Bold By Choice Podcast

National Charter Schools Institute

The Bold By Choice Podcast tells the untold stories of the charter school movement—its origins, innovations, and ongoing evolution. Hosted by Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner of the National Charter Schools Institute, each episode brings together bold thinkers, doers, and trailblazers who are shaping the future of public education. Whether you’re an authorizer, board member, school leader, teacher, or education advocate, Bold by Choice offers deep conversations, practical insights, and real-life stories from the frontlines of chartering. From navigating policy and governance to centering students and communities, this podcast is your go-to space for truth-telling, inspiration, and unapologetically bold ideas. Because chartering isn’t just a process—it’s a promise.

  1. S4 E12 Pathways to Possibility

    2d ago

    S4 E12 Pathways to Possibility

    What happens when students don't just learn about careers—they live them? In this episode of Bold by Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner sit down with Nicole Gasper, CEO of West Michigan Aviation Academy, recipient of the National Charter Schools Institute's inaugural Pathways to Opportunity Award. Located on the grounds of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, West Michigan Aviation Academy has reimagined what career-connected learning can look like. Students aren't simply studying aviation, engineering, robotics, or biomedical sciences—they're immersed in authentic experiences that connect learning to purpose, possibility, and future opportunity. Nicole shares her own unexpected journey to the academy, the vision that inspired founder Dick DeVos to create a public charter school centered on aviation and access, and how a culture of professionalism, belonging, and high expectations has become the school's defining characteristic. From earning pilot licenses and drone certifications to building aircraft, exploring biomedical sciences, and partnering with industry leaders, students experience learning in ways that make future careers feel real and attainable. The conversation also highlights inspiring alumni stories—from commercial airline pilots to university researchers—and explores how purpose-driven learning helps students discover who they can become. At its core, this episode is about more than aviation. It's about helping young people see possibilities for their future and creating pathways that turn dreams into destinations. Show Notes In This Episode The founding vision behind West Michigan Aviation Academy Why career-connected learning changes student outcomes Learning on an active airport campus Aviation, engineering, robotics, and biomedical science pathways Student pilot training and FAA certifications Industry partnerships that make learning real Alumni success stories and workforce connections Building a culture of professionalism, purpose, and belonging Why pathways are ultimately about possibility Key Takeaway When students can connect learning to purpose, opportunity, and identity, they don't just prepare for the future—they begin building it today. West Michigan Aviation Academy demonstrates how powerful education can be when young people are trusted with real responsibility, meaningful experiences, and a vision for what is possible. Powered by the National Charter Schools Institute.

    34 min
  2. S4 E11 Stewards of Possibility

    May 27

    S4 E11 Stewards of Possibility

    What does it mean to lead with both accountability and trust? In this episode of Bold by Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner sit down with Terry Croy Lewis, Executive Director of the Colorado Charter School Institute (CSI) and recipient of the 2026 Stewards of Possibility Award. Terry’s journey began as a charter school mom in the 1990s — a parent searching for a school where her child could truly thrive. What followed became a decades-long commitment to creating opportunities for students, families, and communities through courageous leadership, innovative school design, and deep relationships. Together, the conversation explores how CSI has redefined authorizing — not as compliance alone, but as a balance of accountability, support, trust, and possibility. Terry shares stories about launching schools that challenged assumptions, including schools serving students on the autism spectrum, outdoor learning models in the Colorado mountains, and charter schools on tribal land. The episode also dives into leadership development, why listening matters more than ever, and how curiosity and humility help organizations continue evolving to meet the needs of students. Because stewardship isn’t about protecting systems. It’s about protecting possibility. Show Notes In This Episode: The origins of CSI and Terry’s charter school journey Why parental voice matters in public education Accountability and support in authorizing Building trust with school leaders and communities Innovation in charter school models Outdoor schools, tribal schools, and neurodiverse learning communities Leadership development and organizational culture Why curiosity is essential for the future of education The meaning behind the Stewards of Possibility Award Key Takeaway: Fear may produce compliance — but trust produces improvement. Great leadership creates the conditions where innovation, relationships, and student success can thrive together.

