Week in Edtech 7/9/2025: OpenAI’s $28M K-12 Push, Meta’s Talent War, Higher Ground Bankruptcy, Teaching Lab + Relay Merger & More! Feat. Josh Reibel, Dreamscape Learn; Dr. Jennifer Cruz, Pendergast Elementary; & Thomas Thompson & Thomas Hummel, Eduaide.ai

Jul 18, 2025

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Thomas Hummel

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In this engaging discussion, Josh Reibel, CEO of Dreamscape Learn, shares insights on the transformative power of VR in education, emphasizing immersive storytelling in STEM subjects. Dr. Jennifer Cruz, Superintendent of Pendergast Elementary, highlights the real-world challenges teachers face while integrating AI. Thomas Thompson and Thomas Hummel from EduAid.ai reveal how AI can empower educators by personalizing learning and supporting lesson planning. The group also tackles the competitive landscape of AI in education and the implications of recent developments.

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INSIGHT

Challenges in Physical Ed Tech Scaling

Higher Ground Education's Chapter 11 filing reflects difficulties scaling brick-and-mortar education with venture capital's growth expectations.
Physical expansion demands capital and time, posing challenges for rapid scaling required by VC models.

ANECDOTE

Immersive Storytelling Boosts Learning

Josh Reibel shared how Dreamscape Learn immerses students in stories like solving arsenic poisoning in a Himalayan village.
This narrative-driven VR engagement doubles science test scores and closes achievement gaps.

ANECDOTE

Pendergast District’s VR Success

Dr. Jennifer Cruz witnessed a doubling in science test scores and improved attendance after using Dreamscape Learn.
The emotional engagement and user-friendly logistics helped boost teacher and student enthusiasm.

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Join hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they explore the latest developments in education technology, from AI showdowns to immersive learning pilots and funding updates.

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:02:00] OpenAI announces $28M K-12 AI training initiative with AFT, UFT, and Microsoft
[00:04:34] Gallup-Walton poll reveals 68% of teachers lack AI training despite high usage
[00:07:11] OpenAI takes a bottom-up approach as teachers criticize Google’s AI rollout
[00:23:41] Meta forms Superintelligence Labs, aggressively hiring AI talent across the industry
[00:36:17] Senate blocks AI regulation ban, states retain power to legislate AI in education
[00:37:31] Higher Ground Education files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, prompting edtech funding debate
[00:42:05] Honor Education raises $38M to enhance asynchronous social learning
[00:42:45] Teaching Lab merges with Relay Graduate School of Education to scale AI-aligned PD

Plus, special guests:

[00:44:17] Josh Reibel, CEO of Dreamscape Learn and Dr. Jennifer Cruz, Superintendent of the Pendergast Elementary School District discuss VR and immersive learning with Dreamscape Learn
[01:46:15] Eduaide.Ai founders Thomas Thompson and Thomas Hummel on empowering teacherpreneurs with AI

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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.

Cooley LLP 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.