Changemaker ED“U”

In this episode, David sits down with Peter Stiepleman—former superintendent of one of Missouri’s largest school districts, leadership advisor, podcast host, and author of Serving as a Lead Learner: Powerful Reflections from America’s SuperintendentsPeter shares his unconventional path from working at the U.S. Embassy in Madrid to becoming a bilingual teacher in Oakland, California, and eventually leading a district of 19,000 students through times of both growth and crisis. He reflects on the lessons learned from embracing “imperfect leadership,” the importance of vulnerability, and the power of shared decision-making.Together, David and Peter explore:How personal journeys shape leadership philosophiesWhat it means to be a “lead learner” and embrace discomfortBuilding shared values with teachers, parents, and studentsWhy microschool leaders can benefit from these same leadership principlesThe importance of community voice and creating systems that honor every stakeholderThis conversation is full of insights for anyone leading in education—whether you’re running a large public school system, launching a micro school, or simply seeking to lead with more empathy, collaboration, and courage.Resources & Links:Peter’s book: Serving as a Lead Learner: Powerful Reflections from America’s Superintendents:https://www.amazon.com/Serving-Lead-Learner-Reflections-Superintendents/dp/B0F78RC6H9Peter’s podcast: An Imperfect Leader:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/an-imperfect-leader-the-superintendents/id1644897856

In this inspiring conversation, David sits down with Lily Jones, founder of Educator Forever and a former classroom teacher who transformed her passion for teaching into a thriving business that empowers educators worldwide. Lily shares her journey from teaching kindergarten and first grade in Oakland to building curriculum for major education organizations, and eventually launching Educator Forever—a platform supporting thousands of teachers in exploring new career paths beyond the classroom.Together, David and Lily dive into the realities of teaching, the burnout many educators face, and the entrepreneurial mindset shifts required to transition from teacher to founder. From testing ideas and listening deeply to your community, to embracing imperfect action and disrupting perfectionism, this episode is packed with wisdom for anyone dreaming of starting a microschool—or any education venture.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Lily’s journey from classroom teaching to launching Educator ForeverWhy sustainability and flexibility matter for educatorsThe power of listening to your “customers” (students, parents, and communities) before building programs or schoolsHow to embrace testing, iteration, and co-creation in education and entrepreneurshipThe importance of resilience, imperfection, and celebrating small winsWhy teacher voices are crucial in reimagining education beyond the classroomAbout Lily Jones:Lily Jones is the founder of Educator Forever, an organization that helps teachers thrive beyond the classroom through professional development, certification programs, and a curriculum agency. A former kindergarten and first-grade teacher, Lily has spent the past decade designing learning experiences, coaching educators, and supporting thousands of teachers in finding new and sustainable ways to make an impact.Links & Resources:Learn more about https://www.educatorforever.com/Connect with Lily on https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-jones-b940457b/Explore Changemaker Edu and our Microschool Founder programsJoin the Movement:Are you an educator dreaming of opening your own microschool? Changemaker Edu supports passionate educators and community leaders in launching thriving microschools with the tools, training, and community they need to succeed. Learn more at https://changemakereducation.com.

In this heartfelt and inspiring conversation, David sits down with Bonnie LePage — founder of The Maker, marketing, branding, and AI company — to talk about the power of storytelling, the courage to follow your intuition, and the importance of taking a leap of faith with your calling. Bonnie shares her remarkable journey: from growing up in South Africa and adapting to a new life in the Midwest, to building a thriving marketing career, and then walking away from it all after a life-altering tragedy. She explains how grief became a catalyst for change, why she now builds brands around the person before the business, and how she helps founders share their genius with the world.Together, David and Bonnie explore:Why intuition is one of the most underused tools for foundersThe role life-changing events play in sparking entrepreneurial leapsHow telling your authentic story attracts your right people — and repels the wrong onesHow vulnerability builds connection and attracts your communityWhy stepping away from “shoulds” can open the door to your true callingWhat makes microschools so powerful — for students and entrepreneursHow life’s hardest seasons can reveal the work you were made to doPractical ways to align your business with your deepest valuesIf you’ve been feeling a tug toward something more meaningful — or struggling to put your story into words — this episode is your permission to listen to yourself and take that first step.🎧 Listen now and discover how to build work — and a life — that truly fits.Guest Links:Connect with Bonnie LePage on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnielepage/Learn more about her work in marketing, branding, and AI: https://themakerai.com/Resources Mentioned:This Is Marketing by Seth Godin

In this powerful episode, David K. Richards sits down with Dr. Yazmene “Dr. Yaz” Thomas, an inspiring educator, coach, and Founder of Uhuru Pathways, a groundbreaking microschool serving teens and adults through an accelerated, trauma-informed high school diploma program.A late-night scroll led Dr. Yaz to discover Changemaker Microschools—and what followed was a rapid-fire connection and a clear path to launching her vision: a flexible, culturally responsive online microschool for underserved learners. Together, they dive into:Why traditional high school systems are failing adult and alternative learnersHow Uhuru Pathways supports students aged 14 to 60+ with coaching, career readiness, and personal developmentThe transformative “Dr. Yaz Method”: helping students get their I.S.H. (Intention, Skills, and Habits) togetherThe role of trauma-informed, whole-person education in empowering long-overdue dreamsWhat it means to transition from educator to entrepreneur—and why Dr. Yaz is just getting startedAbout Dr. Yaz:Dr. Yazmene Thomas is a veteran educator, educational coach, and founder of Uhuru Pathways Learning Center. She holds decades of experience supporting learners across age groups, with a deep passion for unlocking the potential of people who've been left behind by rigid systems. Her work combines academic support, emotional coaching, and cultural truth to help learners finally thrive.Links & Resources:Learn more about Dr. Yazmene Thomas at DrYazMethod.orgConnect with Dr. Yaz & Uhuru Pathways Changemaker Microschools

In this vibrant, soul-led conversation, David K. Richards, CEO of Changemaker Education, sits down with microschool Founder Christina “Pip” Pipkin, who’s launching a Changemaker Partner Microschool, the F.A.Y.E. Learning Center in Houston, Texas. As the first founder featured on the podcast, Pip shares her journey from classroom teacher and EdTech leader to becoming the architect of a personalized, project-based microschool rooted in family, equity, and student agency. They explore the challenges of surrender, self-trust, intersectionality, and stepping into visionary leadership while honoring intuition and faith.This episode is a masterclass in courage, community, and co-creation—perfect for aspiring founders ready to move beyond the 9–5 and into deep purpose-driven work. Memorable Quotes:“I jump and grow my wings on the way down.”“You all took away all my excuses.”“F.A.Y.E. is my baby. It’s fulfilling a promise—and a purpose.”“We are not just opening schools. We are transforming lives.”“It’s bigger than me. I’m just the vessel being used.” Key Topics Covered:Pip’s background in classroom teaching, EdTech, and doctoral studyThe personal call to open a microschool and surrender controlFounding F.A.Y.E. Learning Center—named after her grandmotherThe role of intersectionality as a Black, LGBTQ woman in TexasBalancing doctoral studies with launching a schoolProject-based learning, STEM focus, and family engagementCommunity-building and authentic recruitingPip’s spiritual connection to the journeyReflections on cohort support, imposter syndrome, and transformational growthThe long-term vision for expansion and impact Approximate Timestamps:00:00–10:00 – Pip’s background, family history, and path into education10:00–22:00 – Founding F.A.Y.E. Learning Center and vision for students & families22:00–38:00 – Discovery of Changemaker Education and alignment with purpose38:00–56:00 – Surrendering control, spiritual connection, and finding support56:00–End – Reflections on transformation, community, and future legacy

