Best Microschools Podcasts (2025)

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How a New Mexico Microschool Is Redefining High School 35:29

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2d ago35:29

35:29

Kerry McDonald sits down with Kerry Baldwin, co-founder of Vita Nova Academy, a micro-high school in Albuquerque, New Mexico built on Socratic practice and passion-driven learning. Baldwin shares how Vita Nova pairs seminar-style inquiry with a skills-based framework and a partnership with the Mastery Transcript Consortium, helping teens show real …

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Microschools and Community: Rethinking Education Together 31:25

2d ago31:25

31:25

What happens when you mix creativity with the freedom and flexibility of micro schools? In this enlightening episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett dive into the world of micro schools with special guest David Richards, founder and CEO of ChangeMakeredU. David breaks down what micro s…

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Ep 390: Weaving the Tapestry of Calling: How Microschool Mastermind Lauren Talbot Built a Thriving Microschool in Just 4 Months with her Mother 1:06:20

3d ago1:06:20

1:06:20

How do you go from hearing a quiet tug on your heart to building a thriving microschool in only four months? In this episode, I sit down with Lauren Talbot—former accountant, middle school math teacher, and now the founder of The Anchor Learning Center in Louisiana. From her one-stoplight town, Lauren followed God’s unmistakable call to leave publi…

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Sorting Through Homeschool Alternatives: Microschools, Hybrids, Online Academies & More 14:46

22d ago14:46

14:46

Episode Summary: Is traditional school no longer the right fit for your family? In this episode of It’s Not That Hard to Homeschool, Lisa Nehring breaks down the ever-expanding list of educational alternatives—homeschooling, microschools, university-model schools, co-ops, online academies, dual enrollment, and dual degree programs. With so many cho…

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Episode 77: The Power of Project Read. A Conversation with Vivek Ramakrishnan. 46:45

7h ago46:45

46:45

We explore why reading scores have fallen, what the Science of Reading actually demands in classrooms, and how AI can scale productive practice without replacing human connection. Vivek Ramakrishnan shares data, bright spots from states like Mississippi, and a grounded look at tutoring tech that helps kids decode for real. • national reading trends…

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Dual Degree Programs for Homeschoolers — College Done, Not Just College Ready 12:06

21h ago12:06

12:06

Show: Not That Hard to Homeschool Host: Lisa Nehring Sponsor: CTC Math Guest: Lisa Nehring from True North Academy 🎧 Episode Summary What if your high schooler could graduate with both a high school diploma and a bachelor’s degree—without student debt? In this episode, Lisa shares how True North Academy’s innovative Dual Degree Program helps homesc…

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How Confidence, Culture & Self-Worth Shape Success with Big Asian Energy’s John Wang 54:55

23h ago54:55

54:55

Delanie Fischer chats with John Wang, author of Big Asian Energy, about confidence, culture, and the power of conversation. They unpack how cultural conditioning, fear, and the desire to be "good enough” shape identity and self-worth. John shares the lessons he learned from his year-long experiment in radical honesty—during which he came clean to f…

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Breakup Recovery, Toxic Behavior, and Relationship Lessons with Em Schulz & Delanie Fischer 1:33:41

3d ago1:33:41

1:33:41

Delanie Fischer chats with Em Schulz, co-host of And That’s Why We Drink and one of Delanie’s best buds, to discuss past heartbreak, healing from breakups, and what they wish they would’ve known - like how to avoid tolerating, and dishing out, toxic behavior. Having been with their current partners for nearly a decade, they share their perspective …

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Season 2: Episode 21: Everyday Applications #1 21:30

4d ago21:30

21:30

In this episode, Brett Hanson announces a new, more personal direction for the "AI for Everyone" podcast. Moving away from a rigid structure, the show will now focus on the real-world, everyday applications of AI in Brett's life as a teacher, writer, and consultant. He outlines five core priorities that will shape future episodes: student AI readin…

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Chika Uwazie on Timeline Grief, Reinvention, and The Soft Life Movement 1:11:55

6d ago1:11:55

1:11:55

Delanie Fischer chats with Chika Uwazie, writer, cultural commentator, and someone instrumental in amplifying the soft life movement, to discuss life transitions, normalizing pivots, and prioritizing presence, rest, and joy along the way. They discuss timeline grief (when life doesn't go as planned), rebuilding and reinventing yourself as needed, a…

