This week on Solve for X, host Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Sawyer Altman, Founder of Goblins, to discuss how AI is reshaping personalized learning and why today's technology may finally solve one of education's oldest challenges.
Drawing from his experience as a New York City math teacher, Sawyer shares the classroom frustrations that inspired Goblins, an AI-powered math platform designed to give every student the equivalent of one-on-one instruction. Together, Rick and Sawyer explore why traditional personalized learning has fallen short, how AI can help teachers identify misconceptions in real time, and why engagement starts with designing experiences students genuinely enjoy.
They also dive into Sawyer's unconventional journey from coding game servers and launching startups to teaching, entrepreneurship, and building one of education's most innovative AI platforms. Whether you're an educator, district leader, or edtech founder, this conversation offers a compelling look at where AI can make the greatest impact in K-12 education.
What You'll Learn
- Why personalized learning has remained so difficult to achieve in classrooms
- The teaching experience that inspired Sawyer to build Goblins
- How AI can help teachers provide individualized instruction at scale
- Why identifying misconceptions in real time changes classroom instruction
- The importance of understanding students' thinking, not just right or wrong answers
- How Goblins helps teachers prioritize interventions during class
- Why math confidence is often built on strong foundational skills
- Sawyer's journey from entrepreneur and nonprofit founder to classroom teacher
- Lessons learned from building startups inside and outside education
- Why designing engaging learning experiences matters more than gamification
- How AI can strengthen teachers rather than replace them
- The future of personalized math instruction in K-12 education
Episode Timestamps
01:03 The Story Behind the Goblins Name
02:28 Solving the Challenge of Personalized Learning
05:46 Why Teaching Is More Complex Than Most People Realize
07:24 Why Personalized Learning Has Been So Difficult
09:13 Sawyer's Entrepreneurial Journey
12:36 The Reality of Building an EdTech Company
16:18 How Goblins Works in the Classroom
18:23 Real-Time Teacher Insights
22:27 Early Student Impact and Research
23:38 Why Schools Sometimes Resist Change
26:34 Supporting Students Before Algebra Becomes a Barrier
30:06 Breaking the "I'm Not a Math Person" Mindset
32:04 Expanding AI Beyond Mathematics
34:19 Designing Learning Without Gamification
36:40 The Future of AI-Powered Learning
Connect with Us
Host’s LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/Company’s LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-groupSpecial Thanks
To Sawyer Altman for sharing his journey from educator to entrepreneur and for his commitment to helping teachers deliver personalized learning experiences that meet students where they are. His work highlights how thoughtful innovation can empower educators and create more opportunities for every learner.
Stay Connected
Follow, like, and subscribe to Solve for X for more conversations where curiosity meets collaboration. Until next time—keep asking the right questions, and keep solving for X.