ReDream Education

Makenzie Oliver

It’s time to ReDream Education! My name is Makenzie Oliver. Microschool founder, VELA connector, educator, coach, and believer in the power of starting small, dreaming boldly, and rebuilding the future of education one courageous step at a time. If you're here, it's because something in your life, your classroom, your family, your child, or your community, is asking for a new dream. A wiser dream. A ReDream. With ReDream Education, we challenge the old models, we rethink what learning can be, and we build innovative pathways for children, families, and communities. In this weekly podcast, in our Facebook group, in our blog, and in our membership program, you will will gain systems, strategies, stories, and soul work you need to design personalized learning, understand how education is changing for the better, start or scale a micro-school, lead with confidence, make a change for your family, and create an education model that actually works for today's world; because you aren't just dreaming of something different - you are building it. This is a place where we reinvision what school can be, reimagine how children learn, and rebuild the systems that were never designed to meet the needs of our future and current generation. With ReDream Education, we share insights, strategies, stories, and tools to teach our children better, transform learning at home, support innovative education models, and invest financially or personally in the future of students everywhere. Because you aren't just dreaming about a better education, you are part of the movement to create. This is where the future begins.

  1. MAY 12

    Ep 416: What Summer Reveals About Teachers, Families, Burnout & Modern Parenting: Reflecting and Preparing for Purpose During the Summer

    May is heavy. Parents are overwhelmed. Teachers are exhausted. Kids are overstimulated. And somehow, while trying to survive the end of the school year, families are also expected to magically prepare for summer. In this honest and deeply relatable episode, Makenzie Oliver unpacks what summer actually reveals about modern families, parenting, burnout, emotional exhaustion, screen time, overstimulation, and the hidden pressure both parents and teachers are carrying into the summer months. This is more than a conversation about camps and schedules. It is a deeper look into the emotional transition from the structure of the school year into the unstructured reality of summer break. In this episode, we discuss: Why “Maycember” feels so overwhelming for families and teachers The hidden emotional labor parents carry heading into summer Why kids often struggle emotionally during summer transitions Screen time, overstimulation, and independent play The pressure parents feel to create a “perfect” summer Why teachers often enter summer completely dysregulated and burned out How summer exposes family rhythms, routines, and stress points What children actually remember most about summer How to create a summer filled with connection, creativity, rest, and intentionality Whether you are a parent trying to prepare for summer break, a teacher recovering from burnout, a homeschool family planning your summer rhythm, or a microschool leader navigating the end of another school year, this episode will leave you feeling seen, encouraged, and inspired to move into summer with more peace and purpose. Because summer is not just a break. It is a transition season. And sometimes, it reveals more than we expected. ----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.

    19 min
  2. MAY 5

    Ep 415: The Core 4 Planning Strategy for Parents and Teachers to Plan Summer with Creativity, Camps, Community and Care without Stress

    If you’re feeling overwhelmed right now… you’re not alone. Welcome to Maycember—that end-of-school-year rush where everything feels like too much. The events, the deadlines, the emails, the emotions… and on top of it all, you’re trying to figure out how to plan summer for your kids without stress. In this episode, we’re diving into what parents and microschool leaders are really experiencing right now—end-of-school-year burnout, decision fatigue, and the pressure to create a summer that’s both fun and meaningful. Because let’s be honest… You don’t want your kids on screens all day. You don’t want them to lose everything they’ve learned. And you definitely don’t want to feel exhausted trying to “figure it all out.” So what does a successful summer actually look like? Makenzie shares a powerful personal story from her years as a teacher and mom—what started as carefree, magical summers with young kids slowly shifted into something different… a need for structure, connection, and purpose. And that’s where everything changed. In this episode, you’ll discover the Core Four for Summer Planning: ✔️ Camps (for structure and new experiences) ✔️ Creativity (to spark imagination and reduce screen time) ✔️ Community (because kids thrive in connection) ✔️ Care (support for parents balancing work, life, and everything in between ----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.

    33 min
  3. APR 28

    Ep 414: Why One-Size-Fits-All Reading Fails: How We Use Phonics, Data, and Flexible Grouping to Help Every Child Succeed

    What if reading instruction wasn’t based on grade level—but on what your child actually needs? In this episode, we break down how Lighthouse Learning Microschool uses a tailored, research-based approach to reading through phonics-based progression, intentional assessment, and our walk-to-learn model. Using the UFLI Foundations framework, we group students based on skill level rather than age, allowing each child to receive targeted instruction in phonics, reading, writing, and spelling at the level they are ready for. Every three weeks, we reassess and adjust groups, ensuring students are continually progressing and supported. We also share how our data wall helps us track growth, identify needs, and make informed instructional decisions, while allowing students to “test out” of phonics and move into higher-level comprehension groups when they are ready. Backed by the science of reading and structured literacy research, this approach supports stronger decoding skills, improved fluency, and deeper comprehension. If you’re a parent wondering how your child learns best, or a microschool leader looking to implement a more effective literacy model, this episode will give you a clear, practical look at how tailored education can transform outcomes for every learner. ----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.

    24 min
  4. APR 21

    Ep 413: Why We Started Lighthouse Learning Foundation a 501(c)(3): How Microschools Can Lower Tuition, Expand Access, and Build a Sustainable Future

    Why would a microschool start a 501(c)(3) foundation—and what does that actually mean for families, tuition, and the future of education? In this episode, we break down the real reasons behind launching the Lighthouse Learning Foundation and how it works alongside our microschool model. Designed for both parents and microschool leaders, this conversation answers the most common questions we’ve been hearing: what a nonprofit is, why we didn’t convert our school into one, and how this structure allows us to expand opportunities for students without placing the full burden on tuition. We walk through a simple, clear explanation of how the school and foundation work together, how funding differs between an LLC/S-Corp and a 501(c)(3), and how this model opens doors to grants, donor support, scholarships, and business partnerships that would not otherwise be possible. If you’ve ever wondered how schools can grow sustainably, lower financial barriers, and stay mission-driven while scaling, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and a behind-the-scenes look at how Lighthouse Learning is building something designed to serve more children well—now and in the future. ----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.

