LiberatED Podcast

Robert Barnett, co-founder and Chief Product Officer at the Modern Classrooms Project, shares insights from his journey in education. He discusses innovative tech like instructional videos that allow personalized learning for students. Barnett emphasizes the importance of adapting teaching methods to meet diverse needs. He also delves into the evolution of funding models for nonprofits, the advantages of personalized instruction in private schools, and his own experiences as an education entrepreneur.

Our guest today is Jennie Jones, a former professional ballerina, turned homeschooling mom of four, turned education entrepreneur. In September 2024, Jennie launched The Treehouse Agile Learning Community as a home-based microschool in St. George, Utah that uses agile learning tools to foster intentional community, natural learning, and independence in students ages 5-12. Read more about Jennie's founder journey in her debut FEE.org article. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly LiberatED e-newsletter on education trends at fee.org/liberated.

Jake Thompson, founder of Heroes Academy and leader of the Acton Academy network, shares his journey from finance to education. He emphasizes the importance of authentic learning, which fuels creativity and entrepreneurship in students. Thompson discusses his experiences founding an academy in Boise and highlights the transformative impact on children and families. He explores the challenges of educational entrepreneurship while stressing the need for passion and a meaningful calling. The conversation also includes resources for future founders in the innovative educational landscape.

Today's guests are Taylor Munro and Lacey Fickes, cofounders of Peak Academy, a microschool in Richmond, Texas currently serving students in grades K-8, with a high school expansion in the works. They launched Peak Academy in August 2022, but prior to that both founders worked for many years as public school teachers in Texas.  *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly LiberatED e-newsletter on education trends at fee.org/liberated.

Tonya Kipe was an elementary school teacher in Florida public schools for over a decade before launching Kipe Academy, a microschool in Polk City, Florida. She grew her microschool from one student in January 2024 to 26 students today, including those with special learning needs. Read more about Tonya's microschool in Kerry's latest article at The 74. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly LiberatED e-newsletter on education trends at fee.org/liberated.   

Today's guest is Latoya Nelson, founder of The Attuned Community School, a hybrid homeschool program in Warner Robins, Georgia. Latoya is an experienced educator who taught in public schools and charter schools for over a decade. She has been especially interested in working with children in foster care, as well as adoptive families. Latoya launched her microschool in August 2022 after participating in the KaiPod Catalyst microschool accelerator program.  *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly LiberatED e-newsletter on education trends at fee.org/liberated.

Ashley Soifer and Dawn Soifer, co-founders of the National Microschooling Center, share their insights on the rapidly evolving world of microschools. The duo discusses how their initiative started as a response to educational challenges during the pandemic and has since grown to over 1,300 microschools nationwide. They highlight innovative ways these schools measure student success beyond traditional metrics and delve into how changing regulations are shaping educational choices. Expect predictions on the future impact of microschooling in 2025!

Giselle McClymont knew from second grade that she wanted to be a teacher. She went on to earn an education degree in college and taught in Florida’s Broward County public elementary schools for six years before leaving the system in 2022 to be a stay-at-home-mom with plans to homeschool her daughter. A year later, she learned about microschools and was hooked. Giselle soon launched Tree Stars Learning, a microschool in West Sunrise, Florida. She is now in the process of opening a second location in Coral Springs. Read more about Giselle's entrepreneurial journey in Kerry's latest article at The 74. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly LiberatED e-newsletter on education trends at fee.org/liberated.  

Susan Hawes, the founder and Executive Director of Insight Colearning, shares her transformative journey of establishing a learner-centered micro-high school in Durham, North Carolina. She highlights the impact of North Carolina's universal school choice program, emphasizing how state scholarships have enhanced accessibility for families. The discussion covers the challenges of transitioning from homeschooling to a recognized school, the importance of community relationships, and practical advice for aspiring school founders entering the micro-schooling landscape.

Coi Morefield, founder of The Lab School of Memphis and Microschool Masters, shares her insights on professional development for microschool educators. She discusses the strengths of microschools and the crucial need for tailored training to support teachers making the transition from traditional classrooms. Coi introduces her initiative that offers self-paced, online courses, emphasizing the importance of adapting teaching practices. The conversation highlights innovative recruitment strategies, compliance training, and the potential future of microschools.