Best Microschools Podcasts (2025)

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Ep 383: Reset Your Microschool Systems Before Burnout Hits The 4 Week System and Routine to Finally Get Organized and Free 23:02

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4d ago23:02

23:02

Running a microschool requires relentless focus, clarity, and strong systems. If you’re spinning your wheels every September—re-creating lesson plans, re-building operations, and re-learning the same organizational habits—you’re headed straight for overwhelm. In this episode, I walk you through a 4-Week Reset System that will help you: Audit what’s…

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Reimagining Special Education: One teacher’s microschool journey 32:52

6d ago32:52

32:52

In this episode of the LiberatED Podcast, Kerry McDonald talks with Jennifer Palmer, former special education teacher and now founder of Mobile Classroom Solutions in Polk County, Florida. Jennifer shares her journey from the conventional public school classroom to building a thriving microschool and learning pod that serve diverse learners, includ…

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Episode 67: The Microschool Movement. A Conversation with Kaity Broadbent and Kelly Smith. 50:54

24d ago50:54

50:54

Education is undergoing a seismic shift as families and educators seek alternatives to traditional schooling, with microschools emerging as a powerful option for personalized learning in supportive communities. • 48% of parents feel education is heading in the wrong direction • 17.5% of kids are now outside traditional schools (up from 11.8% in 201…

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146. Founding a Microschool with Christina Pipkin of FAYE Learning Center 36:57

29d ago36:57

36:57

Christina "Pip" Pipkin is the founder of FAYE Learning Center, a microschool in Texas. Pip is a Texas native and dedicated DEI expert in K-12 education, passionately advocating for equitable and inclusive learning environments. With over 15 years of experience as a teacher and implementation specialist, Pip combines deep knowledge of diversity, equ…

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From Soldier to School Founder: A US Army veteran promotes peace through Montessori education 40:02

2h ago40:02

40:02

Melanie Smith’s path to education entrepreneurship was anything but typical. A U.S. Army veteran who once worked in a European command war room, Melanie found her true calling in peace education through the Montessori method. After years teaching in both public and private schools, she launched Freedom Montessori Academy, an eco-school in Florida t…

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150. Doing the Work of Equity Leadership with Decoteau Irby and Ann Ishimaru 31:09

1d ago31:09

31:09

This week’s guests are Dakota Irby and Anne Ishimaru, authors of "Doing the Work of Equity Leadership." Irby, a Professor at the University of Illinois, focuses on improving Black students' experiences through equity-focused leadership. Ishimaru, a Professor at the University of Washington, cultivates leadership among educators and racially minorit…

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Alternative education in Kansas, with founder Katie Saiz 28:31

2d ago28:31

28:31

In this episode of LiberatED, Kerry McDonald talks with Katie Saiz, founder of Greengate Children’s School in Wichita, Kansas. Katie shares her inspiring journey from running a home-based daycare while homeschooling her children to leading a thriving private school serving nearly 100 students across preschool through middle school, with future plan…

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Episode 70: Beyond One Size Fits All Learning. A Conversation with Yong Zhao. 57:18

2d ago57:18

57:18

Dr. Yong Zhao challenges us to keep children at the center of education by acknowledging their uniqueness and building learning systems around that core idea. His approach aims to give kids the skills they need for meaningful future work instead of the synthetic tasks often imposed throughout traditional K-12 education. • Education should build on …

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149. Creating Products that Support Teachers and Students with Alexandra Walsh of Amplify 29:48

8d ago29:48

29:48

Alexandra Walsh is the Chief Product Officer at Amplify. She develops leads and implements a strategic vision that delivers product coherence and common platform excellence across Amplify's math, literacy and science product suites. Previously, she was senior vice president and general manager of ELA curriculum, overseeing product development on th…

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Joyful Learning is out today! Enjoy this special interview. 41:18

10d ago41:18

41:18

Today is the official launch date of host Kerry McDonald's new book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling! Check out this special interview—and get your copy of Joyful Learning wherever books are sold!By Kerry McDonald

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Episode 69: What School Could Be. A Conversation with Ted Dintersmith and Garrett Smiley. 48:11