    52 min
  3. S4 E10 Catalyst for Change

    May 20

    S4 E10 Catalyst for Change

    What does it take to build an education movement that actually lasts? In this episode of Bold by Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner sit down with Terry Ryan of Bluum, recipient of the 2026 Bold by Choice Catalyst Award, to explore how leadership, talent, and shared values can transform educational opportunity across an entire state. From teaching in post-Communist Poland to helping launch one of the nation’s most influential charter school ecosystems in Idaho, Terry shares the unexpected journey that shaped his belief in innovation, community, and courageous leadership. The conversation dives into Bluum’s bold vision to create 20,000 new school seats in 10 years, the launch of the Idaho New School Fellowship, the power of investing in people first, and why rural communities deserve innovative learning models designed around their unique needs. Together, they explore the difference between leadership and management, why movements matter more than sectors, and how catalysts create momentum by bringing people together around possibility. Because real change doesn’t happen by accident. Somebody has to choose to build it. Show Notes In This Episode: The story behind Bluum and Idaho’s charter school growth Why talent and leadership matter more than perfect plans Building rural and remote learning models The Idaho New School Fellowship Leadership vs. management Why movements begin with vision How charter schools create space for innovation The role of values in long-term educational change What it means to be a “Catalyst” in education Key Takeaway: Catalysts don’t just spark ideas — they create momentum, build partnerships, and help communities imagine what’s possible for students.

    57 min
  4. S4 E9 The Meaning Behind the Movement

    May 13

    S4 E9 The Meaning Behind the Movement

    What does it really mean to be Bold by Choice? In this special episode, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner reflect on the heart behind the Bold by Choice movement following the inaugural Bold by Choice Summit. Together, they unpack the ideas, values, and leadership commitments shaping the future of education — and why courage, responsibility, and possibility matter now more than ever. This conversation explores why boldness is not about being loud or disruptive, but about choosing action, building intentionally, and believing deeply in students even when the path forward is uncertain. From the future of learning and school design to the emotional power of movements, relationships, and community, Jim and Vashaunta reflect on the deeper purpose behind the summit, the podcast, and the work educators are being called to do in this moment. The episode also introduces the meaning behind the Bold by Choice Awards — including Stewards of Possibility, Pathways of Opportunity, Catalyst, Arc Changer, and Lantern — and why these honors were intentionally designed around values rather than status or achievement. Because great schools don’t happen by chance. Movements happen when people choose to build. Show Notes In This Episode: What “Bold by Choice” actually means Why education requires courage and movement thinking The future of learning, AI, personalization, and student belonging Why movements are emotional — not just strategic Reflections from the inaugural Bold by Choice Summit The purpose behind the Bold by Choice Awards Why schools must focus on possibility, not sameness The importance of relationships, connection, and student dignity Featured Award Themes: Stewards of Possibility Pathways of Opportunity Catalyst Arc Changer Lantern Key Takeaway: Bold by Choice isn’t about being fearless. It’s about choosing to move forward with courage anyway — because students deserve leaders willing to build something better.

    49 min
  5. S4 E8 Beyond The Screen

    May 6

    S4 E8 Beyond The Screen

    Technology is everywhere in education, but is it actually transforming learning? In this episode of Bold by Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner, joined by guest host Don Cooper, explore the difference between using technology to make school more efficient… and using it to make learning more personal. They’re joined by Dr. Garland Thomas-McDavid, CEO of Brooklyn LAB Charter School, whose leadership is grounded in lived experience, resilience, and an unwavering belief in what students can achieve. At Brooklyn LAB, technology isn’t about replacing teachers—it’s about expanding what’s possible for students. From STEM pathways and Project Lead The Way to adaptive learning tools and real-world problem solving, this conversation highlights how intentional design—not just devices—can unlock student potential. And just as importantly, it reminds us that relationships, culture, and purpose must remain at the center. Show Notes In This Episode: Technology as an enabler—not a replacement—for teaching and learning The difference between efficiency vs. personalization in ed tech How Brooklyn LAB uses STEM pathways and Project Lead The Way Real-world, hands-on learning through engineering and biomedical programs Balancing screen time, focus, and student engagement The importance of adult courage in adopting new tools and practices Why relationships remain the foundation of powerful learning environments Key Takeaway: Technology doesn’t transform schools on its own—intentional design does. When used thoughtfully, it can personalize learning, expand opportunity, and empower students without losing the human connection that matters most.

