ReDream Education

There’s a certain point in the microschool journey where dreaming turns into deciding. Where your heart for families meets the reality of tuition, payroll, enrollment systems, and leadership responsibility. And lately, inside Microschool Masterminds, the conversations have been real, raw, and deeply reflective. In this episode, I’m sharing what teachers and microschool leaders are actually wrestling with right now — the questions that don’t always make it to social media, but live quietly in our heads as we lay foundations for sustainable schools. We talk openly about enrollment and the tension of raising tuition when families are already stretched thin, especially in nonprofit and faith-based microschool models. I share my own struggle with wanting to help everyone while also honoring the reality that even mission-driven schools must operate as healthy businesses — and why seeking sponsors, donors, and scholarships is not failure, but foresight. We also dive into nonprofit financial systems, including common questions around QuickBooks and Aplos, grant readiness, and why clarity matters more than choosing the “perfect” software. If you’re building a microschool or homeschool hybrid and trying to get your finances organized for long-term growth, this conversation will resonate deeply. Another major theme in this episode is staffing and leadership — specifically navigating teacher contracts, renewals, and the uncomfortable realization that your school may be drifting away from its original vision. We explore whether that drift is a hiring issue, a clarity issue, or a documentation issue — and how leaders can lovingly course-correct without burning bridges. For those in their first year or preparing to launch, I also address foundational questions around first-year tuition, part-time teacher pay, prep days, hosting a microschool in your home, and how to stay realistic without losing your peace. One of the most important parts of this episode is a compassionate discussion around capacity, boundaries, and integrity — including how to lovingly and ethically communicate with families when you don’t yet have the services to support certain learning needs. This is not about exclusion, but about honesty, sustainability, and doing what’s best for children and leaders alike. We also briefly touch on compliance topics like background checks, spouses working in the school, and the importance of healthy systems — especially as more men step into education and leadership roles within microschool communities. If you’re a teacher thinking about starting a microschool, a homeschool hybrid leader in the early years, or a seasoned founder trying to protect the heart of what you’ve built — this episode will remind you that you are not behind. You are building. And foundation seasons are meant to feel this way.----more---- Microschool Masterminds: skool.com/microschool-masterminds Every Thursday from 12-1 pm (EST), join Makenzie Oliver, microschool founder, VELA connector, and instructional coach, along with other founders, parents, and dreamers, as we connect, inspire, and progress through the challenges and celebrations of starting, running, and growing a microschool! When you join Microschool Masterminds for just $107/month, you get: Live Weekly Collaborative Sessions to Maintain Your Momentum and Create Community Instant Access to Over 150+ Resources on Marketing, Finances, Organization, Hiring, and More! The Key to the Mastermind Vault, with ALL of Our Recorded Presentations since April 2024 EXCLUSIVE Access To Mastermind-Only Discounted Items Microschool Masterminds is about collaboration and transformation – about helping you become a confident, empowered entrepreneur, ready to take on the world with friends to guide you along the way. Join us on this remarkable journey from overwhelm to success.   Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/redreameducation If you’re searching for a community because something in your life, your classroom, your family, your child, or your heart is asking for a new dream. A wiser dream. A ReDream. You belong in ReDream Education’s Microschool Community (Facebook Group). We challenge the old models, rethink what learning can be, and build innovative pathways for children, families, and communities!   Blog: redreameducation.com/blog It’s time to take the light that’s been dimmed, due to the overwhelming pressures, and spark a flame! Whether it’s starting a homeschooling business, designing a microschool, or even becoming a traveling tutor...teacher friend...the options are here for you to stay in the teaching profession and do what you love.

Parents are overwhelmed with school choices—and most are being asked to decide without the information that actually matters. Research shows students don’t learn more because a teacher is certified, experienced, or passionate. They learn more when they believe their teacher knows what they’re doing, cares about them, and can actually help them succeed. In this episode, we break down one of the highest-impact findings in all of education research: teacher credibility, with an effect size of 0.90—meaning it has more impact on learning than class size, homework, or school type. We’ll explore what builds or breaks credibility, why student perception matters more than adult intention, and the seven evidence-based conditions students need to learn—including safety, belonging, emotional regulation, appropriate challenge, relevance, feedback, and consistency. If you’re questioning traditional school, exploring alternatives, or trying to understand what actually helps children learn, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and research-backed insight to make informed decisions. ----more---- Microschool Masterminds: skool.com/microschool-masterminds Every Thursday from 12-1 pm (EST), join Makenzie Oliver, microschool founder, VELA connector, and instructional coach, along with other founders, parents, and dreamers, as we connect, inspire, and progress through the challenges and celebrations of starting, running, and growing a microschool! When you join Microschool Masterminds for just $107/month, you get: Live Weekly Collaborative Sessions to Maintain Your Momentum and Create Community Instant Access to Over 150+ Resources on Marketing, Finances, Organization, Hiring, and More! The Key to the Mastermind Vault, with ALL of Our Recorded Presentations since April 2024 EXCLUSIVE Access To Mastermind-Only Discounted Items Microschool Masterminds is about collaboration and transformation – about helping you become a confident, empowered entrepreneur, ready to take on the world with friends to guide you along the way. Join us on this remarkable journey from overwhelm to success.   Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/redreameducation If you’re searching for a community because something in your life, your classroom, your family, your child, or your heart is asking for a new dream. A wiser dream. A ReDream. You belong in ReDream Education’s Microschool Community (Facebook Group). We challenge the old models, rethink what learning can be, and build innovative pathways for children, families, and communities!   Blog: redreameducation.com/blog It’s time to take the light that’s been dimmed, due to the overwhelming pressures, and spark a flame! Whether it’s starting a homeschooling business, designing a microschool, or even becoming a traveling tutor...teacher friend...the options are here for you to stay in the teaching profession and do what you love.

If you’re a parent feeling overwhelmed by your child’s school experience… If you’re exhausted from meetings, emails, meltdowns, phone calls, and “something just isn’t working”… If your child is bright, creative, kind, and capable — but school keeps telling a different story… This episode is for you. Today on ReDream Education, I am speaking straight to the families who feel trapped between public school and private school options that still don’t fit. Maybe you’re noticing anxiety, school refusal, burnout, boredom, sensory overload, bullying, or a complete mismatch between who your child is and the environment they’re in. And I want you to hear this clearly: You’re not crazy. You’re not alone. And the problem isn’t your child — it’s the system. More parents than ever are waking up to the truth that traditional school models were not built for the needs of today’s learners — especially neurodivergent children. And instead of waiting for slow, bureaucratic reform, families are taking the lead. Microschools. Homeschool hybrids. Learning pods. Flexible, personalized learning communities. These aren’t fringe ideas anymore. They’re becoming a movement — one that is growing because it meets the needs of real families. ⭐ In This Episode, I Share… 🧠 Why Neurodivergent Learners Need a Different Kind of School More children than ever are being identified with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, sensory processing differences, or anxiety. These are not “problems” — they are indicators that the one-size-fits-all system is outdated. In small, personalized environments, neurodivergent kids thrive. And parents finally get to breathe. 📈 The Real Reasons Microschools & Hybrids Are Exploding Nationwide This shift isn’t random — it’s a response to: rising academic and emotional needs mental health concerns overwhelming class sizes rigid curriculum pacing loss of creativity, joy, and connection families wanting time, flexibility, and alignment with their values Parents are choosing models that fit their child, not models that force their child to fit. ❤️ The Parent Struggle: And Why It’s Not Your Fault In this episode, I validate the emotional side of parenting a child who is struggling in school: the guilt the worry the sleepless nights the pressure to “make it work” in a system that doesn’t work the grief of letting go of the school experience you expected the fear of stepping into something new You are not failing — you are awakening to a better path. 🌱 How to Get Started With Microschools & Hybrids (A Practical Roadmap) I walk parents through the actual steps to get started: Identifying your child’s true needs Understanding your state’s homeschool/hybrid laws Finding or forming microschools Using the VELA App to connect with nearby families & founders Exploring part-time schooling, flexible attendance, or hybrid options How to choose the right model — not just the popular one How to transition slowly and confidently Microschools and hybrids don’t require perfection — just intention and community. 🔥 What It Means to ReDream Your Child’s Education ReDreaming is not “giving up.” It’s realizing your child deserves better — and that YOU deserve peace, clarity, partnership, and hope. You don’t need a whole new dream. You just need a new version of the dream — one that finally fits your child. ⭐ This Episode Is For: Parents whose kids are struggling academically or emotionally Families with neurodivergent children Parents dissatisfied with public or private school Families seeking flexibility, relationships, and personalized learning Anyone curious about microschools, hybrids, or education alternatives Parents ready to trust their instincts ⭐ One Sentence to Take With You You are not leaving school — you are leading your child into a future that finally honors who they are. ----more---- Microschool Masterminds: skool.com/microschool-masterminds Every Thursday from 12-1 pm (EST), join Makenzie Oliver, microschool founder, VELA connector, and instructional coach, along with other founders, parents, and dreamers, as we connect, inspire, and progress through the challenges and celebrations of starting, running, and growing a microschool! When you join Microschool Masterminds for just $107/month, you get: Live Weekly Collaborative Sessions to Maintain Your Momentum and Create Community Instant Access to Over 150+ Resources on Marketing, Finances, Organization, Hiring, and More! The Key to the Mastermind Vault, with ALL of Our Recorded Presentations since April 2024 EXCLUSIVE Access To Mastermind-Only Discounted Items Microschool Masterminds is about collaboration and transformation – about helping you become a confident, empowered entrepreneur, ready to take on the world with friends to guide you along the way. Join us on this remarkable journey from overwhelm to success.   Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/redreameducation If you’re searching for a community because something in your life, your classroom, your family, your child, or your heart is asking for a new dream. A wiser dream. A ReDream. You belong in ReDream Education’s Microschool Community (Facebook Group). We challenge the old models, rethink what learning can be, and build innovative pathways for children, families, and communities!   Blog: redreameducation.com/blog It’s time to take the light that’s been dimmed, due to the overwhelming pressures, and spark a flame! Whether it’s starting a homeschooling business, designing a microschool, or even becoming a traveling tutor...teacher friend...the options are here for you to stay in the teaching profession and do what you love.

