156 episodes
LiberatED Podcast Kerry McDonald
-
- Education
-
-
4.9 • 50 Ratings
-
Conversations with the innovators creating education options for parents and learners outside the conventional classroom.
-
Why This Charter School Founder Shifted to Microschooling
Jack Johnson Pannell is the Head of School and Founder of Trinity Arch Preparatory School for Boys in Phoenix, Arizona, a microschool that launched this fall to serve boys ages 7 to 14. Prior to launching this new school, Jack was the founder of an all-boys public charter school in Baltimore, Maryland called Baltimore Collegiate.
***
Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at fee.org/liberated.
-
Thankful for Entrepreneurs
Happy Thanksgiving! A special note of gratitude to all the entrepreneurs out there. You are the true engines of human progress.
***
Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at fee.org/liberated. -
A Conversation with Acton Academy Co-Founder Jeff Sandefer
It is such an honor to have Jeff Sandefer on the podcast today to talk about his experience as the co-founder, along with his wife Laura, of the fast-growing microschool network, Acton Academy. Jeff and Laura launched the first Acton Academy in Austin, Texas in 2009. Today, there are over 300 Acton Academies worldwide, serving thousands of learners.
***
Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at fee.org/liberated. -
One of the earliest Acton Academies! Dani Foltz-Smith on her path from Acton parent to founder
More than a decade ago, Dani Foltz-Smith sent her two girls to a new school that had recently opened in Austin, Texas. It was the flagship Acton Academy, launched in 2009 by Jeff and Laura Sandefer to prioritize learner-driven education and enable each child to pursue his or her own “hero’s journey.” Dani’s family adored their Acton experience so much that when they needed to move back to Los Angeles, Dani became the 3rd ever Acton Academy campus, after Austin and Guatemala, opening Acton Academy Venice Beach in 2013.
Today, there are more than 300 Acton Academy microschools serving thousands of learners.
Read more about Dani's school and the greater ecosystem of decentralized education options in the Los Angeles area: In Los Angeles, A Tiny School Lets Young People Direct Their Own Education (The 74)
***
Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at fee.org/liberated. -
The Rise of Faith-Based Microschools: A year of stunning growth for Refine KC
Refine KC is a full-time, faith-based microschool in the Kansas City, Missouri area that launched in August 2022 with 15 K-12 students. Today, it is at capacity with 40 students, 6 teachers, and a waiting list. Three of Refine KC’s founders are with us on today's podcast to talk about why their school is so popular.
"Church-Based Microschools Are 'Sprouting Everywhere'" (The Lion)
***
Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at fee.org/liberated. -
First 100 Days of Running a Microschool! Two founders share their startup stories
Mercedes Grant and Isis Spann are two founders who launched their microschools this fall in Virginia and South Carolina, respectively. They share their startup experiences, surprises, and challenges, and offer advice to new education entrepreneurs.
Mercedes runs Path of Life Learning in Yorktown, VA, and Isis runs A Home for School in Moncks Corner, SC. Both founders participated in the spring 2023 cohort of the KaiPod Catalyst program.
***
Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at fee.org/liberated.
Customer Reviews
Highly recommended!
As a former NYC public school teacher that left the system, I discovered this podcast and was overjoyed to hear the stories of so many others who are passionate about creating better learning environments for children. I’ve learned so much through this podcast and, as an educational entrepreneur, it has been incredibly helpful and meaningful. The Liberated Podcast has given me faith and inspiration when I needed it most. When I listen to an episode of the Liberated Podcast, I always end up feeling inspired and freshly motivated to continue fulfilling my purpose. I highly recommend this podcast!
Education Entrepreneur
I’ve been listening to Kerry for about a year now since deciding to walk (run) away from the public school system in June. Kerry is a pillar in educational reform, and I am inspired more and more every listen. If you’re thinking of leaving, or have already left and need more motivation or to network, this podcast is for you! There are so many that have paved this path for us to give kids the education they deserve.
From Unschooling to Microschools and Across The Map
I love that Kerry is profiling all these different models and initiatives to alternative education. There is no one-size-fits-all approach that will work for everyone. And by exploring different pockets of edu-innovation, we start to see what’s working for families.