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When You Don’t Know What’s Next: Preparing Your High Schooler for the Next Season 10:02

7d ago10:02

10:02

Episode Title: When You Don’t Know What’s Next: Preparing Your High Schooler for the Next Season Host: Lisa Nehring Brought to you by: CTC Math — the stress-free, self-paced homeschool math program for every learner. Episode Summary What happens when your high schooler doesn’t know what’s next—and honestly, neither do you? In this episode, Lisa Neh…

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The Future of Mental Health and Medicine: Psychedelic Therapy, Technology, and Ancient Healing with Dr. Dave Rabin 1:04:08

8d ago1:04:08

1:04:08

Delanie Fischer chats with Dr. Dave Rabin, board-certified psychiatrist, translational neuroscientist, and inventor, to discuss the future of mental health and medicine. They discuss the efficacy of psychedelic-assisted therapy, technological therapeutics, ancient modalities, and ground-breaking discoveries about consciousness. * This episode is no…

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Episode 76: Excellence in Writing. A Conversation with Andrew Pudewa. 1:09:24

8d ago1:09:24

1:09:24

Andrew Pudewa, founder of the Institute for Excellence in Writing, joins us to unpack how skill-first teaching unlocks motivation, builds real confidence, and quite literally reshapes the brain for better thinking. We trace the invisible steps the mind takes to write a single sentence, then show how to lower the cognitive load with structure, small…

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Flourish Schools Founder John Danner on Joyful, AI-Powered Learning 38:42

9d ago38:42

38:42

By Kerry McDonald

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How Do We Measure Creativity? Rethinking Assessment in Education with Dr. Selcuk Acar 41:30

9d ago41:30

41:30

Can we really measure creativity in the classroom—or are we missing the bigger picture? In this engaging episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett sit down with Dr. Selçuk Acar, Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of North Texas and a leading voice in creativity assessm…

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Ep 389: What Microschool Leaders Need Most in October! Building Strong School Culture, Engaging Parents and Community, and Planning for Growth with Clarity and Confidence 17:41

10d ago17:41

17:41

By Makenzie Oliver| Micro-School Mentor| Homeschooling Business Coach| Homeschool Teacher Consultant | Micro-school Mom #micro-school #homeschool #teacherletyourlightshine

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Episode 75: School Choice For All Families. A Conversation with Matt Ladner. 45:28

10d ago45:28

45:28

We explore how Education Savings Accounts move accountability to families, why universal eligibility builds durable coalitions, and what it takes to grow small pilots into statewide “oaks” that actually meet demand. Matt Ladner shares lessons from Arizona, Texas, Florida, and West Virginia on funding design, flexibility, and political strategy. • E…

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Healing After My Husband’s Porn Addiction with Brittany Moore 1:00:36

10d ago1:00:36

1:00:36

Delanie Fischer chats with Brittany Moore, who shares her experience being married to Steve Moore, a past guest on Self-Helpless and someone who has struggled with porn addiction (and now helps others overcome it). She describes how she found out, the impact it’s had on her, and where her and Steve are now after 20 years of marriage. Plus: + The Un…

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Hybrid Schools on the Rise: Insights from Professor Eric Wearne 34:37

13d ago34:37

34:37

In this episode of the LiberatED podcast, Kerry McDonald is joined by Professor Eric Wearne, director of the National Hybrid Schools Project at Kennesaw State University, to explore the rapid growth of hybrid schooling. They discuss the historical roots of hybrid schooling, the post-COVID surge in new school launches, and what makes hybrid schools …

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Attention-Seeking Behaviors: Understanding Sympathy-Seeking, Root Causes, and Empathy-Based Approaches with Dr. Judy Ho 58:13

15d ago58:13

58:13

Delanie Fischer chats with Dr. Judy Ho, licensed clinical and forensic neuropsychologist, tenured professor at Pepperdine University, and TV host, about attention-seeking behavior. They take a deep dive into one common type, sympathy-seeking, to explore its root causes, distinguish between healthy and unhealthy attention-seeking, and share practica…

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How a Former Public School Teacher Founded Wisdom Warehouse Microschools 27:26