In this heart-centered and deeply inspiring conversation, Joy Meserve and David K. Richards dive into the journey of becoming a changemaker through microschool leadership. They explore personal transformation, intuitive decision-making, and redefining success outside the traditional 9–5 mold. With honesty, humor, and decades of collective leadership experience, they share how embracing autonomy and purpose can fuel a thriving education movement. This episode is both a roadmap and a call to action for anyone ready to reclaim their essence and reimagine learning—for themselves and the next generation.Memorable Quotes:“Start before you feel ready—because you never will feel ready.” — Joy“Life begins on the other side of fear.” — David“Everything in your life has prepared you for this moment.”“Your job title is not your identity. Your essence is.”“We don’t need to enmesh—we can respond with sovereignty.”Key Topics Covered:Joy’s journey from COO of a global education startup to co-founder of Changemaker EducationHow intuitive nudges and spiritual awakening guide big life shiftsThe powerful transformation from educator to entrepreneurCreating “mind, body, soul” curriculum that balances emotional intelligence with accountabilityWhy micro schools are not just schools—they're acts of sovereignty and serviceBuilding autonomy, mastery, and purpose into learning environmentsReleasing identity attachments to titles, income, and social comparisonThe impact of conscious leadership in decentralized education modelsSupporting founders to follow their “full body yes” and claim visionary leadershipHow the micro school movement is the disruptive innovation traditional education needs Timestamps (Approximate):00:00 – 08:00 – Introduction and divine alignment of Joy & David’s partnership08:00 – 18:00 – Joy’s path from iD Tech to mindfulness to Changemaker Education18:00 – 28:00 – The inner Sangha, grieving, and awakening during the pandemic28:00 – 38:00 – What it means to be a microschool founder and to trust the path38:00 – 50:00 – Unlearning top-down education, embracing founder autonomy50:00 – 01:04:00 – Inner discipline, mind-body-soul curriculum, and real SEL01:04:00 – 01:15:00 – Helping founders claim their vision, titles, and identities01:15:00 – End – Future vision of education and the micro school movement as a model of disruption

David had a great conversation with Christina Dougay who is the founder of Practical Education and Knowledge LLC (P.E.A.K.) a microschool in Houston, Texas.With a background in both education and the mental health sector, she brings a unique perspective to creating safe, supportive, and engaging learning environments for children.Driven by a desire to find an alternative to traditional public education for her own children and others in need, Christina strives to provide a positive, trauma-informed approach to learning. She believes that every child is capable of success, deserves to feel valued in the classroom, and should experience the joy of learning. Christina invited her husband to join the podcast with her because they have been in this together since the beginning. They shared the origin story of how they were driven by the desire to create something better for their daughter, which drove them to launch with 3 students in their living room and grow to a larger space in a short amount of time. Christina & Dusty are emblematic of the spirit and heart of the microschool movement. They have a great story to tell about how they took matters into their own hands and how it helped their own daughter while launching them into a journey of meaning and purpose to serve others. There are tons of gems in here that you read about in the research about leadership and startups. They didn’t need to read that research, because they embody entrepreneurship and took one step at a time and made their vision come to life. Such an inspiring story! You can learn more about their microschool here: https://www.practicaled.org/

David had a great conversation with Don Soifer who is the CEO of the National Microschooling Center. They discussed the recent report just released from the National Microschooling Center that illuminates important data about microschools like what percentage are private, public, what types of students microschools serve, facilities, types of models, and so much more! We get to be one of the first to share this and get to hear Don’s analysis which is super exciting. Here is a more about Don and the Center.  The National Microschooling Center ia America’s comprehensive resource center, movement-builder and authority for the most exciting new education movement in a generation. He co-created and co-directed the Southern Nevada Urban Micro Academy, the nation’s first public–private partnership microschool with the City of North Las Vegas, delivering unprecedented academic growth with a previously underserved population of families under pandemic operating conditions.Prior to opening the Center, Soifer has been President of Nevada Action for School Options, an award-winning nonpartisan “action tank” he founded in 2017 to support the growth of diverse choices of rich, high-quality and personalized educational opportunities for all students. He previously served as Executive Vice President of the Lexington Institute, a nonpartisan think tank in Arlington, VA that he cofounded in 1998.Soifer directed the institute’s education and other domestic-policy research programs, and his research has been published and discussed in many of the nation’s most influential news publications and policy journals, and cited by policy decisionmakers at all levels of government, including the U.S. Supreme Court.Soifer earned a record as one of the nation’s most accomplished charter school authorizers, serving an unprecedented three mayor-appointed, Council-confirmed terms on the District of Columbia Public Charter School Board beginning in 2008. He was widely regarded as a driving force transforming one of the nation’s most successful charter authorizers as it instituted systems for prioritizing quality for the 120+ schools oversee. He subsequently served as a board member on the Nevada State Public Charter School Authority, appointed by the State Board of Education, from 2019-2021.Soifer has been an Aspen/Pahara Institute education fellow since 2018. You can learn about The National Microschooling Center here: https://microschoolingcenter.org/

