Join education reformers Erika Donalds and Dr. Pano Kanelos as they tackle the American education crisis. Erika discusses launching OptimaEd’s groundbreaking virtual reality school, while Pano shares his vision for the University of Austin focused on open inquiry and critical thinking. They explore the need for classical education, the barriers to innovation in the sector, and the potential of Education Savings Accounts. The duo passionately advocates for parental empowerment and a shift towards educational models that prepare students for future challenges.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Erika Donalds' Son's Success
Erika Donalds pulled her son out of a traditional public school after he was miserable despite interventions.
She enrolled him in a small classical private school where he thrived without medication or special classrooms.
insights INSIGHT
Purpose of True Education
Universities have lost their way by teaching students what to think instead of how to think.
True education involves open inquiry, dialogue, and joining the great historical conversation.
insights INSIGHT
Ideological Struggles in Education
An ideology opposing Western civilization dominates education, promoting collectivism over individual liberty.
In 'The Broken Constitution', Noah Feldman provides a compelling narrative of Abraham Lincoln's constitutional choices during the Civil War. Feldman argues that Lincoln deliberately violated the founding principles of the U.S. Constitution to save it, transforming it from a compromise pact into a sacred text embodying the nation's highest ideals. The book explores Lincoln's actions, including the suspension of habeas corpus and the Emancipation Proclamation, within the context of his time.
The Federalist Papers
A Collection of Essays, Written in Favour of the New Constitution
James Madison
Alexander Hamilton
John Jay
The Federalist Papers are a series of essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay under the pseudonym 'Publius.' These essays, published between October 1787 and May 1788, aimed to convince the public and political leaders to ratify the newly drafted US Constitution. The papers provide a comprehensive analysis of the proposed federal system, arguing for a stronger central government and the adoption of the Constitution over the existing Articles of Confederation. They discuss various aspects of republican government, including the separation of powers, checks and balances, and the protection of individual liberties. Despite their primary goal of influencing New York's ratification vote, The Federalist Papers have become a seminal work in American political philosophy and a key resource for understanding the original intent of the Constitution's framers.
Can America’s failing education system be fixed—or do we need to start from scratch? PragerU CEO Marissa Streit is joined by two of the boldest education reformers in America: Erika Donalds, founder of OptimaEd, and Dr. Pano Kanelos, founding president of the University of Austin.
Together, they discuss the roots of the education crisis—from the monopoly of government-run K-12 schools to the decline of critical thinking in universities. Hear how they're building the future of education with school choice, classical education, and entrepreneurial innovation.
Follow Marissa on social:
https://www.instagram.com/marissastreit/
https://x.com/marissastreit
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissastreit/
Follow Erika Donalds
https://x.com/ErikaDonalds
https://www.instagram.com/erikadonalds/
Learn more about OptimaEd and University of Austin:
https://optimaed.com/?page_id=1566
https://www.uaustin.org/
0:00 – Why Erica Donalds and Dr. Pano Kanelos Entered the Fight for Education
3:32 – Erica’s Story and Launching OptimaEd’s Virtual Reality School
6:15 – Founding the University of Austin to Restore Higher Education
10:23 – What Classical Education Is and Why It Matters Today
15:56 – How Ideological Forces Took Over Schools and Universities
23:18 – Why Reforming From Within Didn’t Work: Erica’s Shift to School Choice
25:15 – Preparing Students for an AI-Powered, Ever-Changing Future
29:30 – The Hidden Barriers to Starting New Schools and Universities
34:21 – What Are ESAs and How They Empower Parents
42:02 – The Case for Dismantling the Department of Education
48:14 – New Ideas and Entrepreneurs Driving the Future of Education
53:13 – What Should Parents Look For in a School Today?
57:51 – Breaking the Ivy League Myth and Building a New Elite
1:02:30 – Teaching Resilience and Final Advice for Parents
Real Talk with Marissa Streit 