11d ago48:11

48:11

The rapidly accelerating capabilities of artificial intelligence are creating an urgent need to rethink how we prepare young people for a world where machines will soon outperform humans in many cognitive tasks. • Schools train students in what ChatGPT already does best • AI power doubles yearly, reshaping the workforce • The “school-to-career” esc…

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Throwback-To-School: What to Do When You Ask Yourself: Do I Have The Time, Energy and Resources to Start or Grow Your Dream School or Teaching Business! 24:26

11d ago24:26

24:26

Welcome To The Teacher, Let Your Light Shine: Throwback-To-School Series! You are a teacher, a dreamer, and a builder. This new, refreshing month, we are bringing you something special. Our throwbacks series! Featuring hand-picked episodes from the vault that are JUST as powerful now as when they first aired! August is one of the most transformatio…

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“Try something else. Be happy.” Why a longtime public school teacher left to launch a microschool 35:17

13d ago35:17

35:17

Sulaya Williams has been a teacher and administrator in the Florida public schools for 15 years. She left the school system in June to pursue entrepreneurship full-time as the founder of Link Up & Build Global Academy. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org.…

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Episode 68: Centering Humanity in Teaching. A Conversation with Matt Eicheldinger. 54:28

15d ago54:28

54:28

Matt Eicheldinger, NYT bestselling author and educator, shares his journey of persistence and the power of meaningful connections with young people. He centers on building trust and creating space for kids to develop confidence, curiosity, and resilience. • Becoming a teacher because he enjoyed kids and had parents who modeled empathy • Writing his…

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148. Using Technology for Social Good with Jean Ryoo 28:30

15d ago28:30

28:30

Jean Ryoo is the Director of Research of the computer science equity project at UCLA. She is also the lead author of the graphic novel “Power On,” published by MIT Press, which was recently translated into Spanish under the title “Conectados.” We have a fantastic conversation about Jean’s journey, and we get into her mission to create more equitabl…

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“Alexa, how can I homeschool my kids?” 34:34

16d ago34:34

34:34

Think of Alexa Achille as an "Alexa" for innovative education in South Florida. A former special education teacher in the New York City public schools, Alexa finds great fulfillment in helping families discover the benefits of unconventional education. She is the founder of The Collabo in West Palm Beach, Florida, which empowers homeschooling famil…

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Throwback-To-School: Career Change! What Teachers Can Experience After Leaving Public School Teaching and What They Realized They Desperately Needed! 28:30

18d ago28:30

28:30

Welcome To The Teacher, Let Your Light Shine: Throwback-To-School Series! You are a teacher, a dreamer, and a builder. This new, refreshing month, we are bringing you something special. Our throwbacks series! Featuring hand-picked episodes from the vault that are JUST as powerful now as when they first aired! August is one of the most transformatio…

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How Mosaic is supporting self-directed education 30:55

20d ago30:55

30:55

Today on LiberatED, Kerry McDonald sits down with Bonnie Benjamin-Phariss, the Executive Director of Mosaic at WeAreBornToLearn.org—a vibrant online hub where families can reimagine education in meaningful ways. Founded by philanthropist Jeff Westphal and supported by the Jeff & Jenifer Westphal Foundation, Mosaic blends community with curated reso…

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147. Working in Nontraditional Education Settings with Kimberly Gawne of Star Students 29:36

22d ago29:36

29:36

Kimberly Gawne is the founder of Star Students, a personalized education service dedicated to empowering K-12 learners through tailored tutoring and homeschooling programs. Kimberly has always been passionate about people and learning, enjoying the challenge of exploring new methods to unlock potential in others. This passion evolved into a deep de…

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Two weeks until Joyful Learning! 3:37

23d ago3:37

3:37

Kerry's new book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling, will be on bookstore shelves two weeks from today—Tuesday, August 19th. Preorder your copy today at this link and use code JOYFUL20 at checkout for 20% off. Or visit your favorite local bookstore or online retailer to get your copy. *** Sig…

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Throwback-To-School: Does a Homeschooling Business Have to be IN MY HOME? Pros/Cons and 8 Alternative Places for Success! 24:27