David had a great conversation with Raphael Gang who is a Program Officer at the Stand Together Trust (STT) where he makes investments focused on supporting a dynamic education marketplace for families, educators, and entrepreneurs. Prior to joining STT, he worked at 4.0 Schools, a nonprofit national incubator for early-stage education impact ventures, where he coached education entrepreneurs and led 4.0’s communications, fundraising, and research. He helped launch and implement the statewide school voucher program, oversaw charter schools statewide, and managed policy for supporting choice at the Louisiana Department of Education. A former elementary school teacher, he has worked in policy and in leadership at two networks of schools. As a father of two young children, Raphael believes strongly that if we want a future of learning that is for all children, we need to build it.David and Raphael discussed how important it is to engage families in the process of building your microschool. We think that building schools is an intellectual process, but entrepreneurship is about doing and not thinking. In that spirit, Raphael recommends you start small, start fast, and start cheap by starting to talk with families and make that your top priority. They also discussed the transition from educator to entrepreneur which can be a big one for many educators! Finally, they discussed the need for microschools to be sustainable and to build a business not a charity to ensure your microschool stays around for years to come! You can find Raphael on X here: x.com/raphaelgangeduHere are some things that Raphael shared if you want to explore these topics further: 1. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/i-started-successful-school-just-27000-sam-rogerson/2. Lean Startup by Eric Ries - https://theleanstartup.com/3. Tom Arnett'sk, Families on the New Frontier report - https://www.christenseninstitute.org/publication/microschools-families/4. Raphael's - Build a Business, not a Charity blog - https://microschoolingcenter.org/news-blog/gang

Enjoy this episode with Tyler Thigpen who is co-founder and CEO of The Forest School: An Acton Academy in Georgia, The Forest School Online, and the Institute for Self-Directed Learning. He also serves as Academic Director at the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education. A Georgia native, Tyler has worked across public, private, and charter schools, as well as national nonprofits like Transcend. He’s helped lead innovative school initiatives including nXu, The Academy Group, and EL Education, and co-founded MENTOR Georgia and Chattahoochee Hills Charter School. Tyler holds advanced degrees from Harvard and Regent College and has been published in The Washington Post, Education Week, and AJC. He lives in Trilith, GA, with his four children—all alumni of The Forest School.David and Tyler discuss the overall benefits of microschools, especially as it relates to building relationships and creating intimate and close knit communities. They finish the conversation by talking about their experience with implementing self directed learning models in various settings, and the benefits of microschools to create powerful learner driven environments. You can find Tyler at one of the links below: https://theforest.school/https://online.theforest.school/https://www.selfdirect.school/https://www.instagram.com/weareforestschool?igsh=cDJxNDl6bjd6cXVj&utm_source=qr

David shared the relaunch of the podcast focusing on all things microschools and the vision going forward as follows. This is a podcast about all things microschools.It will share the nuts and bolts of opening and running a successful microschool.He will share leadership development tips and tricks.He will share how to embody an entrepreneurship mindset.He wants this podcast to help anyone in the process whether they join Changemaker Education officially or not. He then shared a little about what Changemaker Education does: It is a network of affiliate microschools that incubate paradigm shifting microschools across the country.It is unique because it is a network but founders have autonomy. Founders license the mind, body, soul curriculum, the brand, and the support and community in exchange for a revenue share once they open.Founders are provided with the support they need from budget to student recruitment to curriculum to facility procurement. Then David shared Changemaker Education was created:We believe that we are in a massive time of change and we need the people in the community that know and care about the kids to create real change on the ground. We believe that it is the grassroots and the people on the ground that will create lasting impact in education. We see the microschools movement as one key driver of this change and want to create the conditions to support founders with a vision for a life changing microschool to get it off the ground. Then he made a call to action for the changemakers listening and his calling to lead this effort: Part of the goal for this podcast is to reach the people that have this dream to launch a microschool, or be part of a founding team to get one off the ground. This is a call for the educators, care takers, parents, community members who see that we need change and are willing to commit to being part of the solution. If you are committed and all in to create the change and ready to follow your dream, we want  you to be part of this movement. We are at the forefront of a massive transformation and paradigm shift. This is not for people that are looking to maintain the status quo or tweak around the edges. This is a call for radical change, and a call to reimagine the way we do school and create proof points all across the country and the world that this is possible. I have been in education reform for over 25 years and am super excited about the opportunities for change. I want to gather the people that will do it in the best way for kids. I have worked in all different types of schools: public charter, traditional public, and private schools and I have seen what happens when you create intimate learning environments where kids are at the center and parents are engaged in the process. I have been called as a changemaker and am inspired to lead the charge to gather the other changemakers that are ready. Changemaking is not easy. People like to keep things the way they are. But we can do it together. We can do it arm and arm and heart to heart one student, one microschool, and one community at a time. I hope you will join us. Please follow Changemaker Education on Linked in and check out our website: changemakereducation.com "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret MeadThis is only the beginning! Let’s do this! 

