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!🎉 Presenting Sponsor: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 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.

Send us a textWith the holiday break just around the corner, join hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell for a timely look at the latest developments in education technology. From exciting AI advancements to shifts in curriculum policy, this episode captures the key trends shaping the future of learning.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:03:16] 🧠 OpenAI's New AI Tool "Sora" Makes Waves in Video Generation[00:06:01] 🎥 The Era of Multimodal AI: Google, Meta, and Microsoft Compete on Video and Agents[00:08:05] 🔍 Who’s Winning the AI Wars? Exploring AI Specialization[00:18:14] 🏫 Texas Education Agency’s New Curriculum Policies – What It Means for EdTech[00:25:55] 📉 Declining Public School Enrollment: Implications for K-12 and EdTech[00:27:05] 🌍 Global EdTech Trends: European VCs Raise Big Funds Amidst U.S. Challenges[00:28:27] 🚀 $175M Investment in AI for Higher Education by Element451[00:32:13] 💼 Workforce Upskilling Revolution: SaaS Startups Receive Major Investments[00:33:40] 📊 EdTech Year-End Reports Show Optimism in AI-Driven UpskillingPlus, special guests:[00:35:33] 🎙️ Alex Linley, Co-CEO of Cappfinity, discusses the future of skills-based hiring and education.[00:54:34] 🎙️ Henrik Appert, CEO of Magma Math, shares insights on their award-winning math platform and recent $40M funding round.😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicSign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!🎉 Presenting Sponsor: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 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.

Send us a textAs CEO and Co-Founder of Learnosity, Gavin Cooney still talks about the company he helped build over a decade ago with an infectious zeal. It’s easy to see why: what began as a project in a garden shed (a cliché maybe, but 100% true!) has matured into an internationally renowned tech company with a 200-strong crew of problem-solvers. Since Gav believes that all social ills can be remedied through education, his modus operandi is pretty simple: give education the standard of technology it deserves.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Learnosity empowers EdTech platforms with AI-driven assessment tools.The transformative role of AI in reducing teacher workloads and enhancing feedback.What makes Learnosity’s essay-scoring tool uniquely efficient and cost-effective.The importance of specialized EdTech solutions versus general AI tools.Gavin’s vision for the future of AI and assessment in education.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:02:23] Gavin Cooney shares Learnosity’s global impact: 40M users and 19B questions delivered annually.[00:03:38] How AI-driven essay scoring saves teachers hours of grading time each week.[00:06:48] Learnosity’s cutting-edge AI achieves unmatched scoring accuracy at just one cent per essay.[00:10:25] Why Learnosity focuses on enhancing teacher feedback rather than replacing educators.[00:13:54] The balance between general AI tools and Learnosity’s specialized capabilities.[00:18:10] Learnosity’s strategic pivot to invest heavily in AI development and innovation.[00:24:02] Gav’s optimistic outlook on AI as the “100-year wave” reshaping education.😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicSign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!🎉 Presenting Sponsor: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 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.

Send us a textTrish Sparks leads Clever as CEO. Previously she was VP of Customer Success and Sales. Trish came to Clever with a wealth of executive leadership experience at companies such as LinkedIn, where she scaled a global customer success organization, and at DemandBase, where she was Chief Customer Officer. As a North Carolina Teaching Fellows Scholar, she started her career as a middle school teacher in Wake County Public Schools. Trish holds BS degrees in Business and Education as well as an MBA from Meredith College. After living in the Bay Area for 20 years, Trish now resides in Chapel Hill, NC.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Clever has grown to serve 28 million students and teachers across the U.S.The role of digital identity platforms in securing and simplifying education technology.Insights from Clever’s “Classroom of the Future” report on AI adoption in education.How AI and automation are reducing teacher workloads and improving teaching conditions.Clever’s innovative cybersecurity solutions tailored for K-12 schools.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:02:47] Trish’s journey from teaching to leading Clever and her passion for EdTech.[00:04:54] The critical role of identity platforms in protecting student data and facilitating digital learning.[00:08:04] Key findings from Clever’s “Classroom of the Future” report[00:09:41] The rapid adoption of AI in EdTech and its evolving role in education[00:11:12] Cybersecurity challenges in K-12 schools and Clever’s solutions to mitigate risks.[00:14:44] Exciting EdTech trends, from addressing teacher shortages to advancing student data protection.😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicSign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!🎉 Presenting Sponsor: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 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.