Today on ReDream Education, I am honored to welcome a leader whose influence extends far beyond city hall — former Mayor and City Commissioner Matt Morgan. Many know him as a champion for community development, public safety, and family-first initiatives. But what many don’t realize is how deeply he understands the connection between strong communities and strong schools. This episode is a powerful reminder that education doesn’t evolve in isolation — it evolves through leadership, courage, and collaboration. Matt and I talk openly about: why local leadership must be part of the education transformation how community partnerships can strengthen learning environments the realities parents and teachers are facing today why microschools, homeschool hybrids, and parent-led models are accelerating the importance of supporting neurodivergent learners with dignity how cities and schools can work together to create safer, healthier, more innovative learning communities We also discuss the deeper truth: Our education system is redreaming itself — and it requires leaders in every corner of society to show up. Whether you’re a teacher feeling the weight of burnout, a parent searching for a better fit for your child, a founder building a microschool, or a philanthropist looking to invest in meaningful change, this episode will remind you: You are not powerless. You are not alone. And your influence matters more than ever. Matt shares his perspective as a father, a civic leader, and an advocate for children. His message is clear: Cities thrive when children thrive. Children thrive when schools evolve. And schools evolve when courageous people say: it’s time to build something better. This conversation is hopeful, grounding, and deeply motivating — the kind that helps you understand that the future of education is not just a school initiative… it’s a community-wide movement. If you’ve been wondering how education, leadership, and community impact intersect — this episode will show you exactly why each piece matters. This is ReDream Education. This is leadership in action. And this is only the beginning. ----more---- Microschool Masterminds: skool.com/microschool-masterminds Every Thursday from 12-1 pm (EST), join Makenzie Oliver, microschool founder, VELA connector, and instructional coach, along with other founders, parents, and dreamers, as we connect, inspire, and progress through the challenges and celebrations of starting, running, and growing a microschool! When you join Microschool Masterminds for just $107/month, you get: Live Weekly Collaborative Sessions to Maintain Your Momentum and Create Community Instant Access to Over 150+ Resources on Marketing, Finances, Organization, Hiring, and More! The Key to the Mastermind Vault, with ALL of Our Recorded Presentations since April 2024 EXCLUSIVE Access To Mastermind-Only Discounted Items Microschool Masterminds is about collaboration and transformation – about helping you become a confident, empowered entrepreneur, ready to take on the world with friends to guide you along the way. Join us on this remarkable journey from overwhelm to success.   Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/redreameducation If you’re searching for a community because something in your life, your classroom, your family, your child, or your heart is asking for a new dream. A wiser dream. A ReDream. You belong in ReDream Education’s Microschool Community (Facebook Group). We challenge the old models, rethink what learning can be, and build innovative pathways for children, families, and communities!   Blog: redreameducation.com/blog It’s time to take the light that’s been dimmed, due to the overwhelming pressures, and spark a flame! Whether it’s starting a homeschooling business, designing a microschool, or even becoming a traveling tutor...teacher friend...the options are here for you to stay in the teaching profession and do what you love.

In Episode 402 of ReDream Education, I’m speaking directly to the parents, teachers, founders, and community leaders who feel the growing tension in modern education — and the growing call to do something about it. If you’ve sensed that the system is strained… If your child is struggling in ways you didn’t expect… If your classroom feels heavier than it used to… If you’re feeling pulled toward something new, but you’re afraid to name it… This episode is for you. Because right now, education is redreaming itself, and every one of us is part of that shift. ⭐ In This Episode, I Share: 🧠 Why Neurodivergent Learners Are at the Center of This Educational Shift More children than ever are navigating ADHD, autism, dyslexia, sensory needs, anxiety, and learning differences — and they deserve environments built for them, not systems that force them to fit. I talk about the real needs we’re seeing, why so many kids feel overwhelmed or misunderstood, and why smaller, relationship-centered learning environments are transforming outcomes. 🏫 The Rise of Microschools & Homeschool Hybrids Families everywhere are choosing flexible, personalized learning models — not because they are “opting out,” but because they are opting into something better. I walk through why these models are thriving, what parents truly want, and why teachers are stepping into entrepreneurship and leadership outside the traditional system. 🌱 Why Your Yes Matters — More Than You Know Whether you’re a teacher considering a new way to serve kids… A parent advocating for your child… Or a founder building something from scratch… Your YES is part of the solution. Your YES helps children thrive. Your YES pushes the movement forward. This episode will encourage you, validate you, and remind you that obedience to your calling—no matter how small the first step is—makes a generational impact. 🔥 How We Solve the Education Crisis (And Why It Starts Locally) Instead of waiting for top-down reform, I share why the most meaningful transformation is happening in local communities, small learning environments, microschools, and parent-teacher partnerships. The answer isn’t bigger systems. It’s braver systems. Smaller systems. Human systems. ⭐ This Episode Will Encourage You If… you’re a teacher wondering if there’s more you’re a parent watching your child struggle in the wrong environment you’re a founder building a new kind of school you feel the shift but haven’t found the words for it you’re ready for education to align with who kids truly are ⭐ One Takeaway to Hold Onto: You don’t need to abandon your dream — you just need to redream it. And your courage to say yes is shaping the future of education. ⭐ Welcome to Episode 402. Education is evolving. Children are changing. And we are here—together—to build what comes next. ----more---- Microschool Masterminds: skool.com/microschool-masterminds Every Thursday from 12-1 pm (EST), join Makenzie Oliver, microschool founder, VELA connector, and instructional coach, along with other founders, parents, and dreamers, as we connect, inspire, and progress through the challenges and celebrations of starting, running, and growing a microschool! When you join Microschool Masterminds for just $107/month, you get: Live Weekly Collaborative Sessions to Maintain Your Momentum and Create Community Instant Access to Over 150+ Resources on Marketing, Finances, Organization, Hiring, and More! The Key to the Mastermind Vault, with ALL of Our Recorded Presentations since April 2024 EXCLUSIVE Access To Mastermind-Only Discounted Items Microschool Masterminds is about collaboration and transformation – about helping you become a confident, empowered entrepreneur, ready to take on the world with friends to guide you along the way. Join us on this remarkable journey from overwhelm to success.   Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/redreameducation If you’re searching for a community because something in your life, your classroom, your family, your child, or your heart is asking for a new dream. A wiser dream. A ReDream. You belong in ReDream Education’s Microschool Community (Facebook Group). We challenge the old models, rethink what learning can be, and build innovative pathways for children, families, and communities!   Blog: redreameducation.com/blog It’s time to take the light that’s been dimmed, due to the overwhelming pressures, and spark a flame! Whether it’s starting a homeschooling business, designing a microschool, or even becoming a traveling tutor...teacher friend...the options are here for you to stay in the teaching profession and do what you love.