David shares his wisdom today about what happens when you feel inspired from the depths of your soul to create change and be the best version of yourself. He asks you to clarify the change you want to create, and see where fear is holding you back. David shares that when you are following your soul’s calling, it is typically those that are closest to you that project their fears onto you and unintentionally ask you to play small. David recommends that you use these opportunities to learn and grow. Their fears are a reflection of the fears within you. Use this as fuel to drive yourself toward the change you want to see and to comfort the part of you that is worried and nervous. David finalizes the episode by asking you to embrace the truth that you know within yourself and follow your heart.

David has a great conversation with Elana Feinberg. They discuss the current trends in education, what Elana is seeing in schools that she thinks more people should be doing, and reforming the inside or outside of the system. You will hear great advice from Elana about problems with implementation and some of the unique ways that great schools across the country are creating innovative change for all types of different kinds of learners. Elana has almost 25 years of experience in education, social enterprise, and technology. She has worked with district and charter schools, educational technology companies, and other social enterprise and educational organizations.  Elana has designed and launched (or expanded) 10+ schools and coached 30+ teachers, school leaders, and entrepreneurs through her work for New Schools for New Orleans, Catalyst: Ed, Camelback Ventures, Leading Educators, Next Generation Learning Challenges (Mass IDEAS), Boston Schools Fund, Walton Family Foundation, and the Center for Women in Entrepreneurship. She works from an anti-racist and feminist lens, mostly supporting women and people of color who are working to innovate and disrupt. When project managing and leading launches or supporting leaders, she is involved in every aspect of the work, including design, operations, talent and hiring, governance, and programs. She has also designed and facilitated workshops on entrepreneurship and consulting for Catalyst:Ed, Camelback Ventures, and the Center for Women in Entrepreneurship, and created the Core Consulting Competencies program, detailing the information and strategies that new consultants and entrepreneurs need to know to be successful. Finally, Elana has built a nationwide network upon which she often calls upon for support, resources, input or connections. You can learn more about Elana here: @elanafeinberg Twitter/Xhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/elana-feinberg/www.elanafeinberg.com

One Stone, co-founded by Teresa Poppen, revolutionizes education by empowering students to take charge of their learning journey. Initially focusing on experiential service, One Stone evolved into Lab 51, a student-driven school fostering real-world impact and self-discovery.At One Stone, students drive the organization's direction, with student-majority boards ensuring their voices shape its activities. Service projects, like Project Good, instill leadership and empathy, while the Hatch Studio offers entrepreneurial opportunities, nurturing risk-taking and innovation.Lab 51 operates on a competency-based model, emphasizing mindset growth and skill development aligned with students' passions. A college-like environment lets students craft schedules around their interests, engaging in design labs, community reads, and the Living in Beta program, fostering identity exploration.One Stone's approach challenges parental involvement, urging them to embrace student-driven learning alongside their children. Extracurricular activities, integrated seamlessly, extend learning beyond traditional bounds, aligning with students' interests.The organization shares its innovative practices through Idea 51 and professional development series, assisting other schools in adopting student-centric approaches. Challenges, like funding and resistance to change, are overcome by a steadfast commitment to core values, notably trust in students.Understanding the "why" behind educational initiatives is paramount, with One Stone's website providing insights into its programs. Visitors are encouraged to witness firsthand the transformative power of student-driven education.In summary, One Stone's dedication to empowering students and sharing its innovations epitomizes a new paradigm in education. By prioritizing student agency, fostering real-world impact, and staying true to core values, One Stone is redefining education and inspiring change in institutions worldwide.You can learn more about One Stone below: Website: onestone.orgFacebook:facebook.com/onestoneidahoInstagram:instagram.com/onestoneidahoLinkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/company/one-stone-idaho/