Send us a textJoin hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell in this Thanksgiving edition of "Week in Edtech" as they explore the latest developments in education technology, from groundbreaking AI innovations to edtech controversies and funding milestones.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:03:16] 🧠 Edtech Insiders publishes AI tool market map with 300+ tools across 60 use cases[00:05:39] 🌐 Google AI Summit recap featuring LearnLM and Gemini’s memory feature[00:14:57] 🎥 OpenAI’s leaked Sora video generator sparks ethical debates[00:18:08] 📚 TikTok’s study tools trend raises concerns about gamified learning[00:27:38] 💰 Amazon invests $4 billion in Anthropic to deepen AI ties[00:32:10] ⚖️ AllHere founder charged with fraud impacts trust in edtech startups[00:40:53] 🏫 MIT, UT, and others announce free tuition for low-income familiesPlus Special Guest:[00:46:02] 🎙️ Brett Waikart, Co-founder & CEO of Skillfully, discusses skills-based hiring and future of work.😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicSign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!🎉 Presenting Sponsor: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 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.

Send us a textLaura K. Ipsen is president and chief executive officer of Ellucian, the leading technology solutions provider for more than 2,900 higher education institutions in more than 50 countries. She has more than 25 years of experience as a technology executive in Silicon Valley, driving transformation in the public and private sectors and spurring adoption of comprehensive solutions in high-growth industries at Oracle Corporation, Microsoft and Cisco Systems. Earlier in her career, Ipsen also held leadership roles at PricewaterhouseCoopers, Acer America, and Hitachi Data Systems.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:How AI is transforming higher education, from predictive analytics to enrollment success.Insights from Ellucian’s latest AI survey, highlighting adoption challenges and opportunities.The evolving value of a four-year degree in a tech-driven job market.How technology can alleviate FAFSA challenges and improve financial aid accessibility.The potential of a holistic, data-driven approach to student engagement and success.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:03:45] Laura Ipsen on Ellucian’s AI survey and industry readiness for AI adoption.[00:12:30] Demonstrating the ROI of degrees through skill alignment and data insights.[00:18:50] The importance of SaaS and data integration for institutional efficiency.[00:25:40] Addressing FAFSA challenges with technology-driven financial aid solutions.[00:32:15] Using AI to predict and address student needs and improve retention.[00:40:10] How the Journey platform connects education to lifelong career success.[00:48:20] Revolutionizing higher ed productivity through AI-driven administration.Resources Mentioned:Ellucian AI SurveyStudent Voice ReportEdUp Experience PodcastPaul LeBlanc’s Work on AI in Higher Ed😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicSign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!🎉 Presenting Sponsor: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 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.

Send us a textMatt Given is an experienced education technology leader and the CEO of Seesaw, a groundbreaking learning experience platform designed for PreK-5 students. With over 20 years of experience in education and edtech leadership, Matt has held executive roles at Kaplan, Catapult Learning, and EdisonLearning. Known for his expertise in universal design for learning and his ability to bridge the gap between home and classroom, Matt is a driving force behind Seesaw's mission to create accessible and engaging learning tools.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Seesaw connects teachers, students, parents, and administrators through its unique “learning loop.”The evolution of Seesaw from a communication tool to a robust learning experience platform.How AI enhances teacher workflows on Seesaw while keeping the focus on human-centered learning.The role of inclusive design and feedback from over 100,000 teacher ambassadors in shaping Seesaw’s products.The future of edtech tools in streamlining resources and fostering human connections in classrooms.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:00:22] Streamlining teacher workflows and improving classroom outcomes with Seesaw.[00:03:13] Reflections on 25 years in edtech and the evolution of digital learning tools.[00:07:16] Universal design for pre-readers and special populations.[00:11:38] Seesaw’s COVID-19 transformation and post-pandemic innovations.[00:16:45] Digital portfolios tracking student progress over time.[00:29:20] Teacher ambassadors shaping product development with real-world feedback.[00:36:14] Cautiously integrating AI for fluency assessments and translation.😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicSign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!🎉 Presenting Sponsor: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 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.

Send us a textArman Jaffer is the founder and CEO of Brisk Teaching. Brisk is an AI tool that helps educators personalize their instruction and save hours of time on administrative tasks.Emily Bennett currently serves as a Principal investor at Owl Ventures. 💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Brisk Teaching’s AI tools streamline teacher workflows and enhance instructional efficiency.The vision for AI in edtech, focusing on student-centered, adaptive learning through tools like Brisk Boost.Key insights into Owl Ventures’ investment strategy in AI-focused edtech solutions.The critical factors for edtech startups navigating the current funding landscape.The future of student-facing AI in education and its impact on teaching and learning.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:00:22] How AI enhances insights into student thinking for improved instruction.[00:01:49] Brisk Teaching's AI tools streamline teacher workflows with automation.[00:05:09] Owl Ventures' perspective on investing in high-impact AI edtech.[00:07:20] Brisk’s integration into teachers’ daily workflows across platforms. [00:13:03] The shift toward student-focused AI for personalized learning. [00:20:35] Use case for Brisk Boost’s interactive student tutoring aligned with learning objectives. [00:30:26] Practical advice for edtech entrepreneurs on navigating the funding landscape.✨ EdTech Insiders+ Members' Exclusive:Don’t miss the overtime episode with Arman & Emily, where they go beyond the main conversation to discuss:Advice for founders on building impactful edtech productsSustainable business models for AI in educationEssentials for creating responsible, student-focused AISubscribe to EdTech Insiders+ to access this exclusive content, get first dibs on event announcements, tickets and more!😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicSign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!🎉 Presenting Sponsor: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 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.

Send us a textJoin hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell for a post-election edition of "Week in Edtech," featuring insights from Anna Edwards and Ben Wallerstein of Whiteboard Advisors. ✨ Episode Highlights:[00:02:16] 🇺🇸 New trends in education policy post-election[00:04:42] 🏛️ Why state policies will shape the future of K-12 education[00:08:10] 💸 The looming financial gap for districts as ESSER funds expire[00:10:57] 🏢 Republicans’ potential plans to restructure or abolish the Education Department[00:19:50] 📉 Navigating a shifting landscape and finding opportunities in state funding[00:28:32] 🛠️ Rising focus on workforce readiness and career pathways[00:33:55] 📈 A move toward flexible, formative assessment models in K-12[00:36:08] 🤖 Anna Edwards on AI's expanding role in K-12 education[00:42:04] 🚀 Federal policies open doors for flexibility and innovation in educationPlus Special Guests:[00:55:33] 🎙️ Kavitta Ghai, CEO of Nectir, discusses how AI is transforming student support and boosting engagement in higher education[01:18:41] 🎙️ Lindsay Dworkin, SVP of Policy and Government Affairs at HMH, shares insights on adapting edtech strategy amidst policy changes😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicSign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!🎉 Presenting Sponsor: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 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.

Send us a textChuck Cohn is the Founder, Chairman & CEO of Nerdy (parent company of Varsity Tutors). Chuck founded the company in 2007 during his junior year of college after experiencing frustration finding the personalized help he needed for a calculus course. He spent his early career working in energy & power investment banking at Wells Fargo Securities (Wachovia) and healthcare private equity at Ascension Ventures, an $800M AUM private equity fund. Chuck bootstrapped Nerdy before leaving his private equity role to focus on growing Nerdy full-time at the end of 2011.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Varsity Tutors scaled from a startup to a public company and the evolving business model for reaching individual and institutional customers.The critical role of “high-dosage tutoring” in overcoming learning loss and why regular, personalized sessions outperform on-demand solutions.How AI tools are enhancing personalized education by creating adaptive lesson plans and optimizing tutor-student matching.The challenges and strategies in transitioning from direct-to-consumer to B2B in the K-12 education sector.The future of AI in tutoring, including real-time translation and adaptive content, and how it’s reshaping the role of human tutors.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:03:07] Chuck’s founding story of Nerdy and his vision for accessible tutoring[00:05:20] Scaling Varsity Tutors from individual tutoring to institutional partnerships.[00:07:27] Early entrepreneurial lessons from bootstrapping and finance[00:13:17] Ensuring quality through effective tutor-student matching.[00:16:45] Why high-dosage, relationship-based tutoring drives better outcomes[00:24:10] Balancing logistics with personalization in tutoring.[00:30:46] Chuck’s outlook on sustainable tutoring post-ESSER funding[00:35:00] How AI enhances personalization and tutor matching at Varsity Tutors[00:41:03] Consistent tutoring's impact on improving school attendance[00:50:06] The promise of real-time language translation for ELL students.😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicSign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!🎉 Presenting Sponsor: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 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.

Send us a textMark Miller is the founder and Managing Director of Good Harbor Partners (GHP), a boutique M&A advisory firm specializing in the education technology and publishing sectors. With over 20 years of experience as an edtech entrepreneur and advisor, Miller has a proven track record in guiding Pre-K-12, Higher Education, and Workforce clients through strategic growth, fundraising, and successful exits. A co-founder of LearnLaunch and a dedicated member of Cornell’s Entrepreneurship Advisory Board, Miller is widely respected for his contributions to the edtech ecosystem and frequently shares his insights as a speaker at industry events.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:How to decide when to stay and grow or pursue an acquisition.The importance of a clear capital strategy in today’s funding landscape.Key factors edtech entrepreneurs should consider at major inflection points.How AI developments are influencing the edtech M&A landscape.Challenges in securing sustainable funding for K-12 and higher ed amid economic uncertainties.✨ Episode Highlights[00:03:13] From Cornell to edtech, winning a business plan competition to building companies[00:10:18] Creating 'Take Note' as an early publishing venture at Cornell[00:19:51] Transition to M&A, guiding entrepreneurs on growth and exit decisions[00:26:19] Profitability and sustainability as essentials in today’s edtech[00:32:17] Common pitfalls in capital strategy and valuation for startups[00:47:27] AI and M&A, how big edtech views acquisitions in the AI market[01:03:10] Key resources from top thinkers in edtech policy and strategy😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicSign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!🎉 Presenting Sponsor: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 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.