YouTube as the Ultimate EdTech Tool: Katie Kurtz on Youth, Learning, and AI

Send us Fan MailKatie Kurtz is Managing Director and Global Head of Youth and Learning at YouTube where she is responsible for developing the ecosystem to engage, inform, and educate kids, teens, and adults. Katie joined YouTube in 2019 after serving as Chief Product Officer at Noodle Partners, an online program manager designing and building fully online degree programs for universities. Previously she was Senior Vice President and National Sales Manager for Higher Education at Cengage Learning. Prior to that Katie was Vice President of Business Development at adaptive learning pioneer Knewton, where she led the platform's partnership strategy for three years.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:How YouTube has become one of the largest learning platforms globally.The new educational features on YouTube, including quizzes, key concepts, and AI conversational tutors.Insights into YouTube’s Study Hall program, allowing students to earn college credits.The delicate balance between entertainment and education that creators must maintain.The future of AI and machine learning in shaping YouTube’s educational experiences.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:02:32] Katie Kurtz discusses her career path from Knewton to YouTube[00:05:29] The rise of YouTube as one of the largest global learning platforms[00:06:29] New educational tools on YouTube, including quizzes and AI-driven tutors.[00:10:16] Study Hall: YouTube’s program helping students earn college credits.[00:18:06] YouTube’s “Player for Education” and its benefits for teachers and classrooms.[00:21:31] The role of AI in transforming education on YouTube.[00:24:02] Katie reflects on YouTube's responsibility as a leading educational platform.😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicSign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!🎉 Presenting Sponsor: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. 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.