Advertise on podcast: EdChoice Chats

In this episode of EdChoice Chats, host Mike McShane talks with John Kristof and Robert Enlow about the challenges to Arizona's Universal ESA program and the charges of unallowable expenses. There's a lot going on and the team unpacks it all.

In this episode of Cool Schools with Mike McShane, Mike is joined by Alyssa Tormala, Head of School at Laurel Springs School. Alyssa shares the history, model, and unique features of their fully online K-12 program, including how they support diverse student needs, teacher roles, accreditation, and advice for parents considering online education.

In this episode of Sunday School Choice, Nathan Sanders talks with Dalena Wallace, co-founder of HERO (Heartland Education Reformation Organization), to talk about how one family's homeschooling journey grew into a movement helping churches, educators, and parents create new learning opportunities for children. Dalena shares why she believes churches are uniquely positioned to serve families through education, how microschools and learning communities can start with just a handful of families, and why keeping things simple often leads to the biggest impact.

On this episode of Cool Schools with Mike McShane we talk with John Bailey, a strategic advisor and investor with a rich background in AI, technology, and education. The discussion centers around the evolving role of AI in education, exploring both its potential benefits and challenges. John shares insights into how AI can be used to enhance educational experiences, streamline school operations, and support teachers and students. The conversation also touches on the importance of maintaining a balance between leveraging AI and preserving human judgment in educational settings.

In this episode of Sunday School Choice, host Nathan Sanders interviews Trevin Wax, VP for Research and Resource Development at the North American Mission Board and co-author of The Education Reformation. They discuss the importance of Christian education, the role of churches in starting schools, and practical steps for pastors and churches to engage in Christian education and the cultural significance of these efforts.

In this episode of the State of Choice podcast, host Ed Tarnowski interviews Adam Mangana, CEO and a founder of Optima, about innovative educational technologies, including spatial computing, AI, and the impact on personalized learning. They explore how these advancements are transforming the future of education, especially for special needs students.

In this episode of Sunday School Choice, host Nathan Sanders interviews Josh Bowar about the impact of the Iowa Students First Act, the growth of Christian schools through education savings accounts, and innovative models in faith-based education. They discuss barriers to private education, accountability, and future visions for education in Iowa and nationwide. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Faith-Based Education 02:43 Josh Bowar's Journey in Christian Education 05:22 The Impact of the Iowa Students First Act 07:59 Innovative Models in Private Education 10:40 Accountability in Education Choices 13:22 Future of Education in Iowa and Beyond 16:07 Encouragement for Aspiring School Founders

On this episode of Cool Schools with Mike McShane we talk with Rabbi Yossi Bassman, Director at Bader Hillel High School in Glendale, Wisconsin, about blending college prep with rigorous Judaic studies, how the school maintains its mission, navigates accreditation, and plans for future growth while fostering a strong community and educational excellence.

In this episode of Sunday School Choice, host Nathan Sanders interviews Pastor Joshua Robertson from Black Pastors United for Education. Pastor Josh shares how churches can turn empty rooms into powerful educational hubs. He believes that the church plays a crucial role in shaping the next generation by providing customized, non-traditional educational opportunities that meet the unique needs of each child.

In this episode of the State of Choice podcast, host Ed Tarnowski is joined by Katherine Munal Schulze, Cooper Conway, Aaron Gillham, and Nathan Sanders to discuss the current state of school choice programs across the U.S., focusing on recent developments, challenges, and opportunities for expansion.

On this episode of Cool Schools with Mike McShane we talk with Robert Wright, principal of the Basilica School of St. Mary's Star of the Sea in Key West, Florida, about what makes his school unique and the benefits and challenges of having a school on an island with challenges related to housing and cost of living and inflation. We also talk about how they source their teachers, how you innovate an 160 year old school, and so much more!

On this edition of EdChoice Chats, Brian Ledtke is joined by three special guests; Colleen Hroncich, a policy analyst at the Cato Institute's Center for Educational Freedom, Lauren May, director of advocacy at Step Up for Students, and Kimberlee Tucker, owner of the Homeschool Hive. This conversation explores the vital role of parent support in creating student success, particularly through school choice and homeschooling. We share our personal journeys into education, emphasizing the importance of parental involvement and the various educational options available. We discuss the flexibility of homeschooling, the resources available for families, and the impact of community support.

In this episode of EdChoice Chats, Brian Ledtke talks with Madison Marino Doan, a Policy Analyst in the Center for Education Policy at The Heritage Foundation, and Jonathan Butcher, the Acting Director of the Center for Education Policy and Will Skillman Senior Research Fellow in Education Policy at The Heritage Foundation. They discuss the critical importance of civics education in America as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary and explore the current state of civics education, the need for reform, and the role of parents in advocating for better educational standards.

On this episode of EdChoice Chats, Brian Ledtke talks with John Schilling, president and founder of 2020 Strategies and former president of American Federation for Children, and Lauren May, director of advocacy at Step Up for Students, about the Education Choice for Children Act. They explore the implications of the federal scholarship tax credit, its impact on public schools, and the importance of state participation. The discussion emphasizes the empowerment of parents in choosing educational options for their children and addresses common misconceptions surrounding the bill.

On this edition of EdChoice Chats, host Brian Ledtke talks with Jennifer Wolverton, founder and CEO of Microcollective for AI, Robotics and the Sciences, about her journey in education, the founding of MARS Microschool, and the integration of AI and robotics in learning. Wolverton emphasizes the importance of adapting education to include AI literacy and ethics, while also addressing concerns about screen time and the need for innovative teaching methods. The discussion highlights the potential of micro schools to adapt quickly to technological changes and the exciting future of learning with robotics and AI.