Charter School Connection

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Growing charter schools TOGETHER.

  1. 3月24日

    #81 Blueprint | John Sun

    In this episode of Charter School Connection podcast as host Jenna Dubois sits down with John Sun, CEO of Blueprint, a nonprofit developer dedicated to creating affordable, lasting facility solutions for charter schools. John Sun details Blueprint's history, their expansion from Los Angeles to new regions like Texas and Colorado, and their mission-driven work supporting both single-site operators and larger CMOs. Highlights from the Episode: - Facilities as a Strategic Enrollment Asset: Learn why charter school leaders should view their facilities as a strategic asset—a reflection of the school's culture, a safe environment for learning, and a shining beacon in the community—rather than just a necessary expense. Blueprint’s goal is to direct resources toward the classroom, "not into construction".1 - Overcoming "Paralysis": John shares advice for leaders grappling with site selection, stressing the importance of prioritizing proximity to students and families. He counsels leaders to overcome "paralysis" by being realistic about financial constraints and operational requirements, focusing on building momentum rather than getting laser-focused on an immediate "dream facility". - The Power of Customization and Budget Management: Discover how customization—from college-like environments with flexible breakout spaces (like USC Hybrid High in LA) to minor details like natural light and paint colors (as seen in the renovation for Elevate school in Houston)—is critical for reflecting a school's program and retaining students. Blueprint drives down costs using a unique investment model that was one of the first impact investment vehicles in the sector, creatively blending philanthropy and private capital to amplify its financial impact. - Advice for Expanding Leaders: John encourages leaders to lean on the expertise and wisdom already built across the sector to offload the burden of facility acquisition, freeing up time to focus on professional development and engaging with families. - Connect with Blueprint - Interested listeners in California, Washington, Texas, or Colorado can view Blueprint’s portfolio and mission at blueprintfutures.org. For schools outside of their current regions, Blueprint is happy to offer advice and referrals to trusted partners like other nonprofit developers or lenders. - Final thoughts: John shares the impact “Waiting for Superman” has had on him and wants to stress the importance of taking time to look back at how far we have come. Show Notes: Blueprint https://blueprintfutures.org/ “Waiting for Superman” https://www.amazon.com/Waiting-Superman-Geoffrey-Canada/dp/B003Q6D28C

    30 分鐘

  2. 2月17日

    #80 Lanier Learning | Dee Lanier

    In this episode of The Charter School Connection, Jenna sits down with educator, coach, and author Dee Lanier, founder of Lanier Learning, to explore his unexpected journey through education — from ministry to volunteering in a charter school to leading professional development across the country. The depth and variety of discussion in this episode can only be grasped by listening. Make sure to not miss this episode. Dee shares how wearing “all the hats” in charter schools led him to discover a passion for adult learning, culturally responsive teaching, and human-centered design. He unpacks the creation of Solve in Time, a gamified design-thinking tool that helps schools and organizations solve real-world problems creatively, and reflects on the power of connection in the classroom. The conversation also dives into his books, including Demarginalizing Design and The Promises and Perils of AI in Education (co-authored with Ken Shelton), where Dee challenges the narrow conversations around AI and invites educators to think bigger than just cheating or efficiency. From systems change and student dignity to specialty coffee and meaningful human connection, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and practical ideas for educators and leaders alike. Time Stamps: 00:23 How did Dee get involved in Education? 2:30 Favourite “Hat” while at his first school? 3:50 How did you move from school to your next step? 7:50 How did you go from Google Certified Coaching to Lanier Learning? 10:00 What books did Dee write? 15:56 Solve In Time 20:54 Example of a prompt? 22:45 Who is “Solve In Time” for? 26:20 Does Dee still keep in touch with students? 30:49 How to contact Dee? 32:07 Where are your development workshops? 33:30 Final thoughts? 34:30 Coffee Chatter 35:50 Book Recommendations Show Notes: Lanier Learning https://www.lanierlearning.com/home Solve In Time https://www.lanierlearning.com/solveintime Liberated Educator https://wavve.link/LiberatedPod/episodes Companion Guide to The Promises and Perils of AI in Education https://www.google.com/books/edition/_/mq_y0AEACAAJ?hl=en&kptab=getbook The Promises and Perils of AI in Education https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Promises_and_Perils_of_AI_in_Educati/ClTg0AEACAAJ?hl=en&kptab=getbook The Water Dancer by https://a.co/d/0gKoCQcT by Ta-Nehisi Coates Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire https://a.co/d/09Q840f1

