Revolutionizing Learning: Super Teacher’s Mission to Democratize Tutoring

For years, private tutoring has been one of the most powerful ways to boost a child’s education, but also one of the least accessible.

In the United States, fewer than 10% of students receive tutoring due to high costs that can reach thousands of dollars per month.

That’s the challenge Tim Novikoff, former Google product manager and educator, set out to solve with Super Teacher, an AI-powered tutoring app designed for elementary school students. Priced at just $15 per month, or $10 with an annual plan, Super Teacher aims to make personalized tutoring affordable for every family.

What a Super Teacher Works

Super Teacher’s app uses AI-driven animated tutors with realistic, engaging voices that interact with students through conversational lessons. Kids can speak to the app naturally, just like talking to a real teacher.

Unlike other edtech tools that rely on large language models (LLMs), Super Teacher uses a deterministic AI system, ensuring that every response is accurate and educationally sound.

This approach avoids the risks of misinformation while keeping lessons focused and reliable.

Novikoff describes the app as a teacher’s assistant, not a replacement. “AI tutors are tools " like smart boards or calculators that empower teachers rather than replace them,” he said in an interview with TechCrunch.

Gaining Momentum Across Schools

Founded four years ago, Super Teacher is already showing impressive traction. Around 20,000 families use the app, and public schools in New York, New Jersey, and Hawaii have adopted it as a supplemental learning tool.

The company is also earning recognition in the global tech space; it’s among the Startup Battlefield Top 20 finalists at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 in San Francisco.

Why Elementary Education?

Novikoff’s decision to focus on elementary schools came from both personal and professional insight. As a former teacher in Harlem and later at Stuyvesant High School, he saw firsthand the gap between students who received tutoring and those who didn’t.

“Tutoring is by far the most effective intervention for education and it’s unfair that not everyone gets it, Novikoff said, his goal with Super Teacher is clear: democratize access to high-quality, private tutoring for every child, regardless of background or income"

Looking Ahead

Super Teacher plans to expand its reach to both younger and older grades, partnering with more school districts across the U.S. The long-term vision is to create an AI learning ecosystem where every child can receive tailored academic support anytime, anywhere.

As one of the most exciting startups at Disrupt 2025, Super Teacher is redefining what equitable, AI-assisted education can look like a step toward closing the learning gap for good.

Conclusion

AI is transforming education, and Super Teacher stands at the forefront of this movement, bridging the gap between affordability, accessibility, and academic excellence. By combining technology and empathy, it’s making sure no student gets left behind.