This is Episode 1 of ReDream Education… and this is only the beginning. I created this first episode to speak directly to the three groups who are shaping the future of learning: parents, teachers, and microschool founders. You are the ones living at the intersection of crisis and calling. You are the ones who feel the pressure, see the gaps, and know deep down that the current system isn’t working. And whether you’re listening from your classroom, your car, your kitchen, or your microschool-in-the-making, I know this truth: Something in your life is asking you for a new dream. A wiser dream. A ReDream. In this episode, I share my story — the journey from a dining room table microschool to building a multi-building campus, a nonprofit, the Bright Pathways program, and a national movement that supports educators and families across the country. But more importantly, I’m sharing why everything had to evolve. Because the world of education is changing rapidly. Parents are searching for options that honor their children’s individuality. Teachers are longing for purpose, autonomy, and impact beyond standardized systems. Founders are stepping forward to build flexible, mastery-based, relationship-centered learning communities. The crisis is real. But so is the opportunity. This episode is where I lay the foundation for the entire movement: ⭐ Why education is in a breakdown—and why that breakdown is a doorway Parents are exhausted. Teachers are burnt out. Students are anxious, bored, or misunderstood. Communities are desperate for alternatives. The old blueprint no longer works. ⭐ Why YOU are part of the ReDream You’re listening because some part of your life, your classroom, your child, or your calling is asking for something different. Something better. Something truer. A ReDream isn’t about starting from scratch — it’s about becoming who you were meant to be. ⭐ Why this movement exists ReDream Education is for: parents craving personalized learning teachers stepping into innovation founders designing micro-schools, pods, and hybrid models philanthropists wanting to invest in schools that actually work leaders ready to reshape the future of education This movement exists because our children deserve more than a system. They deserve a vision. ⭐ What listeners can expect from ReDream Education Every episode will give you: practical frameworks leadership development curriculum clarity founder strategy enrollment + marketing support personalized learning models neurodivergent + gifted pathways breakthrough stories from real schools the systems and soul work required to build something meaningful ⭐ The evolution of Microschool Masterminds In this new era, Microschool Masterminds becomes the home for founders nationwide — with weekly coaching, operations support, curriculum design tools, legal guidance, and the systems needed to start or scale a thriving microschool. ⭐ The calling forward If you are here, you are not meant to sit on the sidelines of education reform. You are meant to shape it. To build it. To redream it. This is Episode 1. And this is only the beginning. ----more---- Microschool Masterminds: skool.com/microschool-masterminds Every Thursday from 12-1 pm (EST), join Makenzie Oliver, microschool founder, VELA connector, and instructional coach, along with other founders, parents, and dreamers, as we connect, inspire, and progress through the challenges and celebrations of starting, running, and growing a microschool! When you join Microschool Masterminds for just $107/month, you get: Live Weekly Collaborative Sessions to Maintain Your Momentum and Create Community Instant Access to Over 150+ Resources on Marketing, Finances, Organization, Hiring, and More! The Key to the Mastermind Vault, with ALL of Our Recorded Presentations since April 2024 EXCLUSIVE Access To Mastermind-Only Discounted Items Microschool Masterminds is about collaboration and transformation – about helping you become a confident, empowered entrepreneur, ready to take on the world with friends to guide you along the way. Join us on this remarkable journey from overwhelm to success.   Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/redreameducation If you’re searching for a community because something in your life, your classroom, your family, your child, or your heart is asking for a new dream. A wiser dream. A ReDream. You belong in ReDream Education’s Microschool Community (Facebook Group). We challenge the old models, rethink what learning can be, and build innovative pathways for children, families, and communities! Blog: redreameducation.com/blog It’s time to take the light that’s been dimmed, due to the overwhelming pressures, and spark a flame! Whether it’s starting a homeschooling business, designing a microschool, or even becoming a traveling tutor...teacher friend...the options are here for you to stay in the teaching profession and do what you love.

Why Microschool Masterminds 2.0 Is the New Blueprint for Founders: Systems, Coaching, Community, and the Support You’ve Been Missing to Build a Thriving Microschool or Hybrid …this episode reveals why MSM 2.0 is now the number one place for founders to grow sustainably — without burnout, confusion, or wasting years trying to figure it out alone. The microschool movement has exploded — but so has the overwhelm. Today’s episode breaks down Microschool Masterminds 2.0, the completely refreshed program designed for founders who want clarity, accountability, proven systems, expert coaching, and a community that actually understands their journey. Whether you are: Transitioning out of the classroom Actively building your microschool or hybrid Or already leading a school and craving systems + support   💡 What You Receive When You Join MicroSchool Masterminds 2.0 1. Weekly Founder Coaching & Community Discussions Every week, members receive: A Friday Discussion Post inside Skool with prompts, wins, challenges, systems check-ins, and “what’s happening behind the scenes.” A Thursday Live Founder Coaching Call (12–1 PM EST) where we break down real issues, troubleshoot, plan, and support YOU directly. This rhythm gives founders the connection, consistency, and accountability they’ve been missing. 2. The Full MSM Systems Curriculum (Updated for 2.0) Members receive step-by-step modules covering everything they need to launch, grow, or scale: Legal & Licensing Foundations Financial Systems + Tuition Planning Marketing & Enrollment Funnels Time Management for Founders Operations & Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Curriculum Decisions for Multi-Age Learning Parent Experience & Communication Systems Leadership Development & Team Building Scaling Pathways + Year-Round Planning This is the roadmap teachers have been begging for.   4. A Powerful Founder Community Connect with other builders who are: Just like you Facing your exact challenges Cheering for your wins Walking beside you in real time This group gives founders the confidence and clarity to keep going. 5. Direct Support for Your Technical + Administrative Questions Inside the Thursday calls and the Skool community, you receive support on: Systems setup Enrollment & advertising Curriculum adjustments Problem-solving classroom issues Templates, downloads, workflows Founder's mindset and leadership You never do this alone again. If you have been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure of your next step — Microschool Masterminds 2.0 is the place where you gain stability, strategy, and sisterhood (and brotherhood!) so your vision becomes sustainable. Join the movement. Join the community. Join the program designed for your next level. Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching Launch and Scale Your Microschool or Homeschool Hybrid by Maximizing Your Time, Optimizing Your Finances and Mastering Your Marketing! With our program, you'll confidently navigate the journey of starting or growing your educational venture, equipped with the tools and support needed to achieve lasting success! Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching Join Our Facebook Group for a supportive community and the “best place on the corner of the internet” Teacher, Let Your Light Shine's Microschool Community | Facebook Book a Clarity Coaching Session: Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching Get started on your dream school right now! Get all the documents you need to jumpstart, market and enroll students! Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching We have step-by-step instructions to help you write powerful marketing brochures, enrollment forms, introductory packets, and so much more! You’ll also find easy-to-use templates made to simplify your creation process, as well as beautiful real-life examples used by my micro-school, Lighthouse Learning, to give you creative inspiration when designing your very own forms. You will be able to seal the deal with peace and clarity when you hand deliver your new handbook and contract. Tune in to today's episode to find out more and head over to our shop to purchase your documents at teachersletyourlightshine.com!  