16d ago27:26

27:26

In this episode of the LiberatED Podcast, Kerry McDonald welcomes Jamie Musacchio, founder of Wisdom Warehouse, a microschool that began in Dubai and now thrives in Miami. Jamie shares her journey from over a decade in public school classrooms in New York City and Washington, DC to launching an innovative microschool model that blends rigorous acad…

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Ep 388: Reconnecting to Your Roots as a Microschool Leader: Preventing Burnout, Building Parent & Community Advisory Boards, and Using Personality Frameworks to Grow a Thriving Microschool Culture 22:25

17d ago22:25

22:25

As a microschool founder or homeschool hybrid leader, it’s easy to get caught up in curriculum, enrollment, finances, and the daily logistics of running a school—but one of the most powerful growth multipliers you have is reconnecting to your roots and knowing your people. In this episode of the Teacher Let Your Light Shine Podcast, Makenzie Oliver…

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Imaginative, Empathetic Classrooms for Teaching Creativity with Jason Blair 37:53

17d ago37:53

37:53

In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Dr. Cyndi Burnett and Dr. Matthew Worwood sit down with innovative art educator Jason Blair to explore the often overlooked discomfort adults feel around "real creativity"—something Jason dubs "inconvenient creativity." Jason shares powerful personal stories, from creative chaos …

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E20 Jamey Hill on Creating a Human-Centered AI Framework for Schools 35:43

17d ago35:43

35:43

In this episode, Brett sits down with veteran educator and virtual school leader Jamey Hill to deconstruct the process of building an AI implementation plan from scratch. Jamey shares her journey from being a Montessori-inspired teacher who believed "the hand is the tool that feeds the brain" to becoming a leader in shaping how schools can responsi…

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Filmmaker Kit Williamson on the Highs and Lows of a Creative Career: Dead Projects, Taking Control & an Unconventional Path 1:06:51

18d ago1:06:51

1:06:51

Delanie Fischer chats with actor and filmmaker Kit Williamson, best known for Mad Men, Eastsiders, and Unconventional , about the ebbs and flows of a long-term creative career. They dive into the resilience and recommitment required for longevity, navigating big breaks and dead projects, exercising creative agency, and behind-the-scenes insights in…

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Building Threefold Schoolhouse: An Acton Academy Journey in Pennsylvania 35:47

20d ago35:47

35:47

Kerry McDonald welcomes Charles and Charissa Mitchell, two of the four co-founders of the Threefold Schoolhouse, an Acton Academy located outside of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. They share their inspiring story of building a learner-driven microschool that launched with just 10 students in 2019 and today serves 65 learners from pre-kindergarten throug…

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Homeschool Curious to Community Builder: Morgan Bergstrom on Launching BaseCampEd 28:27

22d ago28:27

28:27

What if finding a few like-minded families near you were as easy as dropping a pin on a map? In this episode, Lisa chats with Morgan Bergstrom—former corporate recruiter, mom of three (soon four!), and creator of BaseCampEd, a free app that helps homeschool and alt-ed families connect locally. Morgan shares her family’s journey from full-time dayca…

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Episode 74: Making Math Relevant. A Conversation with Jo Boaler. 44:35

22d ago44:35

44:35

Dr. Jo Boaler shares her groundbreaking work in mathematics education, exploring how beliefs shape learning and how we can transform math instruction to help every student succeed. • Starting her career in London schools where she discovered anyone can learn math with the right opportunities • Joining Stanford and later collaborating with Carol Dwe…

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Unlocking Literacy Through Play: Night Zookeeper’s Creative Writing World (Interview with Joshua Davidson) 33:25

23d ago33:25

33:25

Homeschool language arts… but make it magical. In this episode, Lisa chats with Joshua Davidson, creator of Night Zookeeper—a story-driven, gamified ELA program where kids invent creatures, build worlds, and level up writing, spelling, grammar, vocabulary, and more. With real tutors, smart scaffolding, and a gentle, visually stunning interface, Nig…

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A dad discusses why he chose homeschooling and microschooling for his kids 38:23

24d ago38:23

38:23

In this episode of the LiberatED podcast, Kerry McDonald speaks with parent Gabriel Valles about his family's embrace of alternative education, including homeschooling and microschooling. Gabriel shares his experience launching a low-cost microschool inspired by Acton Academy, his exploration of homeschooling and classical education, and his curren…