In this solo episode, David shares his own experiences with letting life show him the way. He talks about various experiences from his own life where he was in resistance to something that he knew to be true. Throughout the episode, David talks about ways you can be aware of the truth and take one step at a time to move toward it. This simple concept of listening to the truth that life is showing you day by day, can ultimately change your life. David shares the way it has changed his life. 

Are you curious about finding magic in the Middle School experience? If so, join David and Chris as they discuss all the ups and downs, ins and outs, challenges and most importantly, the opportunities for parents and educators with these middle years! In this engaging episode, David delves into a thought-provoking conversation with Chris Balme, an esteemed education expert and the author of "Finding the Magic in Middle School." The dialogue unfolds with Chris sharing his personal journey as a once introverted and perplexed middle schooler, an experience that ignited his mission to understand and transform the middle school landscape.Drawing from neuroscience, Chris emphasizes the crucial developmental stages of early adolescence. He sheds light on the inadequacies of traditional middle schools, structured on a factory model that often contradicts the evolving needs of middle schoolers. Chris advocates for schools to prioritize adolescents' core drives: self-discovery, social connection, and contribution, asserting the need for an educational paradigm shift.Chris's transformative vision materialized with the co-founding of Millennium School in San Francisco. This innovative school is designed to foster a supportive environment where belonging, connection, and contribution take center stage. Chris underscores the importance of small school sizes, intentional advisory programs, and project-based learning in crafting an educational experience that transcends the norm.The conversation explores Chris's initiative in depth, shedding light on the challenges faced by middle school boys. He calls for a paradigm shift in the narrative surrounding middle school experiences, challenging the perception that it is an inherently challenging and traumatic phase. Instead, Chris encourages parents and educators to recognize the inherent magic in this crucial developmental period.Notably, the discussion touches on Chris's two-fold approach for parents in traditional schools. Firstly, he suggests parents embrace a personal reinvention during their child's adolescence, fostering open communication about the challenges and joys of this transformative phase. Secondly, he advocates for creating alternative spaces for students to exert control outside the constraints of traditional schooling. Activities such as apprenticeships, volunteering, or part-time jobs can provide a balance and contribute to a more holistic developmental experience.A significant aspect of the conversation revolves around the importance of an intentional advisory program. Drawing from his experience, Chris introduces Argonaut, his online program designed for middle schoolers globally. The program facilitates meaningful discussions on topics like personality, emotions, and relationships, providing a valuable platform for adolescents to navigate this pivotal phase.Throughout the episode, Chris encourages parents to embrace the quirkiness of adolescence, fostering a positive perspective that recognizes the magic inherent in this developmental period.The episode concludes with a call to redefine the middle school narrative, offering practical advice and a fresh outlook for parents and educators seeking to create a more positive and transformative experience for adolescents.

David shares a simple message in today’s episode. After doing a short guided practice, David asks us to let love guide the way. He shares his own personal journey of believing that talking about love was “soft”, and how he now believes the opposite. You can hear more about how he debunks that myth. David also talks about how it all starts with loving yourself. Take the moments in your day to notice when you are being harsh with yourself and requalify those thoughts and that habit. And, finally, he asks that you spread love throughout your day as you encounter the various people you see in your life. Give it a try and see what happens!Stay tuned for an announcement about David’s latest program and some new structures for the podcast!

