LiberatED Podcast

Rebecca Newby taught high school English in the Pine Bluff, Arkansas public schools before becoming principal of Friendship Aspire Academy, a K-5 public charter school in Pine Bluff that is seeing skyrocketing demand from local families looking for new education options.  *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly LiberatED e-newsletter on education trends at fee.org/liberated.  

A high school math teacher and principal in Montana public schools for over 10 years, Rusty Bowers launched Bozeman Innovation Academy, a K-8 Acton Academy affiliate, in fall 2023. Acton Academy is a fast-growing network of schools focused on learner-driven education. Founded in 2009, the Acton network now includes over 300 independently-operated schools, serving thousands of learners. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly LiberatED e-newsletter on education trends at fee.org/liberated.

Nathan Fellman was a public middle school teacher and administrator in New Hampshire for about 20 years before leaving his job to launch The Harkness House, a middle school microschool in Nashua, New Hampshire, which opened in fall 2022. Harkness House is a state-recognized private school that also has part-time enrollment options for homeschoolers, and some students attend at a reduced tuition thanks to the state's school choice programs. More families were asking for high school options, so Nate and his team decided to explore dual enrollment options, partnering with a local community college to expand offerings for high schoolers. Why Teachers Are Finding Meaningful Careers In Microschools (Forbes.com) *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly LiberatED e-newsletter on education trends at fee.org/liberated.  

Mikel Matisoo, a seasoned educator at Sudbury Valley School since 1988, shares his journey from aspiring horticulturist to educator. He discusses the profound impact of self-directed learning on students and the unique philosophy of the school that champions autonomy. Mikel reflects on how the school evolved, the benefits experienced by multiple generations of his family, and the challenges faced during the transition to alternative education. Plus, he reveals insights on empowering students and the school's flexible enrollment policy.

Rachelle Noble, founder of Microschool Solutions and Noble Microschools, shares her journey from charter school teacher to microschool innovator. She discusses the rise of microschools and their potential to personalize education. Rachelle emphasizes the need for nurturing learning environments, especially for marginalized communities, and explores how educational accessibility can empower students. She highlights the challenges founder face, like recruitment and funding, while advocating for the transformative power of alternative educational models.

Blair Lee, founder of Secular, Eclectic, Academic (SEA) Homeschoolers, shares insights from her journey with a rapidly growing online community supporting 100,000 families. She discusses the evolution of homeschooling, especially post-COVID-19, and the unique challenges faced by secular homeschoolers, including those with neurodivergent children. Blair emphasizes the importance of community support, collaboration, and sustainable business models to foster inclusivity and engagement. Her advice offers valuable guidance for parents considering homeschooling.

Kymberly Kent is the cofounder and director of eXtend Homeschool Tutorial in Maryland, a faith-based homeschool program offering a la carte classes in core academic subjects for roughly 100 elementary, middle school, and high school homeschooled students.  *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly LiberatED e-newsletter on education trends at fee.org/liberated.

Shireen Rattigan, founder of Colossal Academy, discusses her journey from public and Montessori school teacher to innovator in education. She shares how she transformed a pandemic pod into a thriving microschool network, focusing on personalized learning and community building. Shireen explores the benefits of franchising microschools and launching Colossal Online, emphasizing project-based learning and real-world applications. She also highlights the importance of accessibility in education, aiming to empower families with diverse options for their children’s learning.

Jaime Peterson and Rebecca Westbrook Toker, co-founders of Reconnect Nature School in Chattanooga, advocate for nature-based learning for middle schoolers. They share their journey in creating educational alternatives, emphasizing the need for outdoor environments, especially for neurodiverse learners. The discussion touches on the emotional challenges of transitioning schools and the exciting yet daunting path of entrepreneurship. They envision expanding their programs into high school while promoting community support and personalizing education for all.

Danielle McLean, co-founder and executive director of Keystone Education Center, shares her inspiring journey creating a microschool for neurodiverse children in Vero Beach, Florida. She discusses the unique educational challenges faced by her autistic twin boys and other students. The conversation highlights the hurdles of starting a new school, from navigating local regulations to crafting personalized curricula. Danielle emphasizes the significance of community support and innovative financial models that enhance educational opportunities for families in need.