The guiding principle of Education Evolution has been to light passion among educational leaders and to spark them into action. Over the last few years, I believe we’ve done just that. And while the work isn’t over yet, the time has come to put a pause on the podcast.   As an advocate for lifelong learning, this week on the podcast I’m sharing what that looks like for me right now. I’ve been working hard to decode what I’ve learned in acts one and two of life and how I can take those learnings and make act three the best it can be.   Listen in as I share the journey that’s happened d ..read more

Reading is simple, right? Not for everyone, and it’s especially challenging for those who don’t have access to all the tools and resources they need to be successful.   This week we hear from Marnie Ginsburg, founder of Reading Simplified, who has dedicated her career to improving reading proficiency in students. She discusses the critical need to disseminate research-backed strategies to teachers, bridging the gap between what we know and what happens in the classroom.   During our conversation, we explore the scientific foundations of reading, the role of phonemes, decoding, and ph ..read more

We all want what’s best for our learners, but oftentimes biases get in the way of having productive conversations about what learning should look like in the classroom. Instead, we need to have evidence- and research-based conversations that support what truly works for our children.   This week on the podcast, I’m talking with Darleen Opfer of RAND, a nonprofit organization that’s committed to low income and minority students. Darleen started as a special education teacher but quickly saw a need for changes in schools and went on a mission to impact education policy for the better.   ..read more

We know that students’ basic needs need to be met in order for them to learn and grow. Safety is at the core of this, especially as they discuss ideas in the classroom. And with this safety comes community, connection, meaning, and purpose, some of the most important elements of a school setting, according to this week’s podcast guest.   Michael Strong is founder of The Socratic Experience, a virtual school for students in third through twelfth grades, and he’s designed schools for students from Alaska to Chicago and beyond. In our conversation, Michael and I talk about why student choice ..read more

It’s time for schools and universities to serve all learners, especially in an equitable and accessible environment.   National Louis University, under the visionary leadership of Dr. Nivine Megahed, is reshaping education and lives to meet this ever-present need. Their commitment to equity, employability, and social transformation stands as a beacon in the evolving educational landscape.   NLU's focus extends beyond degrees, emphasizing continuous learning, skills, and economic stability. By addressing challenges faced by marginalized students, NLU exemplifies a commitment to inclus ..read more

Think about the tremendous growth and learning that happens during the first five years of a child's life. These years are a foundation for future success, yet there's often a gap in resources and support.   Thankfully, in a world where government funding for early childhood education often falls short, there are still many out there advocating for comprehensive educational support.    This week on the podcast, I’m talking with Danielle Jordan, a 20-year educational leader who supports youth in the Chicago area. We discuss the challenge of expanding universal pre-K programs to i ..read more

The possibilities are endless in education as technology offers new opportunities every year. But are we using that technology to support teachers, who can then support their students?   This week on the podcast, I’m talking with Jennie Magiera, global head of Education Impact at Google. She’s also a bestselling author and former teacher and school administrator. She found her way to education after a transformative school year as a young girl and that’s helped her throughout her career as she tries to create that same experience for other students.   Jennie and I talk about her visi ..read more

Too many parents think they don’t have power and choice in their children’s education, but this week’s podcast guest proves otherwise. During COVID, Tyson Junkers saw his children thrive because they were learning at home in a project-based learning environment that Tyson himself developed. And as schools went back to in-person, his son was entering kindergarten. They visited a number of traditional schools and saw the discomfort in his children’s eyes.   After searching for a solution and a lot of discussion, Tyson and his family moved and opened an Acton Academy in West Palm Beach, Flor ..read more

Though the tide is slowly turning, not enough schools are offering financial literacy education to students, and I don’t know of any states that require it for graduation. Some states may not feel like there’s room or resources to teach this vital skill to students, but creative teachers and schools can find a way.   This week on the podcast, I’m talking with Brian Curcio, co-founder of the financial literacy tool Rapunzl. It was founded to provide education about investing through fun and free investment competitions with scholarships and cash prizes. And because of the way it was built ..read more

Homeschooling often gets a bad rap because of myths that parents believe about it. Contrary to popular belief, homeschooled kids have numerous opportunities to socialize or participate in group activities. And what many families experienced while their kids attended remote school during the pandemic is not an indication of what homeschooling looks like.   This week on the podcast, Mandy Davis, a former school administrator, shares what homeschooling looks like in her home. She shares her insights and experiences in creating a nurturing and empowering learning environment for her children ..read more