Today is Episode 400… a milestone I never imagined when I sat at my dining room table with six children during the pandemic, simply trying to create safety and stability for kids who needed a place to learn. But 400 episodes later, I have grown. You have grown. The entire movement has grown. And in this episode, I’m sharing a full-circle moment: the official transformation from the Teacher Let Your Light Shine podcast into the new era of ReDream Education. This is not a rebrand. This is a rebirth. Over the years, many of us have walked through burnout, fear, exhausted dreams, and the longing for something more meaningful. We’ve outgrown systems that didn’t fit us anymore. We’ve struggled with leaving the classroom, starting schools, raising families, and carrying visions bigger than our circumstances. And yet—just like me—so many of you have been redreaming your lives, your schools, your identities, and your purpose. In this episode, I reflect on: ⭐ The evolution I’ve experienced over 400 episodes Burnout, rebuilding, expansion, leadership, program redesign, and the deep internal shift that demanded a new dream. ⭐ How our community has changed You’re not just teachers needing encouragement. You’re founders. Innovators. Mothers and fathers creating microschools, homeschool hybrids, learning communities and learner-centered environments from the ground up. ⭐ Why ReDream Education had to be born Because the world no longer needs encouragement alone—it needs leaders, school builders, and architects of the future committed to mastery-based, personalized, flexible, human-centered learning. ⭐ How Microschool Masterminds is evolving This is now a national training ground for founders, offering: weekly coaching leadership frameworks enrollment systems financial planning curriculum decision-making multi-age learning structures personalized learning blueprints legal and operational support community building scalable school models It’s everything educators search for when they’re ready to step into their calling as founders. Microschool Masterminds is no longer just a program. It is a movement inside the movement. ⭐ Why today marks the official beginning of the ReDream Era Teacher Let Your Light Shine gave hope. ReDream Education builds leaders. Teacher Let Your Light Shine inspired teachers. ReDream Education equips founders. Teacher Let Your Light Shine ignited the spark. ReDream Education builds the fire. And as we step into this next chapter, I leave you with this question: What part of your life is asking to be redreamed? Because if you’re listening today, your dream isn’t dying— it’s evolving. Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching Launch and Scale Your Microschool or Homeschool Hybrid by Maximizing Your Time, Optimizing Your Finances and Mastering Your Marketing! With our program, you'll confidently navigate the journey of starting or growing your educational venture, equipped with the tools and support needed to achieve lasting success! Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching Join Our Facebook Group for a supportive community and the “best place on the corner of the internet” Teacher, Let Your Light Shine's Microschool Community | Facebook Book a Clarity Coaching Session: Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching Get started on your dream school right now! Get all the documents you need to jumpstart, market and enroll students! Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching We have step-by-step instructions to help you write powerful marketing brochures, enrollment forms, introductory packets, and so much more! You’ll also find easy-to-use templates made to simplify your creation process, as well as beautiful real-life examples used by my micro-school, Lighthouse Learning, to give you creative inspiration when designing your very own forms. You will be able to seal the deal with peace and clarity when you hand deliver your new handbook and contract. Tune in to today's episode to find out more and head over to our shop to purchase your documents at teachersletyourlightshine.com!

(An exclusive interview on the Teacher Let Your Light Shine Podcast) After a two-year pause from podcast interviews, Kayse Morris — former classroom teacher turned CEO, bestselling podcaster, and one of the most influential online business coaches for teachers is on the Teacher Let Your Light Shine podcast for her first interview in almost two years. In this powerful, deeply personal conversation, Kayse opens up about what most educators and entrepreneurs are afraid to admit out loud: fear, depression, anxiety, burnout, self-doubt, identity loss, and the mindset shifts required to rebuild your life when everything feels heavy. Together, Makenzie Oliver and Kayse Morris take listeners inside the real emotional landscape behind teaching, motherhood, leadership, running a business, and rediscovering your purpose. 🔥 In This Episode, We Dive Into: ✨ Kayse’s Return & Reinvention Why she stepped away, what she healed, and how she’s re-entering the online space with more clarity, peace, purpose, and courage than ever before. ✨ Fear, Identity & the Pressure Educators Carry How fear of failure, fear of success, fear of change, and fear of judgment show up in teachers’ lives — and how to dismantle them. ✨ Depression, Anxiety & Burnout in Teachers & Teacherpreneurs A raw, honest conversation about mental health, emotional survival, high-functioning anxiety, and the hidden battles educators face behind the scenes. ✨ Mindset Shifts to Move From Survival to Success The exact thought patterns and daily habits Kayse used to rebuild her confidence, regain control of her life, revive her creativity, and step boldly back into leadership. ✨ Building a Life & Business You’re Not Afraid Of How teachers can transition into entrepreneurship, create additional streams of income, and show up online without fear of criticism, perfectionism, or comparison. ✨ Purpose, Authenticity & Finding Joy Again The transformational conversation every burned-out educator needs to hear. 🌟 Why This Episode Matters If you’re a teacher, homeschool mom, microschool founder, or educator-entrepreneur navigating exhaustion, overwhelm, anxiety, fear, or a major life transition… this episode will feel like coming up for air. Kayse brings unmatched wisdom on: Teacher burnout recovery Teacher mental health Online business for teachers Overcoming fear and self-doubt Mindset transformation Building sustainable income outside the classroom Becoming a confident creator, leader, and visionary And Makenzie guides the conversation with the compassion and clarity listeners love — blending leadership, entrepreneurship, and the emotional reality of leaving the classroom to build something new. 🎧 This is the comeback episode the teaching world has been waiting for. A conversation about healing, rebuilding, and rising again — with two women who have walked the road and are lighting the way for others. Kayse Morris is a CrossFit, nature, and music-loving mama, a former ELA teacher, and the founder of the CEO Teacher® movement. She went from just wanting to pay her Netflix bill of $50 a month to building a multi-7-figure business supporting teachers around the world, and she believes you can too.  Kayse is a top-ranking podcast host and teacher business coach. Over the past decade, she has taught thousands of educators how to leverage their strengths and classroom experience to build online businesses that provide more income, freedom, and stability than a capped teacher’s salary ever could. All while making a bigger impact on teachers and families globally. Free resource: Get Started with Monthly Recurring Revenue Guide for Teachers  Website: https://kaysemorris.com Podcast: The CEO Teacher® Podcast  Instagram: https://instagram.com/kaysemorris Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theceoteacher/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kaysemorris  Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching Launch and Scale Your Microschool or Homeschool Hybrid by Maximizing Your Time, Optimizing Your Finances and Mastering Your Marketing! With our program, you'll confidently navigate the journey of starting or growing your educational venture, equipped with the tools and support needed to achieve lasting success! Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching Join Our Facebook Group for a supportive community and the “best place on the corner of the internet” Teacher, Let Your Light Shine's Microschool Community | Facebook Book a Clarity Coaching Session: Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching Get started on your dream school right now! Get all the documents you need to jumpstart, market and enroll students! Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching We have step-by-step instructions to help you write powerful marketing brochures, enrollment forms, introductory packets, and so much more! You’ll also find easy-to-use templates made to simplify your creation process, as well as beautiful real-life examples used by my micro-school, Lighthouse Learning, to give you creative inspiration when designing your very own forms. You will be able to seal the deal with peace and clarity when you hand deliver your new handbook and contract. Tune in to today's episode to find out more and head over to our shop to purchase your documents at teachersletyourlightshine.com!

When I started my microschool at my dining room table with six children during the pandemic, I thought that was the dream. I thought my purpose was simply to create a safe space for a handful of kids while the world felt uncertain. What I didn’t realize then—what I can see so clearly now—is that the school I started wasn’t the dream. It was the seed of the dream. And seeds always know how to become more. In this episode, I’m sharing what it truly means to ReDream your life, your school, and your purpose as a teacher, leader, or future microschool founder. This conversation is deeply personal and sets the stage for the historic transition happening in Episode 400—from Teacher Let Your Light Shine to the new movement: ReDream Education. Over the last year, I have been in a constant process of ReDreaming. I’ve redreamed my school model. I’ve redreamed how I support neurodivergent and gifted students. I’ve redreamed how I coach teachers, founders, and educational leaders. I’ve redreamed the entire way I serve this community. And this episode is where I reveal the truth: A dream is innocent—but a ReDream is informed. A ReDream is the evolution that happens when your dream grows bigger than the place it started. WHAT I SHARE IN THIS EPISODE 💡 What a “dream” actually is—and why it often becomes too small I break down the real definition of a dream: a spark, a whisper, a possibility, a longing for something better. And I explain why dreams can shrink, break, or become misaligned as you evolve. This is foundational for educators and founders who feel stuck, burnt out, or ready to leave traditional systems. 🔥 What it means to ReDream your life, your classroom, or your school A ReDream is not a revision—it's a rebirth. It’s the process of reclaiming what you buried, releasing the pieces that no longer fit, and expanding the vision you were once afraid to claim. This applies directly to: teachers wanting to start a microschool educators transitioning out of the classroom founders building homeschool hybrids leaders designing personalized, mastery-based learning models 🏫 How I have redreamed Lighthouse Learning Microschool I share the full evolution—from my home to a multi-room campus—and how we now operate as a national example of: multi-age teaching mastery-based and personalized learning PACE + Exact Path systems entrepreneurship and trades pathways Toastmasters for kids social-emotional and neurodivergent-support models This is powerful for anyone searching terms like: microschool framework, how to start a school, homeschool hybrid model, mastery-based education, personalized learning systems. 🌟 The birth of Bright Pathways & the Lighthouse Learning Foundation I explain how we created a full support model for: neurodivergent learners gifted and advanced students academic intervention therapeutic partnerships individualized learning plans resilience and executive functioning And how the Foundation now provides scholarships, access, and family support. Educators often search for this under: “neurodivergent school models,” “gifted education programs,” “microschool scholarships,” “Special Education alternatives,” “nonprofit educational support.” 🎙 Why I had to redream my podcast, my programs, and my identity as a leader I speak honestly about: ending 1:1 coaching redesigning Microschool Masterminds moving from encouragement to full-scale leadership expanding beyond teachers into national education innovation preparing for the launch of ReDream Education Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching Launch and Scale Your Microschool or Homeschool Hybrid by Maximizing Your Time, Optimizing Your Finances and Mastering Your Marketing! With our program, you'll confidently navigate the journey of starting or growing your educational venture, equipped with the tools and support needed to achieve lasting success! Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching Join Our Facebook Group for a supportive community and the “best place on the corner of the internet” Teacher, Let Your Light Shine's Microschool Community | Facebook Book a Clarity Coaching Session: Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching Get started on your dream school right now! Get all the documents you need to jumpstart, market and enroll students! Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching We have step-by-step instructions to help you write powerful marketing brochures, enrollment forms, introductory packets, and so much more! You’ll also find easy-to-use templates made to simplify your creation process, as well as beautiful real-life examples used by my micro-school, Lighthouse Learning, to give you creative inspiration when designing your very own forms. You will be able to seal the deal with peace and clarity when you hand deliver your new handbook and contract. Tune in to today's episode to find out more and head over to our shop to purchase your documents at teachersletyourlightshine.com!

