Ben Somers, CEO and co-founder of the homeschooling platform Recess, has publicly challenged prevailing attitudes within the education technology sector, asserting that many companies harbor negative views towards schools, families, and students. In a recent social media post, Somers outlined a contrasting philosophy that underpins his company's approach, emphasizing belief in the inherent capabilities of all stakeholders in education. His statement highlights a significant ideological divergence within the EdTech landscape.
"Education companies often hate the schools they work with, think poorly of their families, and treat kids like they're incapable," Somers stated in his tweet. He then articulated Recess's foundational beliefs, declaring, "We have the opposite beliefs - schools are filled with outstanding, caring adults - parents want the best for their kids - kids love to learn." This direct critique and affirmation underscore a call for more collaborative and respectful engagement within the industry.
Somers co-founded Recess, a homeschooling platform launched in 2024 with Michael Pauleen, aimed at children aged 8 to 14. The platform focuses on fostering social connection and practical skills through group-based online projects, such as engineering simulations or website design. This model is designed to instill confidence and agency in students, aligning directly with Somers' expressed belief in children's capacity for learning and growth.
Recess's approach, which includes live instruction and peer interaction, stands in contrast to what Somers perceives as a dismissive attitude from some EdTech providers. The company has successfully raised $5.5 million from firms including Bling Capital and Bloomberg Beta, serving over 500 students and demonstrating a market appetite for its student-centric methodology. Somers' background includes experience at Synthesis, a startup spun out of Elon Musk's Ad Astra School, where he gained insights into motivating young learners.
His remarks resonate within an EdTech market that is continually evolving, with a growing emphasis on personalized learning and student engagement. By advocating for a positive and supportive ecosystem, Somers and Recess aim to differentiate themselves by building solutions that empower rather than undermine the existing educational framework. This perspective could encourage a broader industry re-evaluation of how technology can best serve and collaborate with schools, families, and students.