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Ep 387: From Library Meetings to Leading Logos Homeschool Academy: How Jennifer Pinto Built a Homeschool Hybrid in Iowa with Faith and Microschool Masterminds 53:55

24d ago53:55

53:55

What does it look like to step out of traditional education and wait on God’s timing to build something completely new? In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Jennifer Pinto, co-founder of Logos Homeschool Academy in Iowa. After leaving traditional schooling in 2023, Jennifer connected with a like-minded friend—whom she met in the library—and t…

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DEBRIEFING School Vouchers, Learning to See, and Personalized Feedback 27:20

24d ago27:20

27:20

Is it time to completely tear down the education system and start over if we truly want creativity to thrive in our schools? In the first debrief episode of Season 11, hosts Cyndi Burnett and Matthew Worwood take a reflective dive into insights from their most recent three guests on the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast. The discussion begins…

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AI, Robotics, and The Future of Work and Life with Dr. Catie Cuan 1:03:10

24d ago1:03:10

1:03:10

Delanie Fischer chats with engineer and choreo-roboticist Dr. Catie Cuan about the future of AI, robotics, and the art of human-robot interaction. They explore potential pitfalls, promising upsides, and everything in between—impacting creativity, health, the environment, and human connection. Plus: + Rethinking Machines in Hospitals and Beyond + Th…

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A national network of “love-based” microschools 35:31

28d ago35:31

35:31

In this episode of the LiberatED podcast, Kerry McDonald talks with David Richards, founder and CEO of Changemaker Education, about his fascinating career path from banking to teaching, to launching charter schools, and now microschools. David shares how a simple LinkedIn post sparked the launch of six pilot microschools across the country—and how …

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The Drumbeat of Disruption: Why Homeschooling Matters More Than Ever 8:38

28d ago8:38

8:38

The Drumbeat of Disruption: Why Homeschooling Matters More Than Ever Sponsored by CTCMath.com The world feels heavy right now. The headlines are filled with tragedy, confusion, and cultural chaos. From heartbreaking school shootings to online radicalization, parents are left wondering: How do I raise my kids in a world like this? In this episode of…

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Episode 73: Finding Your Family's Learning Path. A Conversation with Elle Rowley. 47:22

29d ago47:22

47:22

Elle Rowley shares her transformative journey from struggling high school student to successful entrepreneur and educational innovator creating alternative learning environments for children in her community. Through personal experience and experimentation, she's developed a thriving microschool model that prioritizes curiosity, community, and chil…

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From preschool teacher to microschool founder 25:46

1M ago25:46

25:46

What does it take to launch and grow a thriving microschool for neurodiverse learners? Kerry McDonald talks with Yorelle Haroush, founder of Trailblazers Microschool in Florida, about her entrepreneurial journey, her adventure-based approach to learning, and the overwhelming demand from families looking for alternatives to conventional schooling. Y…

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Ep 386: How Microschool Founders Can Overcome Parent Pressure. Setting Boundaries, Building Confidence, and Communicating Expectations to Create Thriving Schools Without Burnout 24:05

1M ago24:05

24:05

Starting a microschool comes with incredible joy—but it also comes with the pressure of making everyone happy: parents, students, even your staff. If you’ve ever felt the weight of parent expectations on your shoulders, this episode is for you. In today’s conversation, I’m pulling back the curtain on how new founders can manage parent pressure with…

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Teaching Creativity as a Process of Learning to See with Dr. Keith Sawyer 40:28

1M ago40:28

40:28

What if creativity doesn’t start with inventing new things, but with learning to see and interpret the world differently? In this engaging episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Dr. Cyndi Burnett and Dr. Matthew Worwood sit down with Dr. Keith Sawyer, a leading creativity researcher, jazz pianist, and professor at UNC Chapel …

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19: Why Understanding and Cultivating AI Taste is Essential to Become a Good AI User 26:40

1M ago26:40

26:40

This week's "AI in Focus" episode dives into the essential, human skill of "AI Taste." Brett defines taste as the critical ability to judge and discern quality in an age of infinite AI generation. He breaks down the five levels of AI proficiency—from the skeptical Sunbather to the architectural Diver—and provides a practical roadmap for listeners t…