In today’s deeply personal and powerful episode, I’m sharing the full story behind why I am officially rebranding Teacher Let Your Light Shine to ReDream Education—and why this evolution matters for teachers, parents, founders, and families who know deep down that the traditional system is no longer working. I take you back to the beginning—my living room, six students, no roadmap, only faith and fear—and walk you through the moment I realized this was bigger than tips for teachers. It had become a movement. A revolution. And a call to redesign education from the ground up. This is not “just” a new name. It’s a new chapter… a bigger vision… and a home for dreamers ready to build something different. ⭐ In This Episode, I Share: ✨ My full origin story How Lighthouse Learning started with 6 kids in my living room, no blueprint, and a dream that felt bigger than me. ✨ The exact moment I knew TLylS had outgrown its container And why I felt God pulling me toward something larger. ✨ The explosion of microschools and why this movement matters How teachers, parents, and founders are reshaping the future of education—right now. ✨ Why the name ReDream Education captures the heart of this mission This new identity is for: teachers longing for purpose again parents craving a better option for their kids founders launching microschools or hybrids current school leaders needing systems, clarity, and courage families searching for personalized, meaningful education options ✨ The updated Microschool Masterminds membership A complete weekly + monthly structure designed to help founders grow strong, sustainable schools: Deep-dive workshop Live group coaching Live Q&A Access to 50+ templates Private chat & community feedback ✨ What this shift means for YOU More clarity. More support. More systems. More purpose. More ROOM for your dream to grow. 💛 Why This Episode Matters Because so many of us—teachers, parents, founders—have been carrying dreams that didn’t fit inside the traditional system. And for years we’ve whispered: “There has to be something more.” “There has to be a better way.” “I know I’m called to this… but I don’t know how.” ReDream Education is the place where we stop whispering… and start building. 🔗 Call to Action If you’re ready to step into the next chapter of your dream—whether you’re a teacher preparing to leave, a parent exploring microschools, or a founder ready to launch or scale—this is your moment. Join Microschool Masterminds before the pricing updates in January. 🌟 Join here: Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching Launch and Scale Your Microschool or Homeschool Hybrid by Maximizing Your Time, Optimizing Your Finances and Mastering Your Marketing! With our program, you'll confidently navigate the journey of starting or growing your educational venture, equipped with the tools and support needed to achieve lasting success! Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching Join Our Facebook Group for a supportive community and the “best place on the corner of the internet” Teacher, Let Your Light Shine's Microschool Community | Facebook Book a Clarity Coaching Session: Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching Get started on your dream school right now! Get all the documents you need to jumpstart, market and enroll students! Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching We have step-by-step instructions to help you write powerful marketing brochures, enrollment forms, introductory packets, and so much more! You’ll also find easy-to-use templates made to simplify your creation process, as well as beautiful real-life examples used by my micro-school, Lighthouse Learning, to give you creative inspiration when designing your very own forms. You will be able to seal the deal with peace and clarity when you hand deliver your new handbook and contract. Tune in to today's episode to find out more and head over to our shop to purchase your documents at teachersletyourlightshine.com!

If you’ve ever wondered how to build a microschool while managing major life transitions—or if fear of stepping away has kept you from taking the leap—this episode will encourage and empower you to move forward with faith and clarity. In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of talking with Madeline Baird, founder of Peak Learning Microschool in Ohio—and yes, she’s 38 weeks pregnant while running her thriving school! We dove deep into her journey, her passion for education, and how she’s balancing motherhood, leadership, and purpose in this season of life. Madeline shared her inspiring background as a first-generation college student who started out in youth ministry before earning her degree in Human Development and Family Sciences. Her path took an unexpected turn when she began questioning the “why” behind traditional education systems. That curiosity—and courage to explore new ways of learning—eventually led her across the world to Japan, and later back to the U.S., where she initially described herself as “anti-homeschool.” But like so many of us, her heart began to shift. After listening to the Teacher Let Your Light Shine Podcast, Madeline realized she could create something that beautifully blended her love for teaching, her desire to be home with her boys, and her vision for meaningful, student-centered education. That’s when Peak Learning Microschool was born. We talked about some of the most common fears people have when starting a microschool—especially around taking time off, maternity leave, or balancing family life with the demands of leading a school. Maddie opened up about her state complaint experience, how she handled it with grace and perseverance, and what she learned through the process. She also shared her insights on curriculum design, how she’s learning to step back from day-to-day teaching to focus more on administrative work and long-term growth, and the lessons she’s learned as her school continues to expand. Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching Launch and Scale Your Microschool or Homeschool Hybrid by Maximizing Your Time, Optimizing Your Finances and Mastering Your Marketing! With our program, you'll confidently navigate the journey of starting or growing your educational venture, equipped with the tools and support needed to achieve lasting success! Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching Join Our Facebook Group for a supportive community and the “best place on the corner of the internet” Teacher, Let Your Light Shine's Microschool Community | Facebook Book a Clarity Coaching Session: Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching Get started on your dream school right now! Get all the documents you need to jumpstart, market and enroll students! Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching We have step-by-step instructions to help you write powerful marketing brochures, enrollment forms, introductory packets, and so much more! You’ll also find easy-to-use templates made to simplify your creation process, as well as beautiful real-life examples used by my micro-school, Lighthouse Learning, to give you creative inspiration when designing your very own forms. You will be able to seal the deal with peace and clarity when you hand deliver your new handbook and contract. Tune in to today's episode to find out more and head over to our shop to purchase your documents at teachersletyourlightshine.com!