Amar Kumar, founder and CEO of Chipotle Learning, shared insights on the transformative potential of micro schools in a conversation with David. Having worked in online education, Kumar recognized the limitations of solitary online learning, acknowledging the importance of social interaction and support in education. This realization led to the creation of Kai Pod, a hybrid model combining online schooling with in-person learning hubs.The essence of micro schools lies in providing personalized attention and tailored curricula. Kumar envisions a future where passionate subject experts create engaging online courses, accessible to students across a region. Meanwhile, on-site learning coaches facilitate individualized support, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.Reflecting on the challenges of traditional education, Kumar emphasizes the need to break the mold. Micro schools, with their small class sizes and community-oriented approach, offer a solution to the impersonal nature of larger educational institutions. Kumar envisions this model as the future of education, emphasizing the importance of building strong connections between educators and students for a more effective and fulfilling learning experience.The conversation explores the concept of micro-schooling, specifically within the context of KaiPod Learning and its Catalyst program. The speaker discusses the challenges of traditional education systems and the need for more personalized, community-oriented approaches. They emphasize the importance of relationships, coaching, community, and childcare in education.The speaker shares personal experiences, including a story about a retired physician's judgment of educators, highlighting the crowd control aspect in large classrooms. They reflect on the limitations of traditional education, citing issues with content delivery, coaching, community building, and childcare.The conversation delves into the idea of micro-schools, defined as small learning environments. The speaker describes KaiPod as a supplement to existing online or homeschooling options, providing a community for social, emotional, and coaching needs. They discuss the diversity of micro-schools, with different models tailored to specific passions, needs, and community contexts.The Catalyst program is introduced as an initiative to empower educators who are considering leaving traditional classrooms. It aims to help them define their vision for education, navigate the process of starting a school, and align their passion with community needs. The speaker emphasizes the importance of educators' autonomy in shaping their micro-schools.The conversation touches on different educational models like Acton and Primer, highlighting the distinction between KaiPod's approach and those that prescribe a specific model. The speaker underscores their belief in preserving educators' points of view and empowering them as the decision-makers.In closing, the speaker encourages both parents and educators to consider micro-schooling as an alternative, addressing the potential concerns and misconceptions. Overall, the conversation provides insights into the challenges of traditional education, the philosophy behind micro-schooling, and the support KaiPod Learning offers through its Catalyst program.You can learn more about Amar and below: Website: https:/www.kaipodlearning.comSocial: X: @KaiPodCoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/KaiPodCoYou can learn more about David here: https://www.davidkrichards.com/

David shares a simple message in today’s episode. Give yourself permission to be playful and childlike - not childish but be free and have fun like a child. Laugh a little. Don’t take everything so seriously. He asks you just to try it and see how your day goes! Stay tuned for an announcement about David’s latest program and some new structures for the podcast!

In today’s episode, Mary Jo and David continue discussing their exciting announcement about launching Pathfinder, a program to support others who are inspired to open a school, program or learning center, and need the guidance and structure to achieve their dream. Listen to hear some tips and tricks from David and Mary Jo to move closer to your dream of opening a school or supporting others who are committed to creating change in this way. Specifically, they speak to the importance of values and beliefs as the critical first step in moving forward with your dream to open a school. Mary Jo Fairhead is the Founder of Onward Learning, a K-8 micro school in Martin, South Dakota near the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. She has been an educator and mentor of all ages as a coach, teacher, and most recently an elementary school principal. Throughout her career, she saw how a safe and healthy learning environment can inspire children to discover their unique gifts and find their purpose.  She deeply believes that children are capable of changing the world around them in the most profound ways. Unfortunately, Mary Jo witnessed how an educational system can extinguish curiosity and confidence by forcing all children to fit into one box without reverence for each child’s unique talents, skills, interests, and needs. She has observed this as the norm in mainstream education and thus she believes there has never been a more vital time to prioritize our children's future than now! Based on her experience as a mother and an educator, Mary Jo envisioned a school where children would enter an environment of complete and absolute love every time they step into their school—a school where class sizes are small and teachers know each of their students on a deep level, where curiosity and creativity are not only appreciated, but encouraged and nurtured. She yearns for her children and the other children in her community to never be forced into the same box, but instead to be guided in finding their unique strengths, passions, and purpose in this world. Mary Jo met David when she was first crafting her vision, and he supported her in fulfilling her dream to open Onward Learning. The school was also inspired by Phillip Moore who is the author of The Future of Children and for 42 years, led a love-based, nature school in Michigan known as Upland Hills. Mary Jo shares how she took her dream to a reality in this episode and ultimately how Onward Learning emerged in her small but mighty community of Martin, South Dakota near the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. You can learn more about Mary Jo and her school here: https://onwardlearning.org/Be on the lookout for the Pathfinder website which is launching soon: www.pathfindered.com