25d ago24:27

24:27

Welcome To The Teacher, Let Your Light Shine: Throwback-To-School Series! You are a teacher, a dreamer, and a builder. This new, refreshing month, we are bringing you something special. Our throwbacks series! Featuring hand-picked episodes from the vault that are JUST as powerful now as when they first aired! August is one of the most transformatio…

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Opening a microschool after 20 years of teaching 41:26

28d ago41:26

41:26

Today's guest, Tiffany Blassingame, is reimagining Christian education. As the founder and lead teacher at The Ferguson School—a progressive, faith-based K-5 microschool in Decatur, Georgia—she blends over 20 years of experience in public and private education with a heart for helping students thrive. A fourth-generation educator, Tiffany primarily…

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Primer founder Ryan Delk on creating a vast microschool network 37:54

1M ago37:54

37:54

Today's guest is Ryan Delk, cofounder and CEO of Primer, a fast-growing platform helping top teachers to launch microschools in their communities. He’s spent the last decade building tech companies (like Square, Gumroad, and Omni), and was homeschooled from kindergarten through 8th grade. Ryan lives in San Francisco with his wife and three kids. **…

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Throwback-To-School: From Traditional Teacher to Teacher Entrepreneur: Why I Left The Public School System and Started a Homeschooling Business 32:17

1M ago32:17

32:17

Welcome To The Teacher, Let Your Light Shine: Throwback-To-School Series! You are a teacher, a dreamer, and a builder. This new, refreshing month, we are bringing you something special. Our throwbacks series! Featuring hand-picked episodes from the vault that are JUST as powerful now as when they first aired! August is one of the most transformatio…

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Why a public school teacher opened Lighthouse Christian Academy 38:07

1M ago38:07

38:07

My guest today is Emma Rodriguez, founder of Lighthouse Christian Academy, a microschool in Frisco, Texas that opened in January of this year. After graduating from Texas A&M University, Emma spent seven years teaching in one of the largest and fastest-growing school districts in the country. While she loved the classroom, she saw firsthand how tra…

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145. Personalizing Education with Matt Bowman of OpenEd 38:17

1M ago38:17

38:17

Matt Bowman is the founder and CEO of OpenED, an educational platform which has served over 100,000 students nationwide. After teaching sixth grade and watching his own five children struggle with standardized education, Matt left a successful career as a tech executive to solve a problem close to his heart: “why does school force every unique chil…

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A physician launches a new Islamic microschool 35:50

1M ago35:50

35:50

Today's guest is Sana Khan, a Board-certified Family Medicine Physician and founder of Ihsan Academy of Texas Microschool, a full-time, in-person program serving Grades 1-8 in Katy, Texas. The word Ihsan is Arabic for "Excellence", highlighting the vision of the school to provide Excellence in both the knowledge and application of the Islamic faith…

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Ep 378: You're Pouring Into Everyone - Who Is Pouring Into You? What's NOT Optional for Microschool Leaders 30:33

1M ago30:33

30:33

Are you a microschool leader running on empty, juggling all the roles, and wondering how to keep going? In this powerful episode, we're diving deep into why professional development isn't a luxury—it's a lifeline. Whether you're starting out or deep in the trenches, this episode will show you how PD can radically transform your confidence, your sys…

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In suburban Ohio, a former public school teacher launches a nature-based microschool 36:02

1M ago36:02

36:02

Jackie Bonath was a public school teacher for 14 years before quitting her job earlier this year to launch Creekside Cottage School, a full-time, multi-age microschool located in Gahanna, Ohio, a close suburb of Columbus, that is focused on nature-based learning. With 20 students already enrolled for this fall, and daily inquiries from interested p…

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Ep 377: Mid-Year, Major Impact: How Adjusting Your Open House Plan Can Skyrocket Enrollment 19:13

1M ago19:13

19:13

Are you underestimating the power of your school’s open house? This episode breaks down why open houses are so much more than enrollment events—they're your most effective and affordable in-person marketing strategy to build community, increase visibility, and strengthen your brand. Whether you're running a microschool, homeschool hybrid, private s…

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144. The Power of Listening with Christine Miles of The Listening Path 25:04

1M ago25:04

25:04

Christine Miles is, an award winning author, a keynote speaker and founder of the Listening Path, a pioneering company in the of field listening intelligence. At the center of her company’s success is a revolutionary system used by Fortune 100 companies and in classrooms across three countries. Christine and I have a wonderful talk about how her ch…