    50 min
  6. S4 E7 More Than Students

    Apr 29

    S4 E7 More Than Students

    What if adolescence wasn’t just about preparing for the future—but contributing to the present? In this episode of Bold by Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner, joined by guest host Don Cooper, explore what happens when schools trust young people with real responsibility. They’re joined by Dan Porter, an experienced educator and leader at Kwiyagat Community Academy, alongside student Naomi Cowboy. Rooted in partnership with the local Ute community, Kwiyagat was created to address a critical need: a school where Indigenous students are seen, supported, and connected to their culture. Through language, storytelling, and community-based learning, students are not only building academic skills—they’re developing identity, confidence, and voice. From capstone projects tackling real community issues to students learning directly from elders, this episode highlights a powerful shift: when students are treated as contributors, not just learners, education becomes deeply meaningful. Show Notes Guests: Dan Porter, Leader, Kwiyagat Community Academy Naomi Cowboy, Student, Kwiyagat Community Academy Hosts: Vashaunta Harris Jim Goenner Guest Host: Don Cooper In This Episode: Rethinking adolescence: from compliance to contribution The founding of Kwiyagat Community Academy and its community roots Revitalizing Ute language and culture through education Student capstone projects and real-world problem solving The role of elders, storytelling, and identity in learning Measuring success beyond academics: belonging, voice, and resilience Key Takeaway: When students are grounded in culture, trusted with responsibility, and given a voice, they don’t just prepare for the future—they help shape it.

    35 min
  7. S4 E6 Governed By Teachers

    Apr 22

    S4 E6 Governed By Teachers

    What if teachers didn’t just work in schools—but helped lead them? In this episode of Bold by Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner, joined by guest host Don Cooper, sit down with Amy Junge (Education Evolving) and Dr. Julie Cook (Teacher Powered Schools Network) to explore a growing movement redefining the teaching profession. Across more than 300 schools nationwide, teacher-powered models are shifting decision-making from top-down systems to collaborative teams of educators. From hiring and budgeting to curriculum and culture, teachers are not just implementing decisions—they’re making them. Julie brings this model to life through her experience at Souderton Charter School Collaborative, where co-teaching, shared leadership, and collective responsibility create a dynamic, student-centered environment. The result? Stronger teacher retention, deeper professional ownership, and learning experiences that better meet students’ needs. This episode challenges a core assumption in education—and offers a powerful alternative: when teachers are trusted as professionals, schools—and students—thrive. Show Notes Guests: Amy Junge, Senior Director, Teacher Powered Schools (Education Evolving) Dr. Julie Cook, Teacher Leader, Souderton Charter School Collaborative In This Episode: What “teacher-powered” schools really are How shared leadership changes school culture The shift from compliance to professional ownership Co-teaching, collaboration, and distributed decision-making Why teacher retention improves in this model What this means for the future of school design Key Takeaway: When teachers have the authority to lead—not just implement—schools become more responsive, collaborative, and effective for students.

    47 min
  8. S4 E5 One School, Many Paths

    Apr 15

    S4 E5 One School, Many Paths

    In this episode of Bold by Choice, hosts Jim Goenner, Ph.D., Vashaunta Harris, and Don Cooper from the National Charter Schools Institute explore what it means to design a school around community, purpose, and the whole child. Joined by Alastair Pullen, Executive Director of Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School, the conversation brings educational pluralism to life—showing how public education can reflect the unique values and needs of the communities it serves. What began as a parent-driven vision in Grant Park has grown into a thriving, community-rooted school where learning extends far beyond the classroom. At ANCS, students engage in constructivist, experiential learning—from cultivating food on a school farm to designing real-world projects tied to their interests. The result? Students who don’t just attend school—they want to be there. As one student put it: “I get to go to school.” Through this conversation, the Institute team highlights a powerful idea: when schools are intentionally designed around relationships, collaboration, and student identity, motivation isn’t forced—it emerges. Episode Highlights Educational pluralism and why public education shouldn’t look the same everywhere The origin story of a parent-founded, community-driven school How constructivist and experiential learning shapes student engagement Why culture is built through relationships, morning meetings, and advisory systems The impact of collaborative teaching teams and high retention What it means when students say, “I get to go to school”

    35 min
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About

The Bold By Choice Podcast tells the untold stories of the charter school movement—its origins, innovations, and ongoing evolution. Hosted by Vashaunta Harris and Jim Goenner of the National Charter Schools Institute, each episode brings together bold thinkers, doers, and trailblazers who are shaping the future of public education. Whether you’re an authorizer, board member, school leader, teacher, or education advocate, Bold by Choice offers deep conversations, practical insights, and real-life stories from the frontlines of chartering. From navigating policy and governance to centering students and communities, this podcast is your go-to space for truth-telling, inspiration, and unapologetically bold ideas. Because chartering isn’t just a process—it’s a promise.

Information

  • Creator
    National Charter Schools Institute
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    48
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Bold By Choice Podcast

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