If you’ve ever felt buried under to-do lists, school planning, paperwork, and the constant pressure to do it all — today’s episode is your breath of fresh air. 🌿 In this deeply personal and transformative conversation, I sit down with Lisa Woodruff, the brilliant founder and CEO of Organize 365, and the woman who completely changed the way I structure my life, home, and business. Lisa is a former teacher turned successful entrepreneur, bestselling author of The Paper Solution, Organization is a Learnable Skill, and How ADHD Affects Home Organization. Through her podcast and training programs, she has guided thousands of women, educators, and business owners to take control of their homes and work through simple, repeatable systems that bring peace and purpose. In this episode, we talk about: 📚 How Lisa’s journey from classroom teacher to CEO can inspire any educator or microschool founder 🧺 Why organization isn’t about perfection — it’s about freedom, confidence, and control 🗂 How the Sunday Basket® System helped me personally transform my school, home, and mental space ⏰ Practical strategies for teachers and parents to organize paper, time, and routines 💡 The connection between organization and leadership — and how systems can multiply your impact ❤️ Why learning to manage your time and environment is actually an act of self-care and calling I share openly about how Lisa’s work gave me clarity during one of the busiest seasons of my life — running Lighthouse Learning Microschool, leading staff, and raising a family. Implementing her methods didn’t just help me tidy my spaces — it gave me margin to lead with peace, create with focus, and live more intentionally. This episode is for you if you’re: ✨ A teacher dreaming of launching a microschool or homeschool hybrid ✨ A mom or educator juggling multiple responsibilities and craving simplicity ✨ A visionary who knows you’re called to lead — but need systems to sustain your success 🔗 Resources Mentioned Visit Lisa’s website: Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching We also invite you to join your new FAVORITE online community full of resources, templates, videos, LIVE Q and A, Group Coaching and New Monthy Content Centered around your Educational Entrepreneurship Needs! Microschool Masterminds, designed to help you start or grow your micro school by maximizing your time, optimizing your finances, and mastering your marketing. Whether you are a seasoned microschool owner or a teacher with a dream, Microschool Masterminds provides a dedicated space to share resources, collaborate with fellow educators, and access expert guidance. Join us as we embark on this journey together. Your dreams are about to take flight. No more fears, no more hesitations. Microschool Masterminds is here to fuel your journey. It's your time. Your destiny awaits. Let's soar together into a future of limitless possibilities. VELA Organization: VELA Education Fund Join our Mastermind Program! Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching Launch and Scale Your Microschool or Homeschool Hybrid by Maximizing Your Time, Optimizing Your Finances and Mastering Your Marketing! With our program, you'll confidently navigate the journey of starting or growing your educational venture, equipped with the tools and support needed to achieve lasting success! Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching Join Our Facebook Group for a supportive community and the “best place on the corner of the internet” Teacher, Let Your Light Shine's Microschool Community | Facebook Book a Clarity Coaching Session: Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching Get started on your dream school right now! Get all the documents you need to jumpstart, market and enroll students! Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching We have step-by-step instructions to help you write powerful marketing brochures, enrollment forms, introductory packets, and so much more! You’ll also find easy-to-use templates made to simplify your creation process, as well as beautiful real-life examples used by my micro-school, Lighthouse Learning, to give you creative inspiration when designing your very own forms. You will be able to seal the deal with peace and clarity when you hand deliver your new handbook and contract. Tune in to today's episode to find out more and head over to our shop to purchase your documents at teachersletyourlightshine.com!  

This isn’t just an interview! Today’s podcast is an inspiring dialogue between two passionate women who are transforming education from the ground up in numerous ways. 🌟 In this episode, Makenzie Oliver, founder of Lighthouse Learning Microschool and host of Teacher Let Your Light Shine, sits down with Kerry McDonald — Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Economic Education, host of The Liberated Podcast, and author of Unschooled and Joyful Learning. Together, they dive deep into what it truly means to reclaim joy, autonomy, and purpose in education. This episode will help you: Understand what “joyful learning” really means and how to cultivate it in any setting Explore the microschool and homeschool hybrid movement that’s transforming education Learn how teachers can become education entrepreneurs and create thriving learning spaces outside the traditional system Hear from two women who have lived it — both sharing real stories, homeschooling, participating in higher education, research, challenges, and victories Discover the policies, funding opportunities, and innovative models fueling educational freedom in 2025 Whether you’re a teacher dreaming of launching your own microschool, a parent seeking personalized education, or a visionary who believes learning should be liberated, meaningful, and joyful, this conversation will reignite your belief in what’s possible. ✨ It’s time to redefine success. Reclaim joy. And let your light shine. 🔗 Connect with Kerry McDonald 🌍 Website: @Kerry_edu #TeacherLetYourLightShine #KerryMcDonald #JoyfulLearning #TheLiberatedPodcast #EducationEntrepreneurshipLab #EducationFreedom #Homeschooling #Microschools #Unschooling #AlternativeEducation #ParentEmpowerment #EducationInnovation #EdEntrepreneurs #MakenzieOliver #LighthouseLearningMicroschool #SchoolChoice #Microgrants #ESAs #HomeschoolHybrid #EducationalChoice #FreedomInEducation #ReimagineEducation #LearningPods Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching Launch and Scale Your Microschool or Homeschool Hybrid by Maximizing Your Time, Optimizing Your Finances and Mastering Your Marketing! With our program, you'll confidently navigate the journey of starting or growing your educational venture, equipped with the tools and support needed to achieve lasting success! Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching Join Our Facebook Group for a supportive community and the “best place on the corner of the internet” Teacher, Let Your Light Shine's Microschool Community | Facebook Book a Clarity Coaching Session: Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching Get started on your dream school right now! Get all the documents you need to jumpstart, market and enroll students! Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching We have step-by-step instructions to help you write powerful marketing brochures, enrollment forms, introductory packets, and so much more! You’ll also find easy-to-use templates made to simplify your creation process, as well as beautiful real-life examples used by my micro-school, Lighthouse Learning, to give you creative inspiration when designing your very own forms. You will be able to seal the deal with peace and clarity when you hand deliver your new handbook and contract. Tune in to today's episode to find out more and head over to our shop to purchase your documents at teachersletyourlightshine.com!

This month, I’m slowing down — not to plan more, but to see more. In today’s episode, I’m talking about something I believe every microschool founder needs before stepping into a new year: an Autumn Audit. I know how it feels to get caught up in the whirlwind of running your school — the lesson plans, family communications, finances, tours, and events. But if we’re not careful, we can move so fast that we stop seeing the beauty of what we’ve built. The Autumn Audit is a moment to pause and look at your school — or even just the dream of your school — through new eyes. Whether you’re already open and serving families or you’re just beginning to build, this reflection process helps you realign your space, your systems, and your spirit with the vision God first placed in your heart. ✨ In This Episode, I’m Sharing: Why reflection is the most important — and often most neglected — leadership skill for microschool founders. The real reason burnout happens (and how to course-correct before January). The simple questions I’m asking myself during my own Autumn Audit at Lighthouse Learning. How to see your microschool through the eyes of your parents, staff, and students — and use that feedback to grow. What’s included inside this month’s Microschool Masterminds experience, including: My Autumn Audit Workbook A Kid-Friendly School Audit Checklist (students love this one!) The Staff & Community Reflection Guide And the Parent Post-Tour Follow-Up Template to turn curiosity into connection. 💛 A Word from My Heart: I created the Autumn Audit because I needed it too. I needed a pause — to breathe, to see clearly, to remember what’s working, and to realign what’s not. This isn’t about perfection. It’s about peace. It’s about giving yourself permission to step out of the rush and rediscover the joy of what you’ve created. If you’ve been feeling foggy, overwhelmed, or just ready for a refresh — this episode (and this month’s Mastermind content) is your reset button. 🔥 Join Me Inside Microschool Masterminds: This November, I’m walking you through the Autumn Audit Experience step by step inside Microschool Masterminds. When you join, you’ll get: ✅ The full Autumn Audit Workbook ✅ The Kid-Friendly, Staff, and Parent Audit Checklists ✅ Access to live group coaching calls ✅ A supportive community of founders who are ready to reflect, refresh, and relaunch 👉 Join now at: Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching We also invite you to join your new FAVORITE online community full of resources, templates, videos, LIVE Q and A, Group Coaching and New Monthy Content Centered around your Educational Entrepreneurship Needs! Microschool Masterminds, designed to help you start or grow your micro school by maximizing your time, optimizing your finances, and mastering your marketing. Whether you are a seasoned microschool owner or a teacher with a dream, Microschool Masterminds provides a dedicated space to share resources, collaborate with fellow educators, and access expert guidance. Join us as we embark on this journey together. Your dreams are about to take flight. No more fears, no more hesitations. Microschool Masterminds is here to fuel your journey. It's your time. Your destiny awaits. Let's soar together into a future of limitless possibilities. VELA Organization: VELA Education Fund Join our Mastermind Program! Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching Launch and Scale Your Microschool or Homeschool Hybrid by Maximizing Your Time, Optimizing Your Finances and Mastering Your Marketing! With our program, you'll confidently navigate the journey of starting or growing your educational venture, equipped with the tools and support needed to achieve lasting success! Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching Join Our Facebook Group for a supportive community and the “best place on the corner of the internet” Teacher, Let Your Light Shine's Microschool Community | Facebook Book a Clarity Coaching Session: Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching Get started on your dream school right now! Get all the documents you need to jumpstart, market and enroll students! Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching We have step-by-step instructions to help you write powerful marketing brochures, enrollment forms, introductory packets, and so much more! You’ll also find easy-to-use templates made to simplify your creation process, as well as beautiful real-life examples used by my micro-school, Lighthouse Learning, to give you creative inspiration when designing your very own forms. You will be able to seal the deal with peace and clarity when you hand deliver your new handbook and contract. Tune in to today's episode to find out more and head over to our shop to purchase your documents at teachersletyourlightshine.com!

