LiberatED Podcast

Debra Ross, a dedicated homeschool mom, is the founder and CEO of Kids Out And About, LLC, which provides essential family resources and event info to over 11 million visitors. In this conversation, she shares her journey of marrying entrepreneurship with family life. Topics include the significant rise of homeschooling, innovative ways to connect families with local educational resources, and the evolving landscape of education shaped by the COVID pandemic. Debra also discusses her vision for expanding community engagement through diverse educational opportunities.

Sara Casey Taleff, founder of Cottonwood Communities, and Jenna Hill, co-founder of CASCO Learning, discuss the microschool movement and their new initiative, CoLearnCo, aimed at fostering community. They share insights on the evolution of microschools, highlighting their focus on self-directed, project-based learning. The conversation also explores how technology enhances personalized education, connects families, and builds community engagement. Listeners will be intrigued by their vision of creating a cohesive online learning environment.

Collin Hitt, a homeschooling dad and Executive Director at the PRIME Center, dives into the booming trend of homeschooling, especially in Missouri, where 1 in 16 kids are now taught at home. He discusses shifting perceptions post-pandemic, the flexibility families seek, and the challenges in gathering accurate data. Hitt also explores the evolving relationship between homeschooling and public education, including the need for schools to adapt. Finally, he hints at the future of education policies that support homeschooling, a likely permanent fixture for many families.

Luba Vangelova, founder of The Hub, shares her journey from systems engineering and journalism to pioneering a part-time online microschool for homeschooled teens. She discusses the power of curiosity and collaboration in education, emphasizing the importance of hands-on projects. Luba reveals how her initial vision evolved during the pandemic, transitioning to an online format that fosters community and connection. She highlights the challenges and rewards of creating an engaging learning environment, showcasing the transformative potential of alternative education.

Kimberly Amee is a homeschool mom and former teacher who in 2021 founded Above Reproach Academy, a private umbrella school, homeschool co-op, and educational resource center located in Spring Hill, Florida that now serves over 100 learners.  *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly LiberatED e-newsletter on education trends at fee.org/liberated.

Ar'Jillian Gilmer is the founder of Gilmer's Learning Solutions, a tutoring center and microschool in Little Rock, Arkansas. A public school teacher for nearly a decade, Ar'Jillian felt the pull towards education entrepreneurship and creating innovative learning options for local children. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly LiberatED e-newsletter on education trends at fee.org/liberated.

Danielle Strachman is the cofounder and general partner of the 1517 Fund, an early-stage venture capital fund and community supporting college dropouts and tech-focused scientists working on entrepreneurial solutions to big problems. Danielle has worked with young entrepreneurs for over a decade, including during the founding in 2010 of the Thiel Fellowship, a program started by entrepreneur and investor Peter Thiel to provide funding to ambitious young people who opted out of college in favor of entrepreneurial ventures.  Prior to that, Danielle was an education entrepreneur! She founded and directed Innovations Academy in San Diego, a K-8 charter school serving 400 students, with a focus on student-led, project based learning and other alternative programs. Read more about 1517 at Substack. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly LiberatED e-newsletter on education trends at fee.org/liberated.    

Kristy Moody, cofounder of Acton Academy Palm Harbor, discusses her transformation from public school teacher to innovator in learner-driven education. She shares the challenges she faced launching her school and the importance of community engagement. The conversation highlights the significance of personalized education, including practical literacy strategies, and the impact of Florida's universal school choice funding. Additionally, Kristy reveals inspiring stories of student transformations and offers advice for aspiring educational founders.

Nicole Stewart is the founder and president of the National Association of Black Microschool Leaders, as well as the founder of Legacy Prep Collegiate Microschool which opened this fall in Lakeland, Florida. A public school teacher for 18 years, Nicole is finding deep fulfillment in education entrepreneurship, with plans to open more Legacy Prep microschools while helping other founders get their schools off the ground. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly LiberatED e-newsletter on education trends at fee.org/liberated.  

Nance Confer is the founder and director of Florida Unschoolers. Launched in 2001, Florida Unschoolers is a tuition-free, private "umbrella" school for nearly 14,000 Florida unschoolers and homeschoolers. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly LiberatED e-newsletter on education trends at fee.org/liberated.