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Realizing Big Dreams: Tools, Lessons, and Inspiration with Former Thunderbird Pilot Michelle “MACE” Curran 1:22:54

1M ago1:22:54

1:22:54

Delanie Fischer is joined by Michelle “MACE” Curran—former fighter pilot, combat veteran, and the second woman in history to fly lead solo for the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds—to share lessons from a demanding, high-stakes career. They discuss tactics for managing fear and self-doubt, navigating pivots and reinvention, and the importance of followin…

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From one “Pandemic Pod” to 20+ Microschools in 5 states 32:39

1M ago32:39

32:39

Jess Alfreds never set out to build a network of microschools. What began in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina as "pandemic pod" quickly grew into a thriving community of 100 students—and today, Carolina Kids Co-Op has expanded into 20+ independently-operated microschools across five states. In this episode of the LiberatED podcast, Jess shares how she …

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A Yurt School in New Hampshire Takes Off 37:49

1M ago37:49

37:49

In this episode of the LiberatED podcast, Kerry McDonald talks with Maggie Van Camp, founder of Happy Hens Farm & Forest School in New Hampshire. Maggie shares her journey from teaching in the Boston Public Schools to building a thriving microschool inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, blending outdoor learning, the arts, acdemics, and homestead…

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Episode 72: Getting High School Right. A Conversation with Chad Carlson. 52:20

1M ago52:20

52:20

Chad Carlson shares how One Stone Lab School uses human-centered design to transform education by treating students as end users rather than products. He describes their unique approach that removes traditional grades, subjects, and bells in favor of personalized growth frameworks that prepare students for the real world. • One Stone's origin story…

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Creative Teaching Through Writing: Building Classroom Community with Emily Jamieson 33:58

1M ago33:58

33:58

How can an elementary classroom feel more like a family than a traditional learning space—and why does that matter for creativity and learning? In this episode of the Fueling Creativity in Education Podcast, hosts Dr. Matthew Worwood and Dr. Cyndi Burnett sit down with Emily Jamieson, an elementary school teacher renowned for creating classroom com…

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Ep 385: A Mother’s Heart, a Founder’s Struggle: Navigating the Heartbreak and Hope of School Choices 41:57

1M ago41:57

41:57

For six years, I’ve poured my heart into building a microschool—creating a place of freedom, belonging, and personalized learning. My daughters were the reason I started this journey. And yet, today, neither of them are with us at our microschool. In this episode, I open up about: My daughter’s transition from a small, nurturing microschool environ…

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E18 The Coming Wave: Managing and Containing AI's Power 29:00

1M ago29:00

29:00

In this AI in Focus episode, Brett Hanson dives deep into Mustafa Suleyman's essential book, "The Coming Wave," exploring the immense power and unprecedented risks of AI and synthetic biology. The discussion covers why this technological wave is different from all others, the "great dilemma" we face in navigating it, and the urgent need for a new m…

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Mortality Awareness: Meaning, Motivation, and Your To-Die-For Life with Karen Salmansohn 1:05:12

1M ago1:05:12

1:05:12

Delanie Fischer is joined by Behavioral Change Expert and Bestselling Author, Karen Salmansohn, to discuss insights from her latest book, Your To-Die-For Life: How to Maximize Joy and Minimize Regret . . . Before Your Time Runs Out. Karen combines neuroscience, psychology, philosophy, and personal stories to share effective mindset hacks, exercises…

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“I’m not here to fix broken systems. I’m here to build what our children truly deserve.” 33:58

1M ago33:58

33:58

What does it take to step outside the system and build something new? Nadine Smith, founder of The Gathering Place, an all-girls microschool in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, sits down with Kerry McDonald to share her story of leaving the public school system to create a microschool focused on personalized, mastery-based learning. They discuss the reali…

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Scaling Social Impact in Education: Courtney Klein’s Entrepreneurial Playbook 31:37

1M ago31:37

31:37

In this episode of LiberatED, Kerry McDonald talks with education entrepreneur Courtney Klein—co-founder of All One Thing and SUNSCHOOL, and Senior Strategist with ASU Prep. Courtney shares her remarkable journey as a social impact entrepreneur from founding her first nonprofit at age 21, to starting SEED SPOT, a global startup incubator, to now le…