This month, I’m slowing down — not to plan more, but to see more. In today’s episode, I’m talking about something I believe every microschool founder needs before stepping into a new year: an Autumn Audit. I know how it feels to get caught up in the whirlwind of running your school — the lesson plans, family communications, finances, tours, and events. But if we’re not careful, we can move so fast that we stop seeing the beauty of what we’ve built. The Autumn Audit is a moment to pause and look at your school — or even just the dream of your school — through new eyes. Whether you’re already open and serving families or you’re just beginning to build, this reflection process helps you realign your space, your systems, and your spirit with the vision God first placed in your heart. ✨ In This Episode, I’m Sharing: Why reflection is the most important — and often most neglected — leadership skill for microschool founders. The real reason burnout happens (and how to course-correct before January). The simple questions I’m asking myself during my own Autumn Audit at Lighthouse Learning. How to see your microschool through the eyes of your parents, staff, and students — and use that feedback to grow. What’s included inside this month’s Microschool Masterminds experience, including:   My Autumn Audit Workbook A Kid-Friendly School Audit Checklist (students love this one!) The Staff & Community Reflection Guide And the Parent Post-Tour Follow-Up Template to turn curiosity into connection. 💛 A Word from My Heart: I created the Autumn Audit because I needed it too. I needed a pause — to breathe, to see clearly, to remember what’s working, and to realign what’s not. This isn’t about perfection. It’s about peace. It’s about giving yourself permission to step out of the rush and rediscover the joy of what you’ve created. If you’ve been feeling foggy, overwhelmed, or just ready for a refresh — this episode (and this month’s Mastermind content) is your reset button. 🔥 Join Me Inside Microschool Masterminds: This November, I’m walking you through the Autumn Audit Experience step by step inside Microschool Masterminds. When you join, you’ll get: ✅ The full Autumn Audit Workbook ✅ The Kid-Friendly, Staff, and Parent Audit Checklists ✅ Access to live group coaching calls ✅ A supportive community of founders who are ready to reflect, refresh, and relaunch 👉 Join now at: Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching We also invite you to join your new FAVORITE online community full of resources, templates, videos, LIVE Q and A, Group Coaching and New Monthy Content Centered around your Educational Entrepreneurship Needs! Microschool Masterminds, designed to help you start or grow your micro school by maximizing your time, optimizing your finances, and mastering your marketing. Whether you are a seasoned microschool owner or a teacher with a dream, Microschool Masterminds provides a dedicated space to share resources, collaborate with fellow educators, and access expert guidance. Join us as we embark on this journey together. Your dreams are about to take flight. No more fears, no more hesitations. Microschool Masterminds is here to fuel your journey. It's your time. Your destiny awaits. Let's soar together into a future of limitless possibilities. VELA Organization: VELA Education Fund Join our Mastermind Program! Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching Launch and Scale Your Microschool or Homeschool Hybrid by Maximizing Your Time, Optimizing Your Finances and Mastering Your Marketing! With our program, you'll confidently navigate the journey of starting or growing your educational venture, equipped with the tools and support needed to achieve lasting success! Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching Join Our Facebook Group for a supportive community and the “best place on the corner of the internet” Teacher, Let Your Light Shine's Microschool Community | Facebook Book a Clarity Coaching Session: Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching Get started on your dream school right now! Get all the documents you need to jumpstart, market and enroll students! Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching We have step-by-step instructions to help you write powerful marketing brochures, enrollment forms, introductory packets, and so much more! You’ll also find easy-to-use templates made to simplify your creation process, as well as beautiful real-life examples used by my micro-school, Lighthouse Learning, to give you creative inspiration when designing your very own forms. You will be able to seal the deal with peace and clarity when you hand deliver your new handbook and contract. Tune in to today's episode to find out more and head over to our shop to purchase your documents at teachersletyourlightshine.com!

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Kami Melton, founder of Arkwright Microschool, to hear how her journey from homeschooling mom to microschool builder unfolded—inside a yurt! Kami began her homeschooling journey in Virginia, later moved with her family to Poland, and returned to rural southwest Georgia during the pandemic. In a county of fewer than 5,000 people, Kami and her community did something extraordinary: they raised money for an authentic Blue Ridge Yurt that now serves as the heart of her microschool. Together, we talk about what it means to stay anchored through life’s transitions, the power of community, and how faith and perseverance shaped the dream that became Arkwright Microschool—a creative homeschool hybrid offering à la carte, half-day, and full-day programs with Learning Quests designed for twice-exceptional learners. Kami shares how she built her own proprietary curriculum, balanced family and faith through challenges, and leaned on a strong marriage as a foundation for both homeschooling and entrepreneurship. Her story reminds us that innovation doesn’t have to happen in big cities or big buildings—it can grow right in your backyard, even under the canvas of a yurt. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to blend creativity, courage, and community to bring your educational vision to life, you won’t want to miss this conversation. 👉 Connect with Kami and learn more about her work at www.arkwrightguardians.com Learn more about Blue Ridge Yurts at www.blueridgeyurts.com Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching We also invite you to join your new FAVORITE online community full of resources, templates, videos, LIVE Q and A, Group Coaching and New Monthy Content Centered around your Educational Entrepreneurship Needs! Microschool Masterminds, designed to help you start or grow your micro school by maximizing your time, optimizing your finances, and mastering your marketing. Whether you are a seasoned microschool owner or a teacher with a dream, Microschool Masterminds provides a dedicated space to share resources, collaborate with fellow educators, and access expert guidance. Join us as we embark on this journey together. Your dreams are about to take flight. No more fears, no more hesitations. Microschool Masterminds is here to fuel your journey. It's your time. Your destiny awaits. Let's soar together into a future of limitless possibilities. VELA Organization: VELA Education Fund Join our Mastermind Program! Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching Launch and Scale Your Microschool or Homeschool Hybrid by Maximizing Your Time, Optimizing Your Finances and Mastering Your Marketing! With our program, you'll confidently navigate the journey of starting or growing your educational venture, equipped with the tools and support needed to achieve lasting success! Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching Join Our Facebook Group for a supportive community and the “best place on the corner of the internet” Teacher, Let Your Light Shine's Microschool Community | Facebook Book a Clarity Coaching Session: Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching Get started on your dream school right now! Get all the documents you need to jumpstart, market and enroll students! Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching We have step-by-step instructions to help you write powerful marketing brochures, enrollment forms, introductory packets, and so much more! You’ll also find easy-to-use templates made to simplify your creation process, as well as beautiful real-life examples used by my micro-school, Lighthouse Learning, to give you creative inspiration when designing your very own forms. You will be able to seal the deal with peace and clarity when you hand deliver your new handbook and contract. Tune in to today's episode to find out more and head over to our shop to purchase your documents at teachersletyourlightshine.com!

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 public education and step into something completely new: creating a homeschool hybrid microschool. Lauren shares how she describes her journey as “weaving the tapestry of my calling and destiny”—a beautiful, faith-filled story that began the day she buckled her seatbelt, drove away from her classroom, and received a life-changing phone call that confirmed her next steps. Today, just four months later, she and her mom are serving 30 students alongside student interns, bringing her vision to life and transforming her community. Lauren is also a proud member of our Microschool Masterminds community—a supportive network of founders who, like her, are guided step-by-step through building, growing, and sustaining their microschools and homeschool hybrids. In this episode, you’ll also hear how the Mastermind has helped Lauren find encouragement, strategies, and clarity as she stepped into leadership. If you’ve ever wondered… Could I really build a microschool from scratch—even in a small town? How do I follow God’s call when it feels risky or “taboo”? Where do I find a community of people who understand this journey? …then this story will inspire and empower you. ✨ Press play to hear Lauren’s powerful testimony of surrender, faith, and courage—and discover how Microschool Masterminds can help you weave the tapestry of your own calling.  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 without burning out. We’ll talk about: ✨ Why boundaries are essential for your sanity and your school’s success ✨ How proactive communication reduces conflict and builds trust ✨ The reality that confidence doesn’t come overnight—it grows with systems, support, and consistency ✨ Practical ways to onboard parents, clarify expectations, and foster community involvement And most importantly, I’ll remind you that you are not alone. What if you had a community of founders who reminded you that you’re not crazy for doing this—and helped you do it well? That’s exactly why I created Microschool Masterminds and the Open House Playbook. These resources are designed to give you the clarity, tools, and encouragement you need to lead with confidence. 💡 Links & Resources: 👉 Grab the Open House Playbook 👉 Join Microschool Masterminds Friend, you don’t have to carry the pressure by yourself. Let’s build thriving schools—and thriving leaders—together. Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching We also invite you to join your new FAVORITE online community full of resources, templates, videos, LIVE Q and A, Group Coaching and New Monthy Content Centered around your Educational Entrepreneurship Needs! Microschool Masterminds, designed to help you start or grow your micro school by maximizing your time, optimizing your finances, and mastering your marketing. Whether you are a seasoned microschool owner or a teacher with a dream, Microschool Masterminds provides a dedicated space to share resources, collaborate with fellow educators, and access expert guidance. Join us as we embark on this journey together. Your dreams are about to take flight. No more fears, no more hesitations. Microschool Masterminds is here to fuel your journey. It's your time. Your destiny awaits. Let's soar together into a future of limitless possibilities. VELA Organization: VELA Education Fund Join our Mastermind Program! Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching Launch and Scale Your Microschool or Homeschool Hybrid by Maximizing Your Time, Optimizing Your Finances and Mastering Your Marketing! With our program, you'll confidently navigate the journey of starting or growing your educational venture, equipped with the tools and support needed to achieve lasting success! Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching Join Our Facebook Group for a supportive community and the “best place on the corner of the internet” Teacher, Let Your Light Shine's Microschool Community | Facebook Book a Clarity Coaching Session: Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching Get started on your dream school right now! Get all the documents you need to jumpstart, market and enroll students! Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching We have step-by-step instructions to help you write powerful marketing brochures, enrollment forms, introductory packets, and so much more! You’ll also find easy-to-use templates made to simplify your creation process, as well as beautiful real-life examples used by my micro-school, Lighthouse Learning, to give you creative inspiration when designing your very own forms. You will be able to seal the deal with peace and clarity when you hand deliver your new handbook and contract. Tune in to today's episode to find out more and head over to our shop to purchase your documents at teachersletyourlightshine.com!

October is a turning point for microschool leaders, homeschool hybrid founders, and small school visionaries. The excitement of the first weeks has settled, the routines are in place, and now comes the opportunity to either drift into burnout—or intentionally recalibrate for the months ahead. In this episode of the Teacher Let Your Light Shine Podcast, Makenzie Oliver unpacks exactly what microschool leaders need in October: a renewed focus on culture, systems, and community. Learn how to prevent burnout by aligning your team’s strengths, build trust and momentum with parents through a Parent Advisory Committee, and expand your school’s reach with a Community Advisory Board of local leaders. We’ll talk about financial and operational checkpoints every school should hit this month, the power of an annual engagement plan to simplify communication, and how to strengthen parent and student relationships through intentional touchpoints. Whether you’re building your microschool, growing enrollment, or scaling your vision for impact, this episode gives you clarity, connection, and concrete steps to move into the rest of the year with confidence. Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching We also invite you to join your new FAVORITE online community full of resources, templates, videos, LIVE Q and A, Group Coaching and New Monthy Content Centered around your Educational Entrepreneurship Needs! Microschool Masterminds, designed to help you start or grow your micro school by maximizing your time, optimizing your finances, and mastering your marketing. Whether you are a seasoned microschool owner or a teacher with a dream, Microschool Masterminds provides a dedicated space to share resources, collaborate with fellow educators, and access expert guidance. Join us as we embark on this journey together. Your dreams are about to take flight. No more fears, no more hesitations. Microschool Masterminds is here to fuel your journey. It's your time. Your destiny awaits. Let's soar together into a future of limitless possibilities. VELA Organization: VELA Education Fund Join our Mastermind Program! Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching Launch and Scale Your Microschool or Homeschool Hybrid by Maximizing Your Time, Optimizing Your Finances and Mastering Your Marketing! With our program, you'll confidently navigate the journey of starting or growing your educational venture, equipped with the tools and support needed to achieve lasting success! Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching Join Our Facebook Group for a supportive community and the “best place on the corner of the internet” Teacher, Let Your Light Shine's Microschool Community | Facebook Book a Clarity Coaching Session: Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching Get started on your dream school right now! Get all the documents you need to jumpstart, market and enroll students! Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching We have step-by-step instructions to help you write powerful marketing brochures, enrollment forms, introductory packets, and so much more! You’ll also find easy-to-use templates made to simplify your creation process, as well as beautiful real-life examples used by my micro-school, Lighthouse Learning, to give you creative inspiration when designing your very own forms. You will be able to seal the deal with peace and clarity when you hand deliver your new handbook and contract. Tune in to today's episode to find out more and head over to our shop to purchase your documents at teachersletyourlightshine.com!

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 shares how understanding your team’s natural strengths, communication styles, and motivators can prevent burnout, reduce conflict, and build trust in your microschool community. You’ll learn why personality frameworks are a game-changing tool for school leaders, teachers, and even parents as you create alignment and foster a healthy school culture. We’ll also dive into the difference between creating a Parent Advisory Committee and a Community Advisory Board, how both structures can expand your reach and support, and why finding your tribe is essential for sustainable growth. Plus, Makenzie reveals how her team built an annual engagement board in just two hours, mapping out three months of school events, parent touchpoints, and staff communication that alleviated stress and gave clarity. Whether you’re starting a microschool, leading a homeschool hybrid, or scaling your private school alternative, this episode equips you with practical leadership strategies to build stronger relationships, enhance parent involvement, and plan with purpose. Inside Microschool Masterminds, members have access to 9 self-serve modules to guide you on your journey of building, growing, and scaling your microschool. Each month brings fresh resources, and for October you’ll receive: Personality Assessments for students, yourself, your team, and parents A framework for building a Parent Advisory Council (PAC) and Community Advisory Board (CAB) An Annual Events and Engagement Framework to keep your community thriving Admin Planning Tips and Communication Blocks to streamline leadership and prevent burnout If you’re ready to root your school in connection, culture, and clarity, this episode and the October Masterminds content will give you the tools and encouragement to lead with confidence. Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching We also invite you to join your new FAVORITE online community full of resources, templates, videos, LIVE Q and A, Group Coaching and New Monthy Content Centered around your Educational Entrepreneurship Needs! Microschool Masterminds, designed to help you start or grow your micro school by maximizing your time, optimizing your finances, and mastering your marketing. Whether you are a seasoned microschool owner or a teacher with a dream, Microschool Masterminds provides a dedicated space to share resources, collaborate with fellow educators, and access expert guidance. Join us as we embark on this journey together. Your dreams are about to take flight. No more fears, no more hesitations. Microschool Masterminds is here to fuel your journey. It's your time. Your destiny awaits. Let's soar together into a future of limitless possibilities. VELA Organization: VELA Education Fund Join our Mastermind Program! Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching Launch and Scale Your Microschool or Homeschool Hybrid by Maximizing Your Time, Optimizing Your Finances and Mastering Your Marketing! With our program, you'll confidently navigate the journey of starting or growing your educational venture, equipped with the tools and support needed to achieve lasting success! Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching Join Our Facebook Group for a supportive community and the “best place on the corner of the internet” Teacher, Let Your Light Shine's Microschool Community | Facebook Book a Clarity Coaching Session: Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching Get started on your dream school right now! Get all the documents you need to jumpstart, market and enroll students! Teacher Let Your Light Shine Microschool, Learning Pod, Tutoring and Homeschool Business Coaching We have step-by-step instructions to help you write powerful marketing brochures, enrollment forms, introductory packets, and so much more! You’ll also find easy-to-use templates made to simplify your creation process, as well as beautiful real-life examples used by my micro-school, Lighthouse Learning, to give you creative inspiration when designing your very own forms. You will be able to seal the deal with peace and clarity when you hand deliver your new handbook and contract. Tune in to today's episode to find out more and head over to our shop to purchase your documents at teachersletyourlightshine.com!