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In rural Ohio, a former public school teacher launches a literacy-rich microschool 32:11

1M ago32:11

32:11

Today’s guest is Pam Frankforther, founder of Pioneer Reading Center in Wayne, Ohio. Pam left her job as a longtime public school teacher this year to launch Pioneer as full-time microschool for students with dyslexia and other learning differences. She was motivated to create a science-backed, literacy-rich learning environment for children in her…

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Ep 376: Scaling Back to Show Up: From Burnout to Breakthrough in Microschool Leadership — Why Subtracting Is the Key to Thriving This School Year 34:54

2M ago34:54

34:54

Are you feeling the weight of trying to do everything as a microschool founder, homeschooling parent, or educational entrepreneur? You’re not alone. In this heartfelt and practical episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on what it really looks like to lead a microschool into a new school year — without burning out in the process. I’m sharing how I’m…

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Managing Entrepreneurial Growing Pains & Regulatory Ambiguity 38:19

2M ago38:19

38:19

Jennie Jones is an Entrepreneur-In-Residence at FEE's Education Entrepreneurship Lab. She is a former professional ballerina, turned homeschooling mom of four, turned education entrepreneur who launched her home-based microschool, Treehouse Agile Learning Community, in St. George, Utah last fall and is expanding into a second location this fall. Je…

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143. From Teacher to Copywriter with Meredith Cooley of Page and Purpose 25:41

2M ago25:41

25:41

After spending 17 years in education, Meredith Cooley decided to try something new: copywriting. She started Page and Purpose after the pandemic and leveled her experience as a teacher into helping ed tech companies craft their marketing. Finding success quickly in her new business, she wants to help other educators try copywriting with her new an …

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How OpenEd is expanding personalized education options to more families 38:26

2M ago38:26

38:26

More than a decade ago, Matt Bowman cofounded My Tech High as a platform that enabled personalized, customized learning through tuition-free partnerships with innovative public and charter schools and in collaboration with individual education providers. With a bold vision to expand personalized learning options to more families, Matt recently rebr…

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Ep 375: Overwhelmed by Open Houses? How I Simplified, Scaled, and Finally Found My Flow - How to Plan a Successful Open House That Increases Enrollment Without Burning Out 26:12

2M ago26:12

26:12

Are you overwhelmed trying to plan your next school open house? 😩 You’re not alone. In this episode, I pull back the curtain on the chaos, confusion, and emotional weight that comes with trying to host a meaningful event that actually leads to enrollment. Whether you run a microschool, private school, or homeschool hybrid, this episode will help yo…

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Ep 374: How To Market When You're Shy: A Real Talk and 5 Tips for Introverted & Neurodivergent Microschool Founders 17:44

2M ago17:44

17:44

I used to freeze at the thought of “marketing my school.” I’m not naturally outgoing. I’ve always been more of a behind-the-scenes, let-me-do-the-work-in-peace kind of woman. And for a long time, I thought that meant I wasn’t cut out to grow a successful microschool. All I kept hearing was: “You need to network more,” “You need to post every day,” …

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142. Theory Can Only Take You So Far with Patrick Mongrain of EdChanger Pro 30:38

2M ago30:38

30:38

Patrick Mongrain spent ten years teaching middle school history and leadership, and another ten working as as a district-level instructional coach and restorative justice specialist before moving on to professional development. Over the years he’s come to believe that teachers are incredible, but he also created a Moneyball-inspired data collection…

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From former elementary school teacher to Phoenix faith-based learning pod founder 40:22

2M ago40:22

40:22

Deja Hillis is the founder of Faithscape Learning Pod, a faith-based K-5 microschool in Casa Grande, Arizona, near Phoenix, which she launched in August 2024. An early elementary school teacher for nearly a decade, Deja has a passion for literacy education and is the author of four children’s books. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsle…

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Ep 373: Feeling Lonely as a Microschool Founder? How to Ask for Help, Build Support Systems, and Stop Carrying the Weight Alone—Even When You Don’t Know Where to Begin 20:02