    38 分鐘

  3. 1月20日

    #79 Mālama Honua Public Charter School | Denise Espania

    In this episode of “The Charter School Connection” Shawn interviews Denise Espania, Director at Mālama Honua Public Charter School. This is a K-8 Charter School in Waimānalo, HI. This conversation went on a different path than Shawn originally thought. They discuss western education and creating an education that focuses on taking care of the Earth. From the very beginning of her teaching career, Denise began to learn the importance of building relationships with students and their families. This leads into the next phase of wanting to do the best for them. That led Denise to go back to school and learn more about education and how to make school enjoyable and relevant to the kids. The more she learned, the more she realised that our western education practices are replicating colonisation practices and how hurtful that can be. She went back to school again to find the answer. She met Nainoa Thompson and Robert Witt, both pioneers in the Native Hawaiian Education movement that wanted to build a school. She worked with them to relook at schooling and the importance of Native Hawaiian Education. How do we look at schools that value culture and language instead of traditional western education? Mālama Honua Public Charter School opened in 2014 using the values of the Mind of the Navigator and the World Wide Voyage. They looked at how to take these values to build an education system and community that focuses on language and culture to bring everyone together. Looking at the limited resources available to take care of the Earth. The school is about knowing where you come from and where you are headed. There is so much to learn from this episode, be sure to check it out! Time Stamps: 2:20 Who is Denise and how did she get involved in charter schools? 13:40 How have you noticed colonisation in schools and how to counteract it? 21:10 Geographic location and physical location of the school? 24:57 Final Thoughts Show Notes: Mālama Honua Public Charter School https://www.malamahonuapcs.org/

    28 分鐘

  4. 1月13日

    #78 EdOpt | Dr. Jody Underwood

    In this episode of “The Charter School Connection” Dallan interviews Dr. Jody Underwood, the founding president of a non-profit in New Hampshire called “EdOpt.” EdOpt began informally in April 2024. EdOpt stands for Education Options. They help families understand various educational alternatives, including homeschooling, learning centers, charter and private schools, and innovative in-school approaches. Dr Underwood has a PhD in learning sciences/education. In the 80s she got her undergraduate degree in Computer Science and a masters focused on tutoring and AI. 18 years ago she moved to New Hampshire and got involved on a school board. During her time on the board she learned that importance to support families in understanding their diverse educational choices. In this episode, you will learn how EdOpt came to be; some challenges and successes that Dr. Underwood has faced with EdOpt. She also recommends some books and podcasts that everyone can learn from. Show Notes: EdOpt https://edopt.org/ LiberatED Podcast with Kerry McDonald https://www.liberatedpodcast.com/ “How Children Fail ”by John Holt https://a.co/d/5DIvbzw “How Children Learn” by John Holt https://a.co/d/cr5Bjzl

    22 分鐘

  5. 1月6日

    #77 Radical Dreamers: Race, Choice and the Failure of the American Education System|Joseph Viteritti

    Podcast Description: In this episode of “The Charter School Connection” Jenna interviews Joseph P. Viteritti, author of Radical Dreamers: Race, Choice and the Failure of the American Education System. He is currently a professor of public policy at Hunter College in New York. He has been an advocate of School Choice for over 30 years. He first began his interest in the education sector in the 1970s but by the 1990s he focused mostly on school choice. Joseph has written 12 books, this being the most recent. He has been working on Radical Dreamers for over the last few years but it was released in September 2025. He wanted to use the book to tell the history of American Education starting with Brown but ended up looking at it through the contributions of Howard Fuller, James Coleman and Derek Bell. Joseph discusses his book and how it connects with charter schools, school choice and public policy. He shares how he believes equal funding is a key to success for charter schools. Check out the podcast to learn more about Joseph Viterritti and his book Radical Dreamers: Race, Choice and the Failure of the American Education System. Show Notes: “Radical Dreamers: Race, Choice and the Failure of the American Education System” https://a.co/d/1zCkDtW https://www.educationnext.org/are-charter-schools-an-endangered-species-excerpt-radical-dreamers/ https://www.the74million.org/article/derrick-bell-critical-race-theory-and-the-beginnings-of-school-choice/ https://www.vitalcitynyc.org/articles/mamdanis-charter-school-dilemma

