Student-Centered Learning, AI, and School Redesign with Julie Young of Florida Virtual School

Send us Fan MailJulie Young is the Founding CEO of Florida Virtual School (FLVS), where she helped pioneer online public education and expand access to millions of learners. She later founded ASU Prep Digital and is the author of Say Yes: How Virtual Became Reality, continuing to shape the future of student-centered learning.💡 5 Things You'll Learn in This Episode How Florida Virtual School grew from a small pilot into a global model for virtual education.  Why putting students and not systems at the center changes everything about school design.  Lessons for driving innovation within public education while earning trust and support.  How ASU Prep Digital is blurring the lines between K-12 and higher education.  Why AI should be a catalyst for redesigning education, not simply automating existing practices. ✨ Episode Highlights[00:02:42] Why Julie wrote Say Yes and the philosophy that shaped her career. [00:03:46] The origins of Florida Virtual School and overcoming skepticism about online learning. [00:10:56] Building innovation inside public education without working against the system. [00:23:09] How ASU Prep Digital is rethinking the transition from high school to college. [00:32:01] Why AI challenges the very purpose of school and creates an opportunity to redesign learning. [00:37:20] The rise of robotics, coding, and authentic assessment as the future of education. [00:39:33] Julie's recommended books for educators and innovation leaders. 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s: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. This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley 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. 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. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead.