Julie Martin

Julie Martin has spent more than 15 years designing learning experiences that help young people become thoughtful, confident, and independent learners. An educator, learning experience designer, and AI literacy expert, she works with tweens and teens in one-to-one and small-group settings, creating inquiry-based learning experiences that develop critical thinking, curiosity, and self-direction. Based in Lisbon, Portugal, Julie partners with schools, families, and educational organizations around the world, always tailoring her teaching to each student's interests, strengths, and goals.

Julie holds a doctorate in education (Ed.D.) with a specialization in instructional design and technology from South College, as well as a master of science in psychology with a specialization in adolescent development from Walden University. Together, these fields have shaped her approach to teaching. Rather than relying on trends or one-size-fits-all methods, Julie draws on research in learning science and developmental psychology to help students build motivation, resilience, and ownership of their learning.

Throughout her career, Julie has worked as both a learning coach and learning experience designer for educational organizations serving middle and high school students in online and in-person settings. She has provided individualized academic coaching, led self-directed project clubs, and facilitated collaborative, inquiry-based courses designed to help students ask better questions, solve authentic problems, and develop confidence as independent thinkers. Her work combines strong academic expectations with careful attention to students' social and emotional development. This approach has consistently produced exceptional results, including recognition for helping students achieve growth rates three times higher than traditional school benchmarks.

Julie has developed particular expertise in helping students navigate emerging technologies thoughtfully and responsibly. In 2025, she founded The Critical Thinking Lab, an educational initiative dedicated to teaching AI literacy. Through this work, she created Cogpoppy, a free AI literacy app for teenagers, along with a collection of self-paced learning modules that introduce students to concepts such as algorithms, bias in AI systems, and responsible technology use. Her goal is not simply to teach students how to use AI, but to help them think critically alongside it and understand its role in an increasingly complex world.

Julie also brings the perspective of a worldschooling parent. For six years, she and her family traveled to more than 50 countries, designing an education rooted in curiosity, real-world experiences, and meaningful exploration. That experience continues to shape her teaching today. She believes students learn best when they have the freedom to pursue meaningful questions, connect ideas across disciplines, and develop genuine ownership of their education.