2M ago20:02

20:02

There were so many days I felt completely alone. I didn’t even know how to ask for help—because I didn’t know what kind of help I needed. I just knew I couldn’t keep doing everything by myself. Maybe you're in that place too. You’re carrying the vision. You’re showing up for everyone else. But deep down, you’re tired… and wondering who’s showing up…

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“So many parents don’t feel listened to.” From middle school math teacher to microschool founder 38:42

2M ago38:42

38:42

Today’s guest is Joanna Cervantez, founder of A Fuller Education Microschool just outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania which she launched in the fall 2024. Joanna has both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education and began her career as a middle school math teacher in inner-city Los Angeles, later teaching in a school for an orphanage in El S…

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Ep 372: Creating Community Through Events: How to Plan Meaningful Microschool Gatherings That Grow Connection & Enrollment- Letting Go and Letting Others Lead 23:45

2M ago23:45

23:45

Creating Community Through Events: How to Plan Meaningful Microschool Gatherings That Grow Connection & Enrollment As a microschool or homeschool hybrid leader, you’re not just teaching—you’re building a movement. And one of the most powerful (and overlooked) tools in your toolkit? Events. Whether you’re welcoming new families, showcasing student w…

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141. Supporting Leaders to Facilitate Change with Dr. Rick Rodriguez of The Rooted Life 49:15

2M ago49:15

49:15

Dr. Rick Rodriguez is a first generation Mexican American who has lived through and acknowledges the challenges that individuals and communities of color face across our systems. Guided by these experiences, he co-founded the Rooted Life, a bilingual coaching and consulting business that incorporates research-based frameworks to trigger thinking, s…

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From math teacher to hybrid school founder in Louisiana 34:42

2M ago34:42

34:42

Today's guest is Kate Lundquist, founder and principal of Northshore Prep Academy. A former public high school math and physics teacher, Kate opened her secular K-8 hybrid school in Mandeville, Louisiana, a suburb of New Orleans, in 2015. Today, Northshore Prep Academy has 75 students enrolled. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter …

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Ep 371: From Lonely to Thriving: How to Build a Microschool Community To Decrease Overwhlem and Increase Results (Even If You Don’t Know Where to Start) 28:47

2M ago28:47

28:47

Feeling alone in your microschool journey? Whether you're just starting or several years in, building a microschool community can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to stay that way. In this episode of the Teacher Let Your Light Shine Podcast, I’m sharing how I went from homeschooling a few students in my living room to leading a thriving micros…

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From physician to founder, with Barbara Jauregui Wurst of Acton Academy Falls Church 32:48

2M ago32:48

32:48

Today's guest is Barbara Jauregui Wurst, a medical doctor and adjunct professor at George Washington University who cofounded Acton Academy Falls Church in Northern Virginia in 2021. Read Courage To Grow by Acton Academy cofounder, Laura Sandefer. Check out this new article at our Education Entrepreneurship Lab by a recent graduate of an Acton Acad…

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Ep 370: Introducing The Microschool Marketing Blueprint! A Course Designed To Attract, Enroll, and Grow Your Educational Program. A Foundational Marketing Course Designed Just For YOU! 33:07

2M ago33:07

33:07

You didn’t start your microschool to become a marketing expert… But without students, your vision can’t grow. 💔 If you’re unsure how to get the word out, or you’ve tried everything from social media to word-of-mouth with little return, you are not alone—and you are exactly who I created the Microschool Marketing Blueprint for. In today’s episode, I…

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140. Teaching Digital Citizenship with Dana Anderson 22:51

2M ago22:51

22:51

Dana Anderson teaches digital citizenship, language arts, and literature to Middle and High School students at Bridgemont International School. She's also served as a kids' and teens' digital content expert for non-profits, tech companies, teacher training programs and schools. Dana is also a writer, a nature and animal lover, and a mom of three. I…

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Pre-launch plans: A former special education teacher prepares to open a new school 24:08

2M ago24:08

24:08

Today's guest is Cassandra Orozco, the founder of Beacon of Hope Academy, a faith-based microschool serving K–5th grade students with special needs in Lake Worth, Florida, set to open this fall. As a certified special education teacher with experience in both charter and private schools, Cassandra is passionate about reimagining education to better…