1170: The entrepreneur disrupting education with MICROSCHOOLS (and how to challenge traditional institutions) w/ Dr. Melissa Feiger

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of education transformation with Dr. Melissa Feiger, founder of Wander Through Wonder, a groundbreaking micro school that’s redefining how students learn. Melissa shares her journey from public school teacher to entrepreneur, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of building a learning environment that prioritizes curiosity, global citizenship, and hands-on experience. Discover how her micro school model empowers students to drive their own learning and how she's leveraging global education to cultivate the next generation of thinkers and doers.

💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business

• 🚀 How to recognize when it’s time to break away from traditional models and innovate within your industry
• 🌍 Why global citizenship education can unlock new perspectives and entrepreneurial thinking
• 🤝 The importance of building partnerships and community support when launching a mission-driven venture
• 🔄 Embracing technology like AI in education to enhance—not replace—learning experiences

📝 About the Guest
Dr. Melissa Feiger believes students succeed when they choose what and how they learn. She taught middle school science for nine years and helped create the district's middle school science curriculum. Outside the classroom, Melissa co-led and coached the Science Olympiad team, led and chaperoned Springfield, D.C., and Galapagos student trips, & coached intramural tennis. Melissa earned her Bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in Elementary Education with middle school endorsements in science, social studies, and language arts. While teaching, she earned her Master's in Education from National-Louis University in English as a Second Language (ESL) & Special Education (LBS1) and her PhD in Curriculum Studies from DePaul University. Her published dissertation focused on how the level of democracy impacts the education system in various countries. Currently, she is an adjunct professor at Truman College. 

🎯 Guest’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs
"Follow your vision. Even if it evolves and changes, stay true to it because, in the end, you’re creating positive change in the world. Sometimes it means taking risks like quitting your job or leasing a space before you're ready—but you have to believe in what you’re building, and others will believe in it too."

📢 Memorable Quotes

• “The world is their oyster, and I’m just trying to facilitate and provide that education to encourage a love of learning.”
• “We have to embrace AI in education—not as a replacement, but as a tool to enhance learning experiences.”
• “We can change the education system step by step, one micro school at a time.”

💡 Actionable Takeaways
✅ Identify opportunities to innovate within traditional systems—change often starts from the outside
✅ Leverage community partnerships to strengthen your mission and impact

🔗 Links & Resources

• Visit Wander Through Wonder Academy’s Website
• Follow Wander Through Wonder Academy on LinkedIn
• Find Wander Through Wonder Academy on Facebook
• Subscribe to Wander Through Wonder Academy’s YouTube Channel
• Follow Wander Through Wonder Academy on Instagram
• Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn