LiberatED Podcast

Today’s guest is Sarah Pevehouse, founder of Apogee Dripping Springs Micro High School in Dripping Springs, Texas, west of Austin, which she launched in 2024. With a background in Waldorf and alternative education, Sarah has served as a teacher, administrator, and enrollment director, shaping real-world learning experiences for students. She has taught in overseas military schools, led summer camps, and held leadership roles in private K-8 and preschool programs.  Sarah is a mom of two daughters, ages 13 and 15, and is an active member of both the Apogee Strong network of education centers, as well as the KaiPod Catalyst microschool accelerator program. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org.

Today's guest is Elan Page, the founder of Homeschool Our Way based in Dallas, Texas. She created Homeschool Our Way in 2023 to help other families of color avoid the overwhelm she had experienced in starting something new. Homeschool Our Way offers a weekly podcast, an online course called the Homeschool Launch Blueprint, homeschool coaching services, and other resources to empower families of color to educate their children with confidence and clarity. ***   Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly e-newsletter on education entrepreneurship and innovation at edentrepreneur.org.  

Ali Kaufman, an education entrepreneur and founder of Space of Mind, shares her journey in creating a thriving hybrid homeschool program in Florida. She explores how clutter affects learning, especially for children with ADHD or autism. Kaufman also discusses the evolution of personalized homeschooling and the collaborative environment she aims to foster. She highlights the challenges of managing a hybrid model while balancing passion with practical entrepreneurship. Listeners can engage with her innovative education approach and learn more about adaptive learning strategies.

In this conversation with George Philhower, the Superintendent of Eastern Hancock Public Schools, we explore the exciting rise of public microschooling in Indiana. Philhower leads the Indiana Microschool Collaborative, aiming to integrate innovative schooling options into public education. He discusses the pandemic's role in accelerating this movement, the joy of personalized learning, and the importance of community collaboration. Discover how educational leaders can inspire change and create more enriching experiences for students in rural areas.

Nefertiti Harris, a former public school teacher and mom of five, is the innovative founder of Empowered Prep Academy, a microschool in Jackson, Mississippi, dedicated to supporting dyslexic students. She shares her inspiring journey transitioning from traditional education to creating a flexible, individualized learning environment. Nefertiti discusses the challenges faced by students with unique learning needs within the public school system and emphasizes the importance of community engagement in fostering innovative educational models. Her passion for making education accessible shines through!

In this engaging discussion, Jody Underwood, founder and president of EdOpt, sheds light on innovative educational models emerging in New Hampshire. With a Ph.D. in science and technology education, she shares her journey in transforming learning through microschools and community initiatives. Jody explores parental motivations driving the shift toward homeschooling and the challenges posed by standardized testing. She advocates for empowering families to make informed education choices and highlights the importance of entrepreneurial support in creating personalized learning experiences.

Connor Boyack, founder of the Libertas Network and author of the Tuttle Twins series, dives into the transformative world of alternative education. He discusses the acquisition of the Praxis apprenticeship program and its mission to empower families through freedom-focused learning. The conversation explores the skepticism surrounding traditional college paths, the innovative structure of Praxis, and how it aligns education with entrepreneurial opportunities. Boyack emphasizes the importance of practical learning and the evolution of employment in a rapidly changing economy.

In a compelling discussion, Kathleen deLaski, author of 'Who Needs College Anymore?' and former ABC News White House correspondent, challenges conventional views on education. She argues for redefining success by prioritizing skills over degrees, highlighting the changing job market's preference for practical experience. Kathleen also explores the systemic barriers in traditional college paths and advocates for diverse, inclusive educational options. Tune in to discover innovative ways to bridge education and employment in today's evolving landscape.

Today's guest is Crystal Goins, a mom of 5 and founder of Heartwise Scholars Microschool in Chesapeake, Virginia. A public school teacher for over 13 years, Crystal joined the Kaipod Catalyst microschool accelerator program to help get her microschool off the ground, and opened her microschool last August. She shares insights and information for parents and teachers at her website theresilientteachermom.com.  *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly e-newsletter on education entrepreneurship and innovation at edentrepreneur.org.

Tomis Parker, a cofounder of the Agile Learning Centers network and leader at ALC Mosaic, discusses the transformative power of self-directed education. He contrasts conventional schooling with the freedom offered by Agile Learning Centers and microschools, especially post-pandemic. Tomis also introduces PRISM, a web app designed to document self-directed learning, emphasizing family involvement. He shares insights for aspiring educational entrepreneurs, stressing the importance of community and intuition in building sustainable educational models.