    35 分鐘

  6. 2025/12/17

    #76 Lillie May Carroll Jackson Charter School | Dr. Kristina Kyles-Smith

    In this episode of “The Charter School Connection” Shawn speaks with Dr. Kristina Kyles-Smith, CEO at Lillie May Carroll Jackson Charter School (LMCJ) in Baltimore, MD. Shawn and Dr. Kyles-Smth have gotten to know each other over the last few years over many networking calls. This time Shawn gets to dive a little deeper into Dr. Kyles-Smith’s history and what makes LMCJ so unique. Dr. Kyles-Smith never dreamt of being a teacher as a child but still has become a lifelong educator. She has done so many things in the education field in Boston and Maryland. Check out the episode to see all the incredible things she has done. LMCJ opened in 2015 and Dr. Kyles-Smith has been CEO there for the last 3 years. LMCJ is an all girls 5th - 8th grade middle school in Baltimore. It is the only public school in the United States that was founded/incubated/funded by a private school. Their forever home location is full of history, and they use this to their advantage. Community, connection and purpose are key to the success of LMCJ. To be a successful leader, you need to be knowledgeable and be able to unblock anything that could be hindering the learning for the students. The biggest challenge that LMCJ has faced was a decline in enrollment post covid. They have dove head first into fixing this issue. A school can only be successful if the classroom works. Knowing and understanding your model is key. Fall into your mission not out of it. If you lose track of the mission/model of the school, talk to students and families to find your way home. There is a lot of valuable information in this episode so we hope you enjoy! Time Stamps: 1:35 Background on Dr. Kyles-Smith 4:20 How did your experience help you and the history of LMCJ? 10:30 Challenges and how did you overcome them? 18:48 How have you built your school model? 25:10 Final Thought Show Notes: Lillie May Carroll Jackson Charter School https://lilliemay.org/

    28 分鐘

  7. 2025/12/09

    #75 Bridge Charter Academy | Matthew Shumski

    In this episode of “The Charter School Connection” Dallan sits down with Matthew Shumski, High School Director at Bridge Charter Academy. They explore his journey into the world of charter schools and the unique path that led him to Oregon. He shares what initially drew him to Bridge Charter Academy and what makes the school stand apart in the charter landscape. Matthew offers valuable insights for administrators, including practical tips and tricks that can make a meaningful difference in school operations. He also dives into strategies high schools can use to keep 8th graders engaged and enrolled as they transition into the next phase of their education. We wrap up with final reflections and a few book recommendations that have inspired Matthew both personally and professionally. Time Stamps: 00:30 How did Matthew get involved in charter schools? 2:00 How did Matthew end up in Oregon? 3:05 What made Bridge Charter Academy stand out? 4:00 What makes Bridge Charter Academy unique? 6:50 Tips and Tricks for other administrators. 9:45 Tips for high schools to keep 8th graders enrolled. 13:00 Final thoughts 15:15 Book Recommendations Show Notes: Bridge Charter Academy https://www.bridgecharter.com/ “Radical Candor” by Kim Scott https://www.amazon.com/Radical-Candor-Kick-Ass-Without-Humanity/dp/1250103509 “Reality Based Leadership” by Cy Wakeman https://www.amazon.com/Reality-Based-Leadership-Restore-Workplace-Excuses/dp/0470613505

    17 分鐘

  8. 2025/12/02

    #74 East Mountain High School | Miller Millea

    This week is different from anything we have done. In this episode of “The Charter School Connection” podcast, Shawn sits down and talks with a student, Miller Millea, at East Mountain High School in New Mexico. Miller has been around charter schools his whole life because his mom is a teacher at East Mountain but did not attend a charter school until high school. Miller is a senior and part of many different activities at East Mountain. Miller and Shawn talk about what challenges East Mountain faces being in a rural area. They also discuss some of the positives with the area as well. The bulk of the episode is discussing student advocacy. East Mountain opened in 2000 and one of the classes was called “advisory” - a class dedicated to student advocacy. This class is used for students to share their voices and opinions to help improve the school. Miller and the student advocacy board have spent a lot of time going to board meetings and meeting with legislators to help support charter schools and charter school growth. Miller also shares his future dreams where he intends to continue to focus on charter school success. By getting a degree in public policy education or political science - so he can continue to help charter schools get the community support they deserve. This is an episode you do not want to miss! Show Notes: East Mountain High School https://eastmountain.org/

    24 分鐘
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簡介

Growing charter schools TOGETHER.

資訊

  • 創作者
    Charter Connect
  • 活躍年代
    2022年 - 2026年
  • 集數
    81
  • 年齡分級
    兒少適宜
  • 版權
    © All rights reserved
  • 節目網站
    Charter School Connection