When students speak, the education world must stop and listen. Welcome to the “Students Speak” series on Future of School: The Podcast, presented in partnership with National School Choice Week. Sahil Pontula, a Physics major at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), is today’s guest. Sahil speaks with Amy Valentine, Future of School’s CEO and Education Evangelist. Sahil first experienced online learning in middle school. He attended a traditional public school, but became interested in Latin, a class that wasn’t offered in his school, after visiting some archaeological ruins with hi ..read more

When students speak, the education world must stop and listen. Welcome to the “Students Speak” series on Future of School: The Podcast, presented in partnership with National School Choice Week. Jazy Manoukian, a second-year student at Patrick Henry College in Virginia, is today’s guest. She speaks with Amy Valentine, Future of School’s CEO and Education Evangelist. From K-12, Jazy attended a small Christian school, and in fact graduated in a class of only three students. The school provided flexible options for all learners that present an effective illustration of choice in the classroom. Am ..read more

If you could share One Big Idea to change the future of education, what would it be? In the 14th episode of Future of School’s One Big Idea series, our guest is Carolyn Gill, International and New Markets Specialist for Vista Higher Learning. Vista is a foreign language publisher and digital content provider, and Carolyn has a background in languages with a specialization in foreign language teaching. Carolyn shares her big idea for a national program for all students to spend 6-9 months abroad after high school graduation. During this time, students would participate in service work, be immer ..read more

If you could share One Big Idea to change the future of education, what would it be? In the 13th episode of Future of School’s One Big Idea series, our guest is Haley Casten, a rising senior at Castle View High School in Castle Rock, Colorado. Haley shares her big idea of eliminating the SAT and other high-stakes college admissions exams, or at least reducing their importance to the admissions process. She explains how for many students, like herself, who are good students but have anxiety around test-taking, they may not perform on the test in a way that demonstrates their actual ability. Fro ..read more

If you could share One Big Idea to change the future of education, what would it be? In the 12th episode of Future of School’s One Big Idea series, our guest is Dr. Terry Farris, Chief Academic Officer at American Heritage College. Dr. Farris shares his big idea of individualized education plans (IEPs) for all students. Especially after the pandemic, we’re seeing more and more that kids (and adults) have different interests, and they deserve the opportunity to explore those interests productively. This also involves prioritizing critical thinking instead of over-testing, to keep students engag ..read more

If you could share One Big Idea to change the future of education, what would it be? In the 11th episode of Future of School’s One Big Idea series, our guest is Nicole Biscotti, a proud educator who believes that everyone should have access to a quality education that connects them with their purpose.  She seeks to bridge understanding, spark conversations, and inspire through her writing. Nicole wrote her book, I Can Learn When I'm Moving: Going to School with ADHD, with her 9 year old son about ADHD from the unique perspectives of a child and a mother who is also a teacher. Nicole share ..read more

If you could share One Big Idea to change the future of education, what would it be? In the 10th episode of Future of School’s One Big Idea series, our guest is Kyair Butts, a sixth grade teacher from Baltimore City Public Schools in Maryland. Kyair was Teacher of the Year in 2019 and 2020 largely because of his passion for adopting technology in his classes, his stellar mentorship of his students, and the facilitation of great minds and wisdom. Kyair shares his big idea of Small Group Wednesday. This was an idea developed by the BCPS teacher advisory council along with the district’s CEO, and ..read more

If you could share One Big Idea to change the future of education, what would it be? In the ninth episode of Future of School’s One Big Idea series, our guest is Tillie Elvrum, an education advocacy pioneer with experience at the state and national level. With a background in communications, early childhood education, and personal experience as a parent advocate, Tillie specializes in grassroots organizing, parent engagement, school choice policy, and innovative education models. She is co-founder and administrator of Parent Support for Online Learning. Tillie shares her big idea about changin ..read more

If you could share One Big Idea to change the future of education, what would it be? In the eighth episode of Future of School’s One Big Idea series, our guest is Dr. Shaun McAlmont, President of Career Learning Solutions at Stride, Inc. In this role, Dr. McAlmont manages all aspects of Stride's growing career readiness programs including the Destinations Career Academies. He is responsible for providing career readiness and workforce development solutions for students around the country that go beyond jobs traditionally aligned with vocational education to emerging new collar jobs of the futu ..read more

If you could share One Big Idea to change the future of education, what would it be? In the seventh episode of Future of School’s One Big Idea series, our guest is Judy Perez, CEO and Founder of iLearn Collaborative. Judy has been identified as a national level expert in K-12 online and blended learning by the U.S. Department of Education. Prior to founding the iLearn Collaborative, she directed district-wide blended learning at Jeffco Public Schools and led their online school from turnaround status to Performance accreditation. Judy shares her big idea of empowering students by giving them a ..read more