    30 min
  5. APR 14

    Ep 412: When a Microschool Becomes a Macroschool: Navigating Growth, Expectations, and Staying True to Your Calling

    What happens when a microschool grows—and not everyone grows with it? In this episode, we explore the transition from a small, intimate learning environment to a larger, more structured school model, and the challenges, blessings, and leadership decisions that come along the way. Designed for microschool leaders, educators, and families, this conversation dives into what it really looks like to scale a school while maintaining culture, connection, and purpose. We discuss the tension between growth and intimacy, why some families may struggle with change, and how to reframe expansion as an opportunity to serve more children well. For leaders, this episode offers encouragement to stay anchored in your mission, even when faced with resistance. For parents, it provides insight into why growth can be a necessary and beautiful part of a school’s journey. At Lighthouse Learning, we believe this school is ultimately God’s, and our role is to steward it with excellence, humility, and obedience—trusting that every family’s journey may look different, and that each season serves a purpose. ----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.

    28 min
  6. APR 7

    Ep 411: The Indoor Epidemic: How Sunlight, Outdoor Learning, and Simple Shifts Can Transform Our Children's Health and Education

    Are today’s children spending too much time indoors—and is it impacting their health, learning, and development more than we realize? In this powerful episode, we explore the growing “indoor epidemic” affecting kids across the world and how sunlight, outdoor learning, and simple daily shifts can dramatically improve physical health, mental well-being, focus, and even vision. Drawing on insights from The Indoor Epidemic, as well as research from organizations like the National Institutes of Health and the American Academy of Ophthalmology, we break down the science behind why natural light, movement, and time outside are essential—not optional—for growing children. We also dive into the alarming rise in childhood myopia (nearsightedness), how increased screen time and indoor environments are reshaping children’s vision and brain development, and why even one additional hour outside per day can significantly reduce these risks. This episode isn’t just about awareness—it’s about action. You’ll hear practical, realistic strategies parents can implement immediately, along with a behind-the-scenes look at how Lighthouse Learning Microschool integrates outdoor time, sunlight exposure, and whole-child learning into every part of the day—from morning routines to outdoor lunches, play, and enrichment. If you’re a parent, teacher, or school leader searching for better ways to support children’s health, happiness, and academic success, this episode will challenge your perspective and give you a hopeful, actionable path forward. ----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.

    31 min
  7. MAR 31

    March Madness: Transforming Education Through Microschools: How Innovation Empowers Students, Teachers, and Parents to Break Free From the Traditional System

    Are we preparing students for the future—or just pushing them through an outdated system? If you’ve ever felt frustrated by the limitations of traditional education, this episode is for you. We’re diving into why the current model needs a transformation and how microschools are paving the way for a more personalized, empowering learning experience. Whether you’re an educator searching for renewed purpose, a parent seeking better options for your child, or an aspiring microschool founder, this conversation will give you the insights and inspiration to take action. 🔑 Key Takeaways: ✨ Why the traditional school system struggles to meet today’s learners' needs ✨ How microschools are redefining education with creativity, flexibility, and student-driven learning ✨ Real success stories that prove this model works—for both students and educators ✨ Practical steps to start your own microschool (yes, you can do it!) The world of education is changing—are you ready to be part of the movement? Hit play and let’s light the 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.

    20 min
  8. MAR 24

    March Madness: How to Build an Engaging Learning Environment – Easy Strategies for Microschools & Homeschool Hybrids (Even If You’re New or Lacking Resources!)

    Are you ready to create a dynamic, engaging learning environment, but feel overwhelmed or underprepared? Whether you're starting a microschool, homeschool hybrid, or alternative education space, this episode is packed with practical, low-cost strategies to bring learning to life—even if you're new to this! In this episode, we’re diving into: ✅ How to make learning hands-on and exciting without expensive resources ✅ The secret to engaging students (even those who "hate school") ✅ How to transition from traditional teaching to student-led, active learning ✅ Simple lesson planning tips to spark curiosity and creativity ✅ What to do if this feels overwhelming—step-by-step strategies to start small You don’t need a big budget or years of experience to create an engaging, inspiring learning space! 🎉 Tune in now and get ready to transform your teaching. 🚀 ----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.

    29 min
4.9
out of 5
104 Ratings

About

It’s time to ReDream Education! My name is Makenzie Oliver. Microschool founder, VELA connector, educator, coach, and believer in the power of starting small, dreaming boldly, and rebuilding the future of education one courageous step at a time. If you're here, it's because something in your life, your classroom, your family, your child, or your community, is asking for a new dream. A wiser dream. A ReDream. With ReDream Education, we challenge the old models, we rethink what learning can be, and we build innovative pathways for children, families, and communities. In this weekly podcast, in our Facebook group, in our blog, and in our membership program, you will will gain systems, strategies, stories, and soul work you need to design personalized learning, understand how education is changing for the better, start or scale a micro-school, lead with confidence, make a change for your family, and create an education model that actually works for today's world; because you aren't just dreaming of something different - you are building it. This is a place where we reinvision what school can be, reimagine how children learn, and rebuild the systems that were never designed to meet the needs of our future and current generation. With ReDream Education, we share insights, strategies, stories, and tools to teach our children better, transform learning at home, support innovative education models, and invest financially or personally in the future of students everywhere. Because you aren't just dreaming about a better education, you are part of the movement to create